Doris bangs through the door, distracting me from my musing, and nearly knocks me off the step as she barges into me. Instinctively, she lays her head on my lap, as if she senses I’m upset, and I use my thumb to rub her grey velvety fur while she whirrs away with contentment, closing her eyes and humming relaxing under my touch.
“There you are. Why are you sitting out here?” Hazel asks.
My bottom lip quivers as I look at her with worried eyes. She sits down next to me, and I place my hand on her knee—she understands me.
“Look, you’re only five minutes down the road. We’ll see each other whenever we want, and nothing will change. Not really. I’m so proud of you, Lexi, and you have my blessing. If I thought this move wasn’t good for you, I would tell you, but I think it will be the making of you. Truly,” she assures me.
“I’m scared.”
Hazel reaches for me, pulling me into her side, comforting me by stroking my hair. “Well, of course you’re scared. You wouldn’t be human if you weren’t. Lucca is your first relationship, and lucky for you it’s full with nothing but love and conviction, so you just need to embrace it and go with the flow. It’s understandable you have doubts, but, Lex, you are in a very fortunate position. You get to start all over.”
Does this mean if I start over, I’m disregarding what I have here? What I’ve worked hard at achieving since moving away from Mum and my grandparents? I have independence and a simple, orderly life. Does it mean I’ll be disrespecting Eleanor’s memory by moving on?
I look up at her and move my head in a small side-to-side shake as I bite my inside lip and grasp the hem of my skirt.
Hazel presses her lips together, swallowing back a lump in her throat, her eyes pooling with moisture. “Oh, Lexi, don’t. Please, don’t … it will all work out fine. You will be five minutes away, and Lucca will take good care of you. If he doesn’t, then Dominic and Cameron will have his balls.” Her voice is breaking, and she’s trying not to cry herself by supporting and convincing me.
I wrap my arms around her neck, burying my head in her blonde locks. I miss her already. I miss our DBBs in bed, our coffee nights and wine nights, our barbecues and morning runs, coming home from work and watching chick flicks. I even miss her moaning about what’s healthy to eat and what’s not, and I’m not even away yet.
Cameron walks out of the kitchen with three shot glasses in his palm, joining us on the step. “Slippery nipples. Bottoms up, girls.”
“Lang May Yer Lum Reek Rum,” the three of us chant in unison, clinking shot tumblers before we slam back the Bailey’s with Sambuca. Feeling the warm, strong, creamy liquor burn my throat, I set my shot glass down on the ground, putting my hands over my face and crunching forward into my knees. Nostalgia is making me terribly emotional.
Cameron stretches his arm around my shoulder. “It could be worse. You could be moving to Tuscany. At least you’re here, and I promise nothing will change. We’ll see you all the time.”
My feet feel ice cold on the stone ground, even though it’s late June and supposed to be summer. I shiver as I hop side to side on the cold stone slabs.
Hazel comforts me, hugging me fondly as Doris does her affectionate animated dance, pawing at my knee. Lucca and Dominic join us, and he stands behind me and places a hand on my shoulder. He senses I’m fretting; he just knows.
“Doc, if you want to stay here another night we can move you out tomorrow. It is no hassle. However long you need.”
Turning, I look up at him with sad eyes. “No, it’s okay. I want to go to yours tonight. I’m just processing, that’s all.”
Lucca is trying hard, and I feel guilty for being miserable. I lift my feet up and stretch my legs across Cameron’s knees, and then Cameron wraps his arms around me. I tilt my head leaning it on Cameron’s shoulder, wondering if we will still comfort each other like this now I have Lucca to care for me.
Hazel jumps up. “Well, I’d like to celebrate. For one, I can leave as much mess as I like without being hounded, and for two, no more dog shit on the back lawn, and for three, lots of bathroom solo time. Oh, and when Cameron’s at work, Dom and I can make as much noise as we like in the bedroom.”
Dominic laughs at her forward confession. “And that is my future wife,” he says with cheeky sarcasm, stretching his hands towards her. Dominic is good for Hazel; he will only pull her in if it’s totally necessary but gives her a lot of free rein, which is more than I can do sometimes.
“Lucky you,” Cameron mutters under his breath.
“Hey, I heard that, Cammy, and need I remind you that I’ve been turning a blind eye so far with the whole Anna situation, you are the lucky one,” she blurts.
