They walked towards the gallery. She followed closely behind him with her hands tucked behind her back. Watching her small black flats tip tap against the worn down concrete.
The sun had set just below the horizon, giving the pair only minutes before the darkness of the night would take over. The small gallery lights had already turned on.
She was surprised such a small establishment could afford to stay open so late.
Gustavo opened up the gallery door, swinging the torn wooden slab like it was nothing. Franny tried to ignore the subtle attraction she felt from such a simple action.
The two walked into the small building. Consisting of two conjoined rooms with small displays and art work filling every inch of the space.
"Benvenuto" a friendly voice said.
An older woman with white hair wrapped into a messy bun sat behind a counter. She was looking down at her lap as she shifted through something.
Though as her head lifted, her eyes widened and brightened with joy. Her mouth fell open letting out a short gasp before turning into a wide smile.
Franny looked up at Gustavo, who seemed stiff as he stood there a few feet away from the counter. Somehow his gaze always seeming more bored and unbothered than before.
"Gustavo!" the woman exclaimed, her face lighting up as she hurried around the counter.
She knows him?, Franny thought.
The woman looked up at Gustavo with utter admiration and love. Her eyes softening as they glistened in the warm light. Like a grandmother looking at her grandchild on Christmas day.
"Questo è un miracolo" the woman gushed.
This is a miracle?, Franny thought, translating the woman's words.
"Ciao Maria" Gustavo said, his voice low and unwelcoming.
Franny was surprised such a seemingly sweet older woman would like Gustavo. His cold and unnerving demeanor surely couldn't be comforting to her.
Though Franny was shocked as the little woman embraced Gustavo into a hug. Giving him a light kiss on his cheek. She was even more surprised that Gustavo didn't seem to mind this.
"È così bello vederti" the woman said, clapping her hands together.
(It is so good to see you)
Franny smiled, enjoying the display between the two. Thinking it was adorable the way the woman gushed over him.
"Anche a te" Gustavo said.
(Same to you)
Suddenly, Maria's eyes shifted over to Franny. At first seeming surprised but quickly turning that into awe.
"E hai portato una donna!" she ecstatically said.
(And you brought a woman!)
Gustavo glanced over his shoulder back at Franny. Seeming like he had forgot he brought her there with him. Franny awkwardly smiled, waving a small hi to Maria.
"Devi raccontarmi come vi siete incontrati. È così speciale. Per Gustavo portare una donna nella mia galleria è un onore. Questo giorno è diventato una grande benedizione. Devo aver fatto qualcosa di buono perché Dio mi ricompensi in questo modo" the woman quickly rambled off, talking so fast that Franny couldn't keep up.
Franny stood there, a little in shock at how fast Maria could speak. Only being able to pick up on a few sentences or phrases. Maria eagerly waited for her to respond.
YOU ARE READING
Gus's Possession
Mystery / ThrillerFrancine Greene is your average girl. Average face, average body and a fairly average life. She lives in a small quaint town in Italy, going to college and running an old cafe with her best friend. All is well until one night two strangers with guns...
