He smiled past me at Marcus. “My name is Albert Sherwood. Here’s my card—check in with me every few weeks for new merchandise if you like. Anyway, enough of my chatter. Come back and see me, I’ll give you a fair price on anything you like.”
“Thank you, Albert, I appreciate it.” I tucked his card into my wallet.
While Albert meticulously finished wrapping my purchase, we chatted about his own love of art and travel. Such a lovely man, I’ll be back to see him for sure.
“You don’t think the painting is enchanted, do you?” Marcus said later that night as we finished packing.
“Doubt it. What would be the chances of that happening again?”
“Look at the handful of paintings Mrs. Ashton has collected.”
“True, but she got them over many years from different places. What are the chances of finding one in the same antique shop?”
I listened hard once Marcus fell asleep—thinking, hoping the new painting was indeed enchanted. Unfortunately, it remained as silent as the night. For some reason, I was relieved.
We arrived in Rome to a whirlwind of wedding planning in full swing. Right off, Catina put us to work scouting for the perfect wedding dress, an elaborate hairstyle and of course, reserving a day at the bathhouse for the wedding day ritual. As much as I wanted to duck out of the bathhouse tradition, I knew Catina would be crushed.
“Catina, calm down,” I said as she fussed with fabric and ornate hair clips too anxious to sit still. “What happened to wanting a simple wedding like the one Marcus and I had?”
Catina had transformed from sweet and agreeable to frantic and crazy. Heaven help us, she’s turned into Bridezilla!
“I never said simple. I said quick,” she retorted.
“Right. Why don’t you assign me a few things from your list and I promise to make sure it gets done.”
Catina burst into tears.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. Honey…please, stop crying.”
“I’m sorry, Lexi. I just want everything to be perfect. I had no idea this could be so stressful. Everyone has so many opinions about what the day should be, and no one is asking what I want.” I wrapped my arms around her small frame. “And nothing is falling into place. I can’t even find the right hairstyle for the most important day in my life.”
“Please let me help you. Tell me what’s important to you and I’ll make sure it happens exactly as you want. Period. I promise.”
“Why weren’t you stressed during the planning of your wedding? How were you able to relinquish all control to Juliana and I?”
“Honestly, the details didn’t matter to me. All I cared about was marrying Marcus. Everything else was just…accessory—nice to have, but not a must-have.” I sighed dreamily, reminiscing about my wedding day to Marcus. It seemed so long ago even though it hadn’t been more than a month. “You need to let go a little. What if we go look at fabric for your wedding dress and veil?”
I stood up, pulling her with me. She wiped her face with her sleeve and followed me out of her bedroom. To our astonishment, Atia and Juliana were standing in the hallway, somber and unsure what to say or do.
“Catina, darling, I’m sorry I didn’t realize all this was causing you such distress. From now on, I won’t voice my opinion unless you ask.” Atia crossed the room and took Catina into her arms. “No more tears. This is a happy time for my only beautiful daughter.” Atia stroked Catina’s hair in such a loving way, I felt a tug in my heart for my own wonderful mom.
“That goes for me too,” chimed Juliana. “We love you Catina and we’re thrilled you and Antonio have found each other.” Juliana leaned in and kissed the top of Catina’s head still cradled in her mother’s arms.
The crying must have been the release Catina needed because the rest of the afternoon was wonderful, sharing jokes and generally acting relaxed.
She actually assigned the majority of the wedding planning to her mom and Juliana, telling them graciously that she trusted their judgment. There was hope for her after all.
The day finally arrived for me to escort my friend to the bathhouse for the traditional bridal bath, grooming and bonding that the women of ancient Rome loved so much. The same group of women, who waited for my arrival on my wedding day, were now waiting for Catina, already submerged in the warm, inviting pool with wine in-hand ready to celebrate.
Thankfully, my modesty took a back seat today. Waxed, oiled and massaged, we were all glistering with perfumed oil that was rubbed into our skin, not a spot overlooked. Despite the stark naked bit, I did enjoy myself. Admittedly, the wine played a wonderful supporting role.
A toast to wine and its amazing attributes!