After some friendly banter and reminiscing about our garden barbecue days, Cameron lifts my legs off his knees and stands up then takes my hand to yank me upright. “Come on. We should get moving.” Before I lock the back door I have a final glance at the gnomes Eleanor and Mr. Carlin helped me pick out.
Leaving the front door open, the boys head out front. Cameron puts Doris and her bed in the back of his jeep, and a few more boxes on the back seat. After saying goodbye to Hazel and Dominic, I lift my bag and walk outside slowly. My mouth drops when I see Lucca standing in front of his car. Another Aston Martin by the look of it, but it’s a completely different model in a shiny black gloss. Rolling my eyes, but not surprised at all, I press the key fob for my little Ford Focus but realise I shouldn’t drive yet with my fractured wrist. The rotational movements could be problematic still.
Damn.
I give Hazel my car keys.
“Nice wheels, Lucca,” Dominic says.
Lucca nods his head smoothly and then opens the door for me to get in. I notice his registration plate is CAR US04. I remember him telling me that his dad Antonio bought Marissa CAR US01 as a wedding present. Antonio has number 02, Lucca’s brother, Savio, has 03, his other brother, Armando, has 05, and Anna has 06.
I wave to Hazel and Dominic before getting in.
“You okay, Doc? I am worried about you,” Lucca asks.
“Yes, I’m fine. It just feels as if a chapter is closing on me if that makes sense. I’m not all that good with change. It might take me some time to adapt.” I lower my voice with embarrassment, but I promised him honesty.
“It is a big thing. A lot has happened for us in the last few weeks. You are doing so well and have made great progress; you should be very proud of yourself. Try to embrace it and live for today. I promise to be patient, and I will give you as much space as you need. Although I am looking forward to spending all my time with you. I want to make you really happy. You are my life now, so I will love you endlessly. Make you feel alive, just like I promised.” He places his hand on my neck pulling me towards him and circles my nose with his before kissing it then my lips.
I know he will.
Leaving me breathless, he pulls away to look at me with that very promise in his eyes. Love. The promise of love.
“You’re right, I’m just being idiotic. Please don’t think I don’t want this, because I do. I want to live with you very much. It’s just such a big step for me.”
“Please do not call yourself idiotic. You are anything but,” he firmly says.
We drive up the tasteful, vintage, tree lined street of historic red sandstone houses. Cameron has pulled over to allow Lucca in front. Arriving at the private gate, he punches in a code opening the gates to allow us access. I roll my eyes. Of course I knew his property sat at the end of the street, and I’ve heard it’s spectacular, but being this close and now entering through the private gates feels somewhat surreal and intimidating.
“What model is your car?” I ask, changing the subject.
“It is an Aston Martin V-12 Vanquish, do you like it?” I remember he also drove an Aston Martin in Tuscany; he obviously favours them.
“Yes, it’s great. Very flash. When I’m cleared for driving again which I think will be soon actually, I’ll need to get my car back. I need it for work.”
“I think I will get you a new one.”
“You’re not buying me a car. My car is just fine, thank you. I love my little fokey. It does me just fine,” I say assertively, straightening in my seat, shocked he would even suggest that I need a new car.
He laughs. “You would be safer driving a golf buggy than that toy car. I intend to get you two cars. Something suitable for Doris, and something sleek just for you.”
Hmmm.
We’ll see about that!
My mouth drops in awe as we approach the gigantic house. Oh my goodness. It looks like a castle—a fortress—and absolutely stunning. I had no idea that this is all behind those gates. Lucca told me that it’s a category B listed building dating back to 1802 and that he has spent years carefully restoring and renovating it. I knew his house would be impressive, but I’m astonished as I didn’t expect this.
The house is made of traditional red sandstone and stretches over three levels with a separate coach house at the side of the building. There is a large, landscaped circle with a beautiful fountain in front of his home and several parking bays.
The cobbled driveway leading to the house is bordered by gravel at both sides with lush green trees and a large, vivid green lawn on either side. The trees and hedges start along the wall at the front gate’s edge and continue around the perimeter of the property. Ivy climbs along the tall red sandstone walls and towering trees make it very private indeed.
“Wow, you live in a mansion,” I say, looking out the window in awe.
