Lessons Learned, Healing Hearts

A Day to Chill (Chapter 29)

Mother Nature clearly hadn't gotten the memo that Piero had romantic plans. Rain lashed against the windows, pulling him from sleep. He sat up, rubbing both hands down his face.

So much for our walking tour of Bologna and picnic.

Sighing, he slipped his feet into his slippers, shrugged on his housecoat, and headed to the kitchen.

As the coffee machine hissed to life, he stared out the kitchen window at the grey blur of morning. Maybe this was a blessing. Marlow had dropped more than one hint about having a slow day. If the rain wanted to listen to her and nudge them toward rest, then so be it.

Pulling down two cups, Piero filled both with the fresh brew. Placing two flaky croissants, jam, honey, and a bowl of strawberries and melons onto a tray, he headed back upstairs.

Tapping on Marlow's door, he waited. No response. Cracking open the door, he found her still asleep, her hair a soft tangle on the pillow. Setting the tray on the nightstand, he leaned over and kissed her cheek.

"Mmm," she uttered, stirring as his fingers tucked a strand of hair from her face.

"Buongiorno amore mio.

Marlow's lashes fluttered open. Smiling, she stretched like a lazy cat.

"Good morning."

"It's a rainy day. So, I thought we could just take it easy."

Marlow gave an enthusiastic little squeal. Sitting up, she patted the bed for him to join her.

Without the rush of time, eating and conversation occupied their morning.

"This is so lovely," Marlow said, biting into a strawberry. A trace of juice clung to her lip, and she wiped it away with her thumb.

Reminiscing about the past few days, Piero unintentionally let slip that there would be plenty of chances to relax over the next few days.

"Sounds good," was all she said, and he chuckled, far too entertained by keeping their destination a secret—though she clearly wasn't taking the bait.

"Aren't you going to ask me where we're going?"

Glancing sideways at him, she simply giggled, her eyes dancing.

Gathering the empty dishes onto the tray, Piero hopped out of bed.

"Since it's raining, I'm going to go work out downstairs. Would you like to join me?" he asked.

Marlow burrowed deeper under the covers and flashed a contented smile.

"If you change your mind, you know where to find me. Almost at the door, Piero paused and looked over his shoulder. "I love you."

Grabbing her pillow, Marlow buried her face into it, her heart thudding.

***

Closing her eyes and listening to the rain, it almost felt like a lazy Vancouver Sunday. But knowing Piero was already up made staying in bed far less appealing. Changing into workout clothes, Marlow pulled her hair back into a ponytail and laced up her runners. Making her way down the stairs, she could hear the steady pounding of feet on a treadmill.

Peeking into the gym, she found him running full tilt on the treadmill, earbuds in, sweat glistening on his chest and arms. Waving back when he looked at her through a mirrored wall and waved, she heard the treadmill's motor begin to wind down.

"You came," Piero said, stepping off and wiping his face with a towel. He grinned. "Awesome."

"Yeah, I was feeling guilty about staying in bed."