NOT GIVING UP ON FOREVER

Chapter 38

"I'll call you?" a message came from Teo a few days later when Anna, having taken a shower after work, was preparing to go to bed.

"Sure!" she answered briefly and dialed his number herself.

He picked up after a few rings and with a video. Seeing him live, Anna was even taken aback for a moment, as she expected only a voice call, but in her heart, she did not regret it. The photos and a video were like a day and night. Teo looked completely different from the pics—he was smiling widely, dressed in a simple black T-shirt and white pants. In his hands, he had a guitar and suddenly said:

"I want to play for you."

Two things put Anna in a stupor—a sudden desire of almost a stranger to play the guitar for her, and the second was just mind-boggling low sexy raspy voice with the velvet notes in it. She had never heard such a voice, even among famous people and musicians she admired, and this one phrase sounded in her head so loud and so delightful that she did not even bother to answer and continued to stare at the phone screen.

Teo laughed.

"Emm. Ow-kay, yes, I know. It is weird. But I want to play for you, I need to rehearse this song, and you will be my listener and judge."

And without waiting for the girl's answer, he started playing Iris of Sleeping with Sirens.

His voice was so unique that Anna seemed to dissolve into the music. It was all so sweet, romantic, and effortless. She listened to a beautiful song performed by this talented villa host and thought of how, from this moment on, she would write a happy story of the journey, full of positive emotions, such as she experienced now.

Teo finished playing, and they both laughed.

"Welcome to Italy!" through laughter, he muttered. "I wanted to break the ice and set you on a happy journey."

"Thank you, you certainly did!" Anna replied with a laugh too. "You're just mind-blowing! Nobody ever played the guitar for me! Thanks!"

"Meh, thanks. It is, of course, my cover, but the song is awesome. I want to rehearse it perfectly before the concert in Sweden. Are you packed? Coming?"

"Of course, everything as agreed. I have a plane in a day, and I'll be at the airport on Saturday."

"I'll meet you."

"What? Oh, thank you very much, but I can manage."

"Nonsense. You must have a suitcase full of meaningless women's things for the year ahead. I'm driving."

"Thanks," answered Anna blushing and admitted, "About the suitcase, that's true. But! Only the most necessary things!"

"No doubt!" Teo replied, and they both laughed. "Only for me not to forget anything, I need your arrival details. I went video to have an idea about how you look and not to lose you in the crowd. I have to admit. You look... exquisite!"

"Thank you!" Anna thought that she didn't hear compliments, even clumsy ones, for a long time, and it was enjoyable indeed. "I'll send it all to you."

"Great! I'm very pleased to meet you, Anna. I have a luxurious villa. You'll be thrilled! You gonna have a great time!"

"I'm excited!"

"Perfect. Well, we'll be in touch. And yes, you're a great listener—you do not squeak with delight."

They laughed again and ended the video chat on that positive note.

Until the day of the flight, Anna tried unsuccessfully to force herself not to sing Iris in full voice.