Artful Dream

Chapter 17

Time had arrived for them to get ready for Signor Rossi party. Maggie came out of her shower and stood in front of the bathroom mirror. As she towel dried her hair she brushed this way and that looking for a style for the evening.

She took the brave decision a few months ago to have her hair cut short. It now sat off her shoulders just above the jaw line.

She brushed her hair forward. No that made her look like a boy. Then she made a parting, sweeping it down across her forehead. Defiantly no. So, she just fingered in some hair gel and did her normal crunched spiky look. A cross between Zoe Wanamaker’s hair in Harry Potter and the Texas lead singer, Sharleen Spiteri.

Her afternoon on the balcony, though had paid dividends. Her face, arms and legs were no longer a ghostly white but had a nice reddish tint which hopefully with a bit more exposure would soon start turning a healthy light brown colour.

Maggie rummaged in her make-up bag for the right colour foundation and highlighter. She didn’t want to cover up what tan she got but emphasis it. After applying her eyeliner she went to her wardrobe and chose her dress. She wanted something formal but stylish.

Maggie slid along the rail all her floral dresses and settled for her black short-sleeve dress that came just above the knee. Once dressed, Maggie checked herself out in the full-length mirror turning this way and that. It still needed something. She went into her drawer and fished out her lavender coloured silk scarf. Then putting on her black high heels she was ready to go.

Although she was grateful for the hospitality extended to her and Richard by Signor Rossi, she wished it was just the two of them tonight having a romantic meal along the banks of the Arno. However, she had to keep reminding herself this was not a holiday but an all-expenses paid business trip and despite it being a Saturday night, her and Richard were going to a business meeting. Italian style.

There was a knock on the dividing door.

“It’s open.” She called out knowing it was only Richard on the other side. He opened the door and was standing there in a dinner suit complete with bow tie.

Maggie went over and brushed his shoulder. “You look handsome tonight.”

“And you look divine.” He said returning the compliment.

“Divine?” said Maggie raising her eyebrows.

Richard breathed in deep her scent, “What perfume are you wearing?”

“Signorina, I thought it was appropriate.”

“The fragrance is spellbinding” Richard moved closer to Maggie enjoying her scent like a gardener enjoying the blooms. Maggie too caught his Colonia Eau de Cologne. She placed her hand on his chest wanting to give him a kiss but cursing the fact that she had already applied her lipstick.

The internal phone rang in Maggie’s bedroom; it was the receptionist saying that Signor Rossi’s driver was here. Maggie looked at her wrist watch it was 7.30pm, she grabbed her handbag and pulled Richards arm, “Come on Roberto’s here.”

Roberto was waiting for in the Alfa Romero and seeing them emerge from the hotel got out and pulled back the seats for them. He was dressed more casually this time wearing a white opened necked shirt tucked into his black chinos.