Lessons Learned, Healing Hearts

Final Goodbyes (Chapter 40)

"Thank you for giving me so many fabulous memories," Marlow said, hugging Nicolo goodbye.

"Marlow, I always remind my children," Nicolo said, holding her tight. "Sometimes relationships don't work out, but that does not mean it was not good while it lasted. Understand?"

Only nodding her head, Marlow swallowed hard and gave a tight-lipped smile.

"When you come back to Italy," he added, handing her a small rectangular card, "you call me, and I will take you out on my boat, free of charge. Deal?"

"That sounds lovely. Thank you."

Taken from Nicolo, Evangelina kissed Marlow's cheeks.

"Addio, cara," she said. Then, speaking in her best broken English, she added, "You are wonderful girl."

Following Audrey and Francesco down the gangplank, tears blurred her vision. Midway down the pier, she happened to look back over her shoulder. There, standing at the front of the boat, was Piero. Wiping her eyes, she watched as he placed a hand over his heart. Slowly waving goodbye, he turned around and walked away. For a split second, Marlow's heartbeat quickened, and then, it vanished. She loved him. She still did, but nothing could repair the damage she had caused. She had shattered his heart, and that hurt more than any bad relationship ever did.

Standing at the car, in front of Francesco, Marlow forced herself to smile.

"Bye, Francesco. Thank you for being such a great friend."

"I'm sorry things didn't end the way you wanted," he said, stroking both her arms.

"Me too. It's probably better for both of us this way. Like you said, long-distance relationships are complicated."

"I wish I had never said anything about that."

"You were just looking out for me like the big brother that you are." Kissing Franz's cheek, Marlow hugged him one last time.

"You be sure to let Audrey and me know when you have made it back home."

"I promise, I will." Sliding into the front seat, she gave him a wave goodbye.

***

Audrey's suggestion to drive her back to Milan was exactly what Marlow needed, as it would have been an incredibly uncomfortable drive had Piero's brother been the one driving.

Driving in silence along the coastline, Marlow stared blankly out the front windshield. Climbing higher in altitude, eventually, the blue sea was replaced by blue sky, buildings, and a more mountainous terrain. She had once been so excited to see the sea, and now, as she moved away from it, Marlow felt only minor relief, knowing she was heading back to where she had started ten days ago.

"Do you think I over-reacted?" Marlow asked.

"When Francesco told me what had happened, I was instantly livid with Piero, and we argued about it."

Marlow glanced over at Audrey. Shaking her head and lowering her eyes, her shoulders curled to her chest as her fist came to rest against her lips. This day had become a nightmare's vortex, and everyone had been sucked into it.

"I'm so sorry you two argued."

"It's fine," Audrey said, "we didn't argue long. Once I realized I was placing my anger on the wrong person, it quickly ended." Chuckling to herself, Audrey smiled at Marlow. "When Giulia came sauntering back towards us, like nothing had happened, the smug look on her face added gasoline to my fire."

"You didn't physically hurt her, did you?" Marlow asked, eyeing Audrey's arms for scratches or bruises.

"No, but that's only because Francesco held me back. The two of us made it crystal clear that she was to back off from Piero. When I made a motion to get at her, she backed away in fear. Nobody messes with the people I care about."