Catina settled on a simple style for her hair. She was a completely different person from the day of her meltdown. Opting for simple and elegant, her dark glossy hair was pulled and twisted up on each side then fastened with gem-encrusted clips to hold the soft tresses high on her head. The veil was meant to attach to the clips during the ceremony and taken off again during the party. She agreed to soft makeup and a long white silk tunic that flared whimsically around her dainty ankles. After she gave herself an approving smile in the mirror, she nodded for the hairdresser to attach the orange veil that signified her wedding day.
Juliana carried her stola, as she did mine, for the post nuptials, which she selected in a deep orange hue that complemented her light olive complexion. She’s never looked more beautiful and radiant and I couldn’t help but tear up at the sight of her.
Regardless of the century, country or religious background, at the end of the day, we all wanted the same things in life: love, family, respect, loyalty, and to live a life that’s not oppressed by the government’s powers that be. Finding a partner who brings out the best in us is an added bonus.
Antonio shared his heart’s desires through words…beautiful words for Catina which delighted her beyond expression. He also had a knack for remembering her favorite things and often stopped by the marketplace to pick up her favorite sweet meat or flower—whatever she fancied that week.
The ceremony was exquisite—everything Catina fancied, and more. Juliana and Atia went out of their way to stay true to Catina’s wish list of elaborate savory dishes, decadent desserts, sweet meats, endless supply of wine, and a guest list that included all of Rome’s elite society.
I kept catching her exchanging shy smiles and longing looks with Antonio and felt a twinge of sadness at their fruitless attempt to spend a little private time together. I stewed on her behalf and went in search of finding Marcus for some much-needed scheming.
“Uh, help me understand—you want to pretend that we wanted to share a private wedding toast with them so we can sneak out and leave them alone?” he hissed at me. Since when did my insatiable husband follow society’s rule? Had he forgotten our own attempts for alone time?
I leaned in a little closer revealing the low neckline of my light yellow tunic and lace bra that I wore underneath.
“Lexi, you’re going to get us arrested.” He feathered his fingers along my neck exposing my shoulder blades sending shivers down my spine. Maybe while sneaking Catina and Antonio’s alone-time, we could manage a little of our own. “Lexi, I want you so badly,” he whispered in my ear.
“Me too, but first thing’s first. Let’s go get them. I have their wedding present with me. It’s the perfect excuse to get them alone.”
Catina and Antonio followed us obediently up to Antonio’s bedroom at the promise of a private wedding toast. Marcus carried the goblets and wine decanter while I brought their wedding present. We shut the door with relief.
Marcus poured wine. “Here’s to the both of you and welcome to the family, Catina.” Marcus gulped his wine at record speed already turning, intent on a swift exit. I rolled my eyes in playful exasperation. Was he truly uncomfortable with sneaking Catina and Antonio away from their guests or anxious for our own alone time? My money was on the latter.
“Catina and Antonio, we are fully aware of how difficult it is to sit through an entire day and evening of wedding festivities without a moment to yourselves. So we wanted to give you some alone time. We’ll cover for you and make sure you’re not interrupted. Also, we do have a legitimate reason for sneaking you away. We have a wedding present for you.”
I handed Catina the painting praying she would love it. Marcus remained at the door ready to bolt.
Impatient man. God how I loved him.
Catina tearfully unwrapped the package and held it so Antonio could see it.
“This reminded me a little of Pompeii,” I said, suddenly unsure about the gift.
“Lexi bought this painting during her travels abroad before she came to Pompeii.” Marcus saved me from spewing more lies about the painting.
“It’s a city by the name of Nablus. It’s in the Mediterranean,” I added. “We could talk about the painting later, but for now, we’re leaving the two of you alone.” I winked at Catina as Marcus practically yanked me out of the room.
As we hurried toward the stairs, he tugged me against his chest. We were on the first step of the staircase, but tucked behind the wall away from prying eyes.
“I would be glad to show you my gratitude later. Right now we have to cover for Antonio and Catina. We can’t disappear too.” I leaned into him knowing how badly this could turn out if someone came up the stairs.
