Backup Wife (The Jilted Wives Club Book 4), page 3
“And why shouldn’t you indulge, sweet girl? You work yourself to the bone, you’re raising a rambunctious toddler all on your own, and you haven’t taken time for yourself since that stronzo showed his true colors. You deserve a break.”
“Okay, I’ll talk to Giles,” I said excitedly, and I swear, I already felt some weight lift from my shoulders.
SIX
DAMON
“We are now starting our descent and will arrive at Florence International Airport in about twenty minutes.”
I finished off my small glass of bourbon and made sure my chair was back up.
I couldn’t stop my lips from curving up as I looked out the window and watched as the lush green landscape got closer.
I’d really done it. I’d taken time off work and was about to treat myself to a much-needed vacation. As the flight attendants moved through the cabin picking up the last bits of trash, I realized I’d never taken a trip by myself before.
It had always been with whatever woman I was dating at the moment, or Luca.
I briefly wondered if I’d get bored, then struck the thought from my mind. We were talking about three weeks of painting whenever the mood struck, getting to choose where I wanted to go and what I wanted to eat without it being up for debate, and having the freedom to do absolutely nothing if I didn’t want to.
It sounded fucking fabulous.
Maybe vacationing alone was the way to go.
Once I debarked the plane and found my luggage on the carousel, I headed outside to where the car I ordered would be waiting.
I hadn’t come with Luca’s family last summer, even though I’d been invited, and I found myself excited to see the villa and the olive grove. Last year had been their first year as owners, and I’d seen tons of pictures posted from everyone.
The olive grove had a full staff and the villa had groundskeepers who lived on property. Franny had assured me that they’d give me the privacy I wanted but would be on hand if there was anything I needed.
Once I found my driver and loaded my bags into the car, we started on the fifteen-kilometer journey to villa.
“Grazi,” I said to the driver as he pulled away from the curb.
My phone chimed and I let out a sigh of relief that the international plan I’d set up with my phone company before leaving did, in fact, work.
It was Luca.
What the hell, man? I can’t believe you didn’t tell me you were going to Italy early until you were at the damn airport… while I was still asleep. Why the big secret?
I chuckled, imaging his reaction when he’d woken up and read my text.
For whatever reason, when I’d finalized my plans with his mother, she’d asked me not to tell Luca I was going until I left. She’d mentioned something about not wanting him to try and invite himself on my vacation, which seemed like a weird reason, but she was allowing me to stay at their villa for free, so who was I to question her motives.
I trusted her … but I hadn’t quite been able to wait until I was out of country to tell him, so I timed it when I knew he wouldn’t see it until I was already in the air.
Your mom told me not to tell you until I left.
I glanced outside and was struck by the beauty surrounding me.
I’d brought plenty of paints, pencils, sketch books, and stuff, but I had a feeling a trip to the store was going to be first on my list of things to do.
Scenery like this needed a large canvas.
Why would she do that? Luca asked.
I literally shrugged and shook my head as I typed back, Beats me. I’m just so grateful she offered me the place that I’m at her mercy. I’ll see you when you guys get here in a few weeks.
I’ll call her and see what’s up. Have a good trip. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t have done two years ago.
I laughed because, yeah, before he’d met Whitney, Luca was something of a lothario, and when the two of us got together, we were the definition of trouble.
Of course, all of that had changed and he was different now. Which was part of the reason I felt the need to reevaluate my own life.
Playing the field in your thirties was not a good look.
“This is the turn, Mr. Damon,” my driver told me, so I put my phone away and focused on where we were going.
The drive through the olive groves was magnificent, but the real stunner was the villa.
My fingers itched for a paint brush as the villa came into view. I knew there was a guest villa and pool house in addition to the main house. There was a pool on site, a library, billiard room, and both indoor and outdoor dining available. The entire property was surrounded by a garden, which helped keep the house private from the business of the olive groves, but when you were on the second floor, your view stretched for miles.
I bounded out of the car like an excited boy, grabbing my bag and tipping the driver before eagerly rushing toward the house, intent on exploring.
I paused when I reached the front door. Franny had told me to let myself in, but it felt weird since I hadn’t yet been welcomed into the house. So, rather than barge inside, I knocked. A few beats later, a short woman with her gray hair pulled back in a tight bun answered the door with a smile.
“You must be Mr. Damon,” she said, her accent thick and charming.
“I am,” I replied with a grin. “And you must be Mrs. Mafucci.”
“Welcome to Villa Russo. Please, come inside and be welcome.”
I followed the woman, who I knew to be the housekeeper and cook, while her husband maintained the grounds, into the foyer, which opened into the most stunning home I’d ever seen in person.
“We have prepared the master suite in the east wing. I can show you and give you a tour if you’d like.”
“Actually, I’d like to do a little exploring on my own, if that’s okay.”
“Of course. Would you like a light meal? You must be hungry from your travels.”
My eyes roamed wherever I could see, taking in everything at once greedily.
“That would be wonderful,” I replied, already feeling light and relaxed. “Could I take it by the pool?”
