Lessons Learned, Healing Hearts

Intimate Moments (Chapter 36)

Waking up at his usual time, Piero smiled upon seeing Marlow still asleep beside him. Brushing her hair away from her shoulder, he paused when she stirred. Turning half onto her stomach, half onto her side, more of her tattoo was revealed to him.

Hovering his finger just above her back, he traced the vine from the dip of her waist to just below her shoulder. Remembering how happy Marlow looked as she spoke about her foster mother's tattoo, he spotted on the name Charlotte on the outside edge of a yellow monarch butterfly's wing. Curious whether any other names were hidden within the design, he leaned in closer. Sure enough, written on two other wings were the names of Arthur and Zoe. Drawn to a rose half hidden by the sheet resting over her hip, a sadness pierced his heart. Written on a petal was a single word 'Mommy.'

Overcome, Piero lowered his eyes and choked down his sorrow. Vowing to never destroy what the people behind the names had nurtured, nestling up against Marlow, he wrapped his arm over her body and gave her a gentle squeeze. Kissing her shoulder, he nuzzled his head against hers. Listening to her sigh in contentment, Piero closed his eyes.

While his body willingly wanted to stay in bed, his mind refused to settle, and his pulse raced. Surely, after last night, she would extend her time with him. If she agreed to stay longer, his first stop would be to introduce this remarkable woman to his family and home country, Sicily. Chuckling, he envisioned his blind Nonno flirting with Marlow, making her blush, and his mother, sister, and Nonna monopolizing her time.

Unable to sleep, he needed to go for a run. Unintentionally disturbing Marlow, a drowsy voice asked, "Where are you going?"

"Go back to sleep, my Love. It is still very early." Pulling the covers up over her, Piero leaned down and kissed her cheek. "I'll be back soon."

Stepping out onto the main deck, Piero inhaled deeply. Docked back at the marina in Camogli, he raised his face to an awakening sky that blazed in glorious shades of colour.

"Buongiorno e buona pesca oggi," he said to a passing fishing boat.

Raising a fishing net, a young boy answered back, "Buongiorno e grazie."

Scanning what appeared to be a still-sleeping village, Piero knew better. Bakery ovens were already fired up, ready to turn white dough balls into gifts from heaven. café s would soon open shutters and put out chairs, enticing customers to come in with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Walking down to the pier, knowing Marlow was sleeping soundly in his bed, this would not be a long run.

***

"Hey," he said, waving to his brother as he slowed his steps and walked back up the gangplank, having completed a 30-minute run.

"Where'd you go?" Franz asked, peering over the edge of the railing.

"I went for a short run. I had some things I needed to think through."

"Is everything still good?" he asked.

Seeing Marlow and Audrey pop their heads over the railing and wave, Piero locked eyes with Marlow and grinned.

"It's great!"

***

Stepping into the shower, Piero no longer dreaded the thought that his love might leave soon. Running had given him time to process his wants with what reality might serve. If she couldn't stay longer, he would just have to put on a brave face and make her departure as easy as he could for her. Confident Audrey and Franz would say yes, he would bring her back to Italy for their wedding in December. Between then and now, he would come to her. Drying himself off, he heard a knock on the door. Throwing his bathrobe on, he poked his head out of the bathroom.

"Entrare."

"Buongiorno," Marlow said, bounding into his room.

"Oh, look at you all pretty in your red dress."

"Thanks, my boyfriend bought it for me." Twirling around, Marlow pulled her shoulder forward and coyly smiled.

"Well, he has good taste."

"That he does," Marlow said, kissing her love. Wiping the corner of his lip with her thumb, Marlow informed Piero of

a change in morning plans. "Nicolo has invited all of us to join his family for a picnic.

"That sounds good."

Turning on his electric razor, Piero stared at himself in the mirror. Smiling at Marlow when she stood beside him, he began to clean up the whiskers on his cheek.

"How do you get such a defined line?" he heard her ask.

"I use this tool." Pushing the blade up, Piero tipped his head to the side and with short movements, he cleaned up his right cheek.

"Do you want to do the left?" he asked, holding out his razor.

"Oh no. I don't want to be responsible if I mess up," Marlow said, pushing his hand away.

"Don't worry, if it's not even, I'll just shave it all off and start fresh. Like I've told you before, by this time tomorrow, it will already be back."

Laughing, Marlow continued to decline his offer.

"Come on."

"No, you do your other cheek, and I'll do your neck," she said to appease him.

Chuckling, Piero finished tidying his beard up. Then, wiping his face with a facecloth, he leaned against the counter, his back to the mirror and said, "I'm all yours."

"You sure about this?"

"Yes, I trust you."

Scoffing, Marlow wet her lips and inhaled deeply. Just breathe, she said to herself.

"Okay. Whatever you do, don't move, don't breathe, don't do anything."

Grinning, Piero raised his chin to the ceiling.

Neither one spoke a word. Glancing down his nose, Piero forced down the urge to chuckle. From her furrowed brow and the pink tip of her tongue, he admired her intense concentration and dedication to doing it right.

"How's it going, Babe?" he asked.

"Shhh, I said don't do anything."

Unable to keep his humour contained, Piero full out chuckled. Then, clearing his throat, when Marlow stepped back and glared at him, he swallowed his laughter and quickly apologized.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry," he said, raising his chin up higher. "Don't stop."

While this might have been a stressful event for Marlow, it was an intimate expression of love for him. Staying quiet, he enjoyed the touch of her fingertips running over his Adam's apple as she checked for stray whiskers.

"I think I'm done," she said proudly, turning Piero's head from side to side.

Checking her work and wiping the facecloth across his neck, Piero nodded his head and grinned.

"Well done."

"Thanks."

Standing in silence, staring at their reflection, Marlow started to laugh.

"What's so funny?" Piero asked.

"I don't know. I'm just happy."

Stealing two quick kisses from her, Piero snickered as she pulled away when he went in for a third.

"Piero... I meant what I said last night. I love you."

"Sei il mio bellissimo angelo e ti amo anch'io," Piero said, beaming. "You are my beautiful angel, and I love you, too. Now, unless you want me to go to breakfast naked, you had best go."

"I'm gone," Marlow said, pushing herself away and walking backwards to the door.

Shaking his head, Piero undid his bathrobe belt and laughed as she beelined it for the door.

"We're going to have a great time today! I just know it," she said, closing the door behind her.