Tuscan Love Letter

CHAPTER 14

Today, we spent a lazy morning at the villa. Some of the group went out on a little hike while others, like me, stayed around the pool. Isaac is having a great time splashing in the water, his laughter filling the air. I watch him closely, making sure he is safe, while also enjoying the relaxed pace of the day.

In the afternoon, some of the group planned to go on a quad ride, including Henry, and Julia. I'll be staying back with Isaac so Lisa can enjoy the activity. I am still in the pool with Isaac, while the rest of the group get ready, when Noah walks over.

"Hey, Adrian," Noah greets, his expression serious.

"Hey, Noah. All set for the quads?" I ask, lifting Isaac out of the pool and wrapping him in a towel.

"Yeah, just about," he says, glancing back at the villa. "Listen, I need a favour."

"Sure, what's up?" I reply, curious about the sudden urgency in his tone.

Noah hesitates for a moment before speaking. "Can you keep an eye on Sofia and Finn while we're out?"

I raise an eyebrow, surprised by his request. "Why? Don't you trust Sofia?"

Noah shook his head. "It's not Sofia I don't trust. It's Finn. He's been acting... off around her."

I think about it for a moment. "Finn's a good guy, Noah. Maybe he's just being friendly."

Noah's expression doesn't change. "I hope you're right. But I'd feel better knowing someone's looking out for her. Finn's been a bit too... attentive."

I can see the discomfort in Noah's eyes, and while I want to reassure him, I also understand his concern. "Alright, I'll keep an eye on them," I agree. "Don't worry about it."

"Thanks, Adrian. I appreciate it," Noah says, clapping me on the back before heading back to the group.

As Noah walks away, I watch him for a moment, then turn my attention back to Isaac. "Looks like it's just you and me, buddy," I say, smiling at my son.

Lisa comes over, ready for the quad ride. "You sure you'll be okay with Isaac?" she asks.

"Absolutely," I say, giving her a reassuring smile. "You go have fun. We'll be fine."

She leans in to kiss me. "Thanks, Adrian. I'll see you later."

As the group leaves for their adventure, I dry off Isaac and get him dressed. We head inside, where Sofia is busy with some work on the terrace and Finn is lounging nearby. I settle Isaac with some toys, then take a seat nearby, keeping a discreet eye on them as promised.

"Mind if I join you?" Finn asks, not waiting for an answer before sitting down.

Sofia smiles politely. "Of course not. Just catching up on some work."

Finn leans back in his chair, sipping his drink. "You work too hard, Sofia. You should relax more."

Sofia chuckles softly. "I enjoy my work, Finn. It's part of who I am."

As they talk, Finn finds subtle ways to steer the conversation toward more personal topics. "So, Sofia, what do you do for fun when you're not working?"

Sofia hesitates for a moment, sensing the shift in direction. "Well, I enjoy spending time outdoors, exploring new places, and cooking. And of course, spending time with friends."

Finn nods, his eyes lingering a bit too long on Sofia. "You're a very interesting person, Sofia. Noah's lucky to have you."

Sofia's smile remains polite, but there is a subtle change in her eyes. "Thank you, Finn. Noah's amazing so I believe I'm the lucky one."