“As you like…”
She left, presumably toward the kitchen, while I looked up the stairs and decided to work my way from top to bottom.
As my foot hit the first stair, I vowed to paint something beautiful for Franny. I owed her for giving me this opportunity.
SEVEN
CHARLOTTE
The last twenty-four hours had been unbelievably difficult.
Going from having a toddler twenty-four-seven to being alone was harder to navigate through than one might think. It seemed like I’d gone through all of the emotions possible during that time.
I’d run the gamut of feelings, going from being sad my baby wasn’t with me, too excited about going on an adventure, to scared she’d forget what I looked like.
But as I pulled up to the villa in Tuscany, I chose to enjoy the moments I was about to experience, while giving myself space to miss my daughter and feel that myriad of emotions while I enjoyed my first vacation by myself.
I’d already Facetimed her four times and had promised my ex-mother-in-law that I’d call again before bedtime to read Sky a story. But now that I’d arrived, I realized the time difference would make Sky’s bedtime the middle of the night here, so I’d call before I went to bed, just in case the jet lag didn’t hit and I fell asleep.
After parking my rental car in front of the house, I got my bags out of the trunk and gave the house an appreciative glance before heading inside. I’d texted ahead and told Mrs. Mafucci, Maria, to take the night off, because I wanted to embrace the moment and enjoy a quiet evening alone.
Leaving my bags in the foyer, I moved to the kitchen, intent on some water and a snack, when I saw Maria had left me a note on the island.
Ms. Charlotte, I left an assortment of meats and cheeses in the refrigerator, and there is lasagna warming in the oven. Have a lovely evening. Call if you need anything, otherwise I will see you in the morning. Maria.
I smiled, touched by her thoughtfulness, as my stomach growled at the mention of food.
I pulled the tray out of the fridge and popped some cheese in my mouth before turning to one of the many wine racks available in the house and grabbing a nice bottle of local red.
I looked outside as I uncorked the wine, and inspiration struck as the sun rays sparkled off the surface of the pool. I’d get changed and take my wine and dinner outside to enjoy by the pool. Maybe I’d even take a dip.
The world is mine to tackle as I wish … What a strange concept.
I grabbed my luggage and took it up to the second floor, by passing the master to go to the room at the far end of the hall I’d claimed as mine on our trip last summer. Sure, since I was the only one here for now, I could take the bigger room, but since everyone was coming in a few weeks and my parents would take that room when they arrived, it was easiest to choose the room where I could stay put.
Plus, my room was pretty.
Rich with gold and lavender accents, the furniture was a little ornate, but I absolutely loved it. It was like what I imagined a young woman’s bedroom in the fifteen hundreds would have looked like. Plus, it overlooked the gardens, and when the window was left open, the perfumed air filled the room.
Even though I was eager to go outside and let my vacation really begin, I diligently unpacked my things and put the bags away in the closet.
I looked at the bathing suit I’d laid out on the bed, then the robe I was going to cover up with.
You know, if I want this to be a trip of self-discovery, of finding who I am now as a single mother in her thirties with no one to answer to but herself, maybe I should try things I’ve always wanted to, but never had the nerve…
With a giggle that said, I can’t believe I’m even remotely thinking of doing this, I took off my clothes and pulled on the robe, leaving the discarded one-piece on the bed.
It took two trips, but I brought out the snack tray, plate with a generous piece of lasagna, and wine, and placed them on the table between a couple lounge chairs. There was a beautiful, large outdoor dining table, but since it was just me, I decided I’d rather be closer to the pool.
Once I had music playing on my phone, I settled back into the plush lounger with a happy sigh.
The sky lit up as the sun began to set and I took a sip of wine as I watched the colors dance in front of me.
After most of the lasagna was eaten, and my wine glass empty, I decided it was time to check the first thing off my bucket list and stood up from the chair. I glanced around automatically, even though I knew I was alone, before pushing the robe off my shoulders and letting it drop onto the chair.
With a nervous laugh, I rushed to the pool and gingerly put my toe in.
The water was perfectly warm, so I walked down the stairs and enjoyed the silky caress of the water on my bare skin.
Why have I never done this before? I wondered as I kicked off the floor and swam across the pool. It felt decadent and freeing, and for once I wasn’t worried about the extra pooch that hadn’t disappeared with the rest of the baby weight, or the stretch marks that now trailed across my stomach, butt, and thighs.
I looked up at the stars as I turned to float on my back, when I noticed the music stopped and my phone was going off.
Whitney calling … it announced, and I immediately wondered if something was wrong.
I started toward the edge of the pool, but right when I was about to get out, the phone stopped.
“I wonder what she wants?” I asked myself out loud, as I pondered getting out and calling right back, or getting back to her later.
“Probably to tell you I’m here,” a voice replied, causing me to yelp in response and instinctively dip deeper into the water.
Once only my head was above the surface, I turned toward the sound of the voice I knew so well and saw Damon standing next to my lounge chair.
