Artful Dream

Chapter 22

It was Wednesday morning, and Richard wanted them to make the most of the last two days left to them. He opened up the tiny velvet box and the sapphire ring blinked at him like he had just woken the gem stone from a deep sleep. He took it out of its box, hopefully in a few hours’ time this little ring will be forever on the finger of Maggie Harris.

Putting the ring away, he knocked on the dividing door that separated their two rooms. “Are you awake Maggie?” Silence. Maybe she is still sleeping; it had been a stressful day for her yesterday. Just then his cell buzzed, it was Maggie.

“Are you coming out to play?”

Richard smiled. “Where are you?”

“Come out on the balcony.” She said.

Richard pulled back the curtains, opened the patio doors and steped outside. She was nowhere to be seen.

“I’m down here, at the café.”

Richard looked over the balcony to see Maggie smiling and waving up at him.

“Come on down,” she said still speaking into her cell. “Alfonso does an amazing breakfast, and you’ve got the money!”

Richard quickly showered, put on a clean pair of jeans and a white t-shirt and went over from the hotel to meet Maggie. She was wearing a bright yellow floral summer dress and instead of her pumps wore a pair of cream heels.

Richard came over and gave her a kiss. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you,” she said.

Maggie looked up into the clear blue sky. There had not been a cloud from the moment they arrived.

“I could live here.” she said, “Every day waking up knowing that your day was going to be like this.”

In the short space of time they had been in Florence, her face, arms and legs were starting to turn from dark red to dark brown.

Richard had to agree with her, if they had this climate at home, the British would be a different breed altogether. A lot happier and less stressed out.

Alfonso came out and after saying good morning asked what they would like to eat. It was Maggie who suggested they try the sausage and egg breakfast with a Latte. Alfonso gave a bow followed by, “Si, Signorina.”

Maggie stretched out her legs under the table; she was pleased they were not the pasty white pair she had arrived with. Richard too admired her tan and placed his hand on her knee. Maggie took his hand and moved it further up her leg before clamping her knees tight preventing him from removing it. Richard instantly went the same colour as the scarlet tablecloth.

When Alfonso returned with their breakfast he remarked, “Signor caught too much sun?”

Richard just gave a nervous laugh, Maggie leaned her elbow on the table and rested the side of her face in her palm. She just stared at Richard all the while moving his hand further up the inside of her thigh before again clamping her knees shut.

“Grazie” Richard thanked Alfonso in a high-pitched voice.

Alfonso unaware of Maggie’s teasing, asked again Richard if he was OK.

“Fine,” he said. Then Maggie released her grip and Richard removed his hand.

“Just feeling the heat of the morning.” Richard said making his excuse. Alfonso smiled and returned back inside.

“You’ve gone ever so red Richard,” Maggie teased.

“You wait until I get you upstairs.”