Lessons Learned, Healing Hearts

So Many Relationships (Chapter 32)

Coming back into town with Francesco, Marlow and Piero explored more of Camogli before heading back to the beach for a bonfire with friends.

Gathered in a loose circle, some sitting, some standing, laughter and chatter flowed easily among the group. Though everyone spoke English, the more they drank, the more their conversations naturally shifted into Italian. As the sun dipped toward the horizon, Marlow gradually realized she was no longer following along. Leaning in, she whispered in Piero's ear and quietly excused herself, slipping away to reflect on her day alone.

Sitting down and digging her toes into the cooled sand, she smiled when they found a patch that still held the warmth of the day. Unaware of the person approaching from behind, Marlow jumped when a woman's voice broke into her thoughts.

"Are you having a good visit?" The tone was polite, but too practiced.

Marlow wiped the sand from her hands, her gaze following up the long legs of a slim, dark blond-haired woman. Offering a polite smile, she answered, "Yes."

"That's good." The woman sat down beside her, her posture stiff rather than relaxed. Extending her hand, she introduced herself. "I'm sorry. You don't even know who I am. My name's Giulia."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Marlow."

"Oh, I know who you are." The words dropped with an edge of coldness that made Marlow's pulse stutter for a moment.

"How do you know about me?" she asked, careful but curious.

Giulia's lips twitched, but her eyes stayed cool. "I make it my business to know who's around—especially when they're getting close to people I care about."

Marlow's brow creased. Something about this woman felt... off, but she couldn't quite place it. "I'm sure you don't know everything," she said, her defences rising.

Giulia's smile widened. "You might be surprised."

Marlow's muscles tensed. She recognized it now. Giulia was baiting her. This wasn't a conversation. It was a power play.

"Do you have something to say? If not, I'd appreciate it if you left."

Giulia chuckled, the sound dismissive, like she found Marlow's attempt at setting boundaries amusing. "You Canadians are so polite." She paused, then tilted her head.

"Before I go, answer this: how well do you know Piero? Do you trust him?"

She had anticipated curiosity from Piero's circle of friends and family—but not an ambush.

"I think I know him well enough. And yes, I trust him," she answered, her words firm, though the tightness in her chest betrayed her unease.

Giulia scoffed. "Maybe you need to be asking him better questions. Like... did he tell you I was his girlfriend?"

Marlow fought to keep her expression neutral, but her brow mistakenly twitched, and she bit her bottom lip before she could stop herself.

Giulia caught it. "Judging by that look, he hasn't. Interesting. We were pretty serious, so I'm surprised he didn't mention me."

That did it, and Marlow turned to face her attacker.

"The keyword here is, were! That makes you... The ex!"

Both women locked eyes.

Giulia smiled a slow, leering smile. "Let me explain something about Italian men. They flirt with everyone. It's just a game, and once you're gone, they move on."

"We'll see." Marlow shot back, her voice hardening. "Since I don't know you at all, until Piero proves himself differently, I choose to believe him over you."