EIGHT
DAMON
At first, I’d thought Mrs. Mafucci or her husband were the ones I’d find out by the pool, but one glance at the body doing laps and I knew exactly who it was.
I’d been momentarily taken aback, like one was when you came across someone in a place where you weren’t expecting them to be. Then I’d been happy over the fact she was here, and then when I realized she was skinny dipping in the pool, I felt something completely different.
I hadn’t wanted to startle her, but I also knew if I let her get out of the pool without alerting her to the fact I was there, she’d murder me.
“Damon,” she squeaked. “What are you doing here?”
“I needed a vacation … some time to clear my head, and your mother suggested I come here,” I said, lifting her bathrobe and walking to the top of the stairs.
I turned my head, averting my eyes and fighting the urge to peek as I heard the water sloshing off her body as she ascended and grabbed the robe from my hand. I waited a few beats until she said, “I’m dressed,” then turned back and looked at her.
“Hey,” I said softly, thinking how beautiful she looked under the glow of the moon, with her hair slicked back off her face. Her face had always been my favorite.
“Hey,” she replied, her tongue darting out nervously. “I’m gonna go put some clothes on and be right back.”
“Are you sure?” I asked, my grin turning devilish as my hands went to the button of my jeans. “I can even the playing field.”
Her eyes darted down and then quickly back up to my face.
“No, I’m good,” she croaked. “Why don’t you get more wine and I’ll be right back.”
After glancing at the table and noting the tray was low on cheese, I picked it up and went inside in search of the bottle she’d opened and more provisions. Once the tray was loaded back up, I grabbed an empty glass and the bottle and headed back outside.
By the time I’d poured us each a glass and was sitting in the other chair, Charlotte came scurrying back out.
She picked up her phone and read out loud, “Damon is there…” before turning to show me the screen with a laugh.
Charlotte sat across from me and picked up her glass.
“I should have been more suspicious when my mother insisted I come out here a few weeks early.”
“Yeah, me, too,” I replied with a chuckle. “Who knew her matchmaking skills were so advanced. But, seriously, don’t worry, I’ll be out of your hair first thing in the morning.”
“What? No, Damon, you don’t have to go just because my mom pulled a fast one on us.”
“I don’t want to intrude on your time,” I said, thinking of her in the pool and realizing she had probably been looking forward to some alone time.
“You won’t,” she insisted. “I mean, come on. This house has like ten bedrooms, plus a guest house, plus a pool house. I think there’s enough room for the both of us.”
“I get the feeling you wanted to be alone…”
She took a sip of wine then said, “Yeah, I guess I did, a little. You were probably here for the same thing. But I also wouldn’t mind having someone to go to museums with … maybe have dinner.”
I inclined my head, thinking spending time with her alone in Italy sounded pretty fantastic.
“Only if you’re sure I won’t be putting you out. I’m more than happy to find an Airbnb nearby.”
“No, not at all. And that would just be silly. Save your money. There’s plenty of space for us both.”
I picked up my glass and raised it to her. “Thanks. Here’s to discovering Tuscany.”
“Cheers,” Char replied, clinking her glass to mine. “So, what brings you here, other than my meddling mother?”
I sat back with a sigh and looked out over the pool.
“I guess I needed a break. I’ve been going nonstop for years, and I thought taking a little down time to prioritize my goals in life was just what I needed. Plus, the chance to see the sights, eat the food, and immerse myself in the culture didn’t sound so bad. And I thought I’d find plenty of inspiration.”
“Mmmm, that all sounds perfect, and pretty in line with why I came early as well.”
“I agree that seeing some of those sights and sharing experiences with you also sounds wonderful, if you’re truly up for it,” I said softly, my gaze on her face to try and gauge her actual feelings on the subject.
“Absolutely,” she said easily, and I knew she was being forthright.
Maybe it was the romantic surroundings, or the need to not let such a rare opportunity pass, but I found myself leaning in a little closer and saying, “You know … I think this is the first time in our lives that we’re both single.”
Charlotte blinked rapidly, before saying cautiously, “Yeah…”
“I have a proposition for you,” I began, and when she simply stared, I bit back a smile and said, “We have three weeks before the family and friends storm the compound. What do you say we take that time to enjoy a romantic vacation together?”
Charlotte seemed to choke a bit before clearing her throat and asking, “What do you mean, together? Like, you want to have a fling?”
I gave a half shrug and said, “We don’t have to label it, but fling works as well as any other word. Call it a chance to enjoy the country, and each other, with no interruptions or outside influences.”
“I … I have to admit, I’m a little shocked right now. I didn’t think you thought of me that way.”
I lowered my voice and said, “C’mon, Char, you know that’s not true. I think we’ve both had thoughts over the years, we’ve just never been in a position to do anything about it.”
She put her glass down a little too forcefully, causing some wine to spill over the rim.
“I don’t know what to say,” she said, her tone a little breathless.
I decided to give her some space after throwing a wrench into her evening and stood. “Think about it,” I said, leaning down to kiss her on the cheek before adding, “Goodnight.”
