The Italian

“Ciao, per favore, porta i bagagli di Olivia al piano di sopra.”

“Si, signore.”

Rico opens my door and grabs my hand to help me out. I smile nervously

at the men.

“Ciao, Miss Olivia.” They nod in greeting.

“Hi.”

I look around at the opulent luxury. It’s like a movie. Sandstone pillars and marble floors and gorgeous hanging lanterns line the space. Large, impressive potted plants are positioned all around. I don’t know where to look first.

This place is out of this world. Next level, fucking insane.

“Come, my love.” Rici leads me up the stairs, where two lion statues sit proudly, guarding either side of the house. Gosh, this place is like ancient Rome. We go up onto the sandstone terrace, and in through the large double doors. I look up in awe as we pass through them. They would have to stand thirty-feet tall, and they’re black with a big gold knocker on each one.

Enrico watches me, and I tighten my cardigan around my shoulders.

“You’re very quiet,” he says. He smiles softly. “Thoughts?”

I have no words in my head—none that will make sense, anyway.

This doesn’t look like a house. It looks like a national museum.

“It’s… big.”

He smiles and continues to lead me through the foyer. It has a gorgeous fawn-colored marble floor, and a huge staircase that splits in two on the first floor, dividing into two wings of the house.

“Say something.”

“This is… I… you… I mean…” I sigh.

A door opens to the left and, a man and woman come out in a rush. They’re in their early fifties, at a guess.

“Rico.” The man smiles happily.

Enrico’s face lights up. He grabs the man in an embrace. It’s obvious he is close to him.

“Ciao, Manuel.” He presents me to the two of them. “Olivia, please meet Manuel and his lovely wife Antonia. They look after this house while I’m not here. They have a home on the property.”

“Hi.” I smile nervously.

“Questa è olivia, viene a vivere qui, d'ora in poi riferirai a lei” Rico says as he gestures to me.

Their faces fall.

“Please meet my Olivia,” Rico translates for me.

The woman claps her hands together before she takes me into her arms. “Hello, hello,” she cries.

The man kisses both of my cheeks. “Hