Second Chances in Chianti (Escape to Tuscany Book 2) T.A. Williams (early reader books .txt) 📖

outside into the open air, so she decided to go for a final run. She pulled on her running gear and followed the same route out of the gate and up the road, but this time there was no sign of the Land Rover or of Matt and his lovely dog. Nursing a feeling of disappointment, although it was a lovely morning and the views over the Chianti hills were as delightful as ever, she returned to the villa, showered and went down to look for Millie. She found her having breakfast all alone out on the terrace. Antonia and the others were nowhere to be seen. Millie gave her a cheery wave as she spotted her and Alice did her best to respond in kind.

‘Hi, Mil. All on your own?’

‘Antonia left half an hour ago. I imagine you were out on your run. She told me to give you her love if I saw you.’

Alice didn’t mention what Antonia had told her the previous night, as she had been asked to keep the news of her resignation to herself for now. ‘She’s a lovely lady. We had a great time at the Uffizi and then a super meal.’ Pleasantries over, she leant forward. ‘Listen, Mil, something’s happened.’ She went on to relate in detail everything about David’s departure and the note he had left on the bed. To her amazement, Millie didn’t look too surprised.

‘How awful for you, Al, but I was wondering how things were between you and David. Every time I looked at him, I could see he couldn’t keep his eyes off Layla. I’m surprised you didn’t notice. It was pretty clear to me he was star-struck, maybe more.’

This made Alice pause and take stock. Now that Millie had brought it to her attention, it seemed obvious. How could she have been so blind? Clenching her fists under the table, she returned her attention to her friend.

‘Now that you mention it, I suppose I can see it… but it’s too late. Anyway, according to the text I got from Layla last night, she’s nothing to do with it. She sounded surprised to see him on the plane and was more concerned that this might mean I had had a change of heart about the new show.’

‘And have you?’ Millie was looking hopeful.

‘Nope. Zoë’s in, so I’m out.’ Paolo appeared and she asked for a cappuccino, before returning to the matter in hand. ‘As far as David’s concerned, like I told you back in London, this holiday was supposed to be make or break for us. When all’s said and done, he’s just accelerated the process. I should be pleased.’ She was glad to hear her voice sounding resolute.

‘So are you going to stay here in Tuscany for the rest of the month, even though he’s gone off?’

‘Yes, definitely. I love the area and it’ll be a good break.’

‘Is that just because of all the art and stuff or is there another reason?’ Millie gave Alice a little grin. ‘Like another man, for example?’

‘Why would there be another man?’

‘Carrie was telling me about the guy you met yesterday. She said he was ever so good-looking and she thought you were into him.’

Alice flushed in spite of herself. ‘She said what? All I did was pet his lovely Labrador and giggle at him after the dog jumped on him.’

Now it was Millie’s turn to giggle. ‘Yes, she told me where it landed on him. So, assuming the dog didn’t do any irreparable damage to his bits, are you interested in the man?’

They had been close friends for ten years, so Alice told her the truth. ‘In one word, yes – although I barely know him and he seems a bit distant. Somehow, he’s made a really strong impression on me in such a short period of time. Because of David, I’ve been trying not to think about him too much. Now that I’m free, though, I’m pretty sure that nothing’s going to happen. He’s nice, he’s friendly, but there doesn’t seem to be any more to it as far as he’s concerned. I presume he’s got a wife or partner already and that’s that.’ She gave a little sigh. ‘Shame, really.’

‘I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like this, Al. You’ve always been the sensible one and now you sound like a lovesick teenager.’

Alice nodded ruefully. ‘Don’t remind me. I need to try to get my head round it. Maybe it’s just because he’s one of the first men I’ve met who hasn’t tried to hit on me, and that makes me want him more. God knows what’s going on inside my brain. But, irrespective of all that, Chianti is as good a place to be as any. I love Tuscany and, with my rental car, I can get to Florence or Arezzo or Siena in less than an hour from here. In fact, if I feel like it, the coast’s not that far either – and Rome’s only three or four hours away, come to think of it. No, it’s a good location.’ She caught Millie’s eye. ‘Whether I meet up with him again or not.’

‘Well, you’re not the only one who’s going to be around. Paolo told me that Conrad Chesterfield himself is coming over this weekend and staying all month for a holiday. Maybe you could slip up here and poison his food or something.’

An idea came to Alice. ‘You don’t suppose Zoë’s staying on as well? Maybe the two of them are having an affair – that would explain why he lets her get her own way, after all.’

Millie wrinkled up her nose and lowered her voice, even though they were still alone outside. ‘He could do better… Besides, if she were to stay on, she’d find herself here along with Conrad’s wife, and at least one of his daughters and her family – Paolo told me they’re all coming. No, Zoë says she’s got business in London and she’s on the same plane