Of course, there was no convincing him. Not one bit. He kissed my mouth so thoroughly I had no choice but to hold onto him for support since my knees had buckled.
“Marcus, how about I tell you all the naughty things I will do to you later…” Who was I kidding? I didn’t have an ounce of willpower around Marcus and rationalizing with him only delayed the inevitable—a very fun and naughty inevitable.
Plan B, we needed to be careful and quick. Quick so we could come back to our guard post. He crushed his mouth to mine and I reciprocated passionately. He ran his large hands along my sides, lingering at my waist before lifting me so my legs wrapped around his trim waist. He pressed me against the wall. We needed to find another place, preferably, a much more private room.
“Lexi. I thought we already established that we’re not waiting ‘till the end of this party. Have you seen how many guests are here? We’ll be here ‘till noon tomorrow.” He kissed the sensitive spot by my collarbone. With my resolve officially gone, I nodded. You can’t argue with logic.
“I didn’t mean we should stop, just that we needed a more private spot, like your bedroom, but we have to be quick.”
The words had barely escaped my lips when Marcus was running toward his bedroom with my legs still wrapped around his waist. I giggled at what we must look like to someone watching us. Crazed, horny, and completely inappropriate. Damn. Damn. We were a lousy cover for poor Antonio and Catina.
The next evening we sat on chaise lounges in the atrium drinking wine and reminiscing about the wedding. Antonio and Catina walked through the parlor and into the atrium.
“We didn’t expect to see either of you anytime soon,” Maximus teased his shy middle son affectionately.
Antonio looked relaxed and confident this afternoon. Amazing what a little sexual release will do. He led Catina to the empty cushion next to me while he walked to the table to pour them wine.
I hugged Catina and we began our own whispered catch-up while everyone got involved in their own conversations.
“The painting is beautiful. Thank you for thinking of me and for sneaking it in.”
“I’m glad you like it. I saw it and couldn’t help but think of you. It’s from the same store I purchased the painting that led me to you so many months ago.”
“Lexi, I’m so touched. Does that mean it could be enchanted?”
“I don’t know. It didn’t reveal itself to either of us. Maybe it will for you,” I said.
“Tell me more about Nablus,” she said, her wine glass nestled in her hand.
“Nablus is an old city in the Middle East. The residents are Arabs. The town is mountainous, ancient and full of history. One of the most fascinating things about it is the underground tunnel system secretly zigzagging under the city linking homes and businesses. It’s believed that the tunnels were built so the residents could visit each other during time of war. Almost every home is connected to another, or so it’s believed. The large building in the center of the portrait with the blue dome is mosque an-Nasr. Its where the Muslim people go to pray so I’m assuming the person who painted it is either Muslim or had an interest in Muslim architecture.”
“Have you ever been there, Lexi?”
“No, but always wanted to go. You know me and my obsession with old cities, especially ones with a rich history.” I smiled at her.
“How do you know so much?”
“The store owner told me a fair amount about it while he was wrapping the painting, and when I got home, I did a little research.”
“So the city still stands today in modern day?”
“I will tell you more about it later. I thought you’d want to know more so I brought a few things for you to look at.”
“Yes, please. It sounds fascinating. Thanks again for giving it to me, Lexi. I can’t wait to hang it in our new house once we find one we love. In our state of delirium yesterday, we left it here in Antonio’s old bedroom.”
We turned our attention to the animated discussion going on between Marcus and Gus about a gladiator game coming up in a few weeks. Marcus felt strongly about one of the gladiators based on previous fights while Gus felt the opposite based on the new gladiator’s training. It was silly and inconsequential, but we laughed at their banter and playful verbal jabs at each other.
I laughed at the look of disinterest on Augustina’s face and let my mind drift away again, this time to the girls’ school. I made a mental checklist of the things I wanted to accomplish this coming week now that everyone was settling back into a regular routine. Maybe the stars would align once again for us by having the city rally in support of the idea.
Another challenge would be winning over the low-income members of the community, since they weren’t very keen on education in the first place, never mind educating their females. One step at a time…one family at a time.