“We live in a mansion,” he corrects.
“Who lives in the coach house?” I ask, a little awed by the scale of everything.
“My housekeeper and gardener, Rose and Peter Smith. They are very loyal and good people. There is a granny flat out the back as well for any family or friends who stay over, and an extension onto the back of the main house. Anna’s known to show up from time to time to take advantage of my pool, so feel free to warn her off if she pesters you.”
Lucca effortlessly swivels the car around the circular fountain centrepiece and swiftly brakes in front of the main entrance. My stomach twinges with nerves and anticipation as Cameron pulls up behind him. Lucca gets out, opens the car door for me, and takes my hand. He presses a code on a panel near the front door allowing the main entrance gates to close behind us.
Cameron opens the jeep trunk, and Doris catapults out the back and bolts off exploring. I giggle watching her but nearly jump out of my skin when I hear a smash. She’s gone and knocked over a huge stone plant urn near the front door.
“Lucca, I’m so sorry. I think she’s a little excited.”
Laughing, Lucca adds, “It is only a pot, so do not fret, but we are going to have to get her to obedience classes.” I release his hand to go and pick up the shattered stone. “What are you doing? Leave it. Peter will get it.”
He drags me back to his side while Cameron shakes his head in amusement. “Told you, mate, the mutt is a fucking liability. That dog is going to wreck this place.” Lucca nods his head and rolls his eyes in agreement with Cameron.
A tall, sandy-haired man wearing a cable knit red sweater and brown cord trousers walks out of the house. Walking over to Lucca, he shakes his hand, then holds both his hands for a moment before patting his shoulders. “Well, young man, you going to introduce me to your beautiful new lady?”
Blushing, I stay close to Lucca’s side.
“Peter, I would like you to meet my beautiful fiancée, Lexi Robertson. She is the lady of the house now. If I am not here, please make sure she has anything she needs.”
What’s with the lady?
“Yes, Lucca, absolutely. It’s a pleasure to meet you finally, Miss Robertson. I hope you will be very comfortable. If there is anything at all, please just ask me or my wife Rose.” He shakes my hand, wrapping his other over the top and clasping it in a formal but warm gesture.
“Thank you, Peter. It’s lovely to meet you,” I say shyly.
Doris comes galloping around like a bloody racehorse and bangs right into the back of my legs, causing me to buckle over and stumble. She’s attracting attention with her hyperactivity.
Bloody nuisance.
Peter grabs my arms and lifts me upright while Lucca shakes his head as he holds my other arm.
“Eh … thank you.”
“Hmmm, this grey ghost belong to you?” Peter asks, already knowing the answer.
“Yes, she’s just a little excitable and … well, hyperactive sometimes,” I confess.
“Well, young lady, we will need to do something about this,” he adds. Cameron is looking as if he’s fit to burst and clearly loving watching me quiver under Peter’s shrewd words because he knows how spoiled Doris is and this will be a challenge.
“What have you got in mind, Peter?” Lucca asks with optimism, grinning at him. I tighten my fingers around his hand. Nothing will be happening to my dog. She’s a pet and fine the way she is, a little unruly but very loveable.
“Obedience training starts tomorrow. Excellent pedigree I must say, and by the looks, a very good breed. Very loyal dogs and unbelievably clever, but you’re cutting it fine. They need to be treated firmly from the start, and it looks as if you have a playmate. Not that I’m saying they aren’t great companions, but, Miss Robertson, this dog needs dominance, force at times, and a strong leader. I’m guessing she’s not that old,” he says, studying Doris, rubbing his hand along his chin.
I shrug my shoulders, wrinkling my nose and scowling slightly, grateful he’s willing to help but not with his choice of words. It’s not that I feel threatened by Peter because he’s merely referring to my dog and Lucca trusts him explicitly.
Force.
Dominance.
Strong.
“I suppose she needs a little training,” I mutter feeling a familiar ache in my chest.
Sensing my uneasiness, Lucca rubs his fingers over my knuckles and it slightly calms me, his small gesture sending pulsing beats straight to my core.
“A little? You think?” Cameron adds sarcastically. He gets a mighty scowl for that cheeky comment.
Doris is jumping around looking for attention from Peter, so he pats her back then places the palm of his hand on her head. She sits, tilting her head to the side. I’m amazed.