The irresistible Italian
Chapter 1
‘I’m surprised you accepted the job,’ said Andrew.
‘I couldn’t say no,’ replied Emily, nervously twisting a strand of her blond hair.
‘It’s just like you, rushing into things without thinking about the consequences.’
‘I’m sorry you’ve got to cancel our trekking holiday to Wales. I didn’t know you’d booked it and this job is a good opportunity for me. It’s not my fault that Susan’s mother fell down the stairs and the agency couldn’t find anybody else to replace her at such a short notice.’
‘The holiday in Wales was meant to be a surprise for our first anniversary,’ sighed Andrew.
Emily bit her lower lip. ‘Why don’t you go anyway, you are a better hiker than I am. I’m sure one of your mates would be happy to take my place.’
Andrew wiped his glasses against his T-shirt. ‘I might do that, I hate the idea of missing such a good deal. Still, it will be hardly a romantic holiday, won’t it?’
‘I’m sorry.’ She looked at Andrew’s earnest face and smiled. ‘We can see each other if you wish, all you have to do is buy a plane ticket and I’ll put you up.’
Andrew’s narrow face brightened up. ‘If I can get a cheap ticket on the internet and if I can share your room, I think I can just about afford it. After all, accommodation is the most expensive part of a holiday.’
Emily looked up at the grey sky through the leafy branches of the tree. She was looking forward to bask in the sunshine.
‘I’ll miss you,’ Andrew admitted, stroking Emily’s hair.
‘I’ll miss you, too.’
‘I must go back. I have a lesson at 2.30. Come over to my place at four.’
Emily got up, brushed off crumbs from her skirt and collected the remains of their picnic in a plastic bag.
At the gate of the park, she walked towards the underground, treading on air. In less than two weeks she would be in sunny Italy. How exciting, she had never been abroad. Before she had met Andrew, she had always holidayed in Cornwall, where her parents rented a cottage. And the previous summer, their first as a couple, Andrew had taken her on a walking holiday to the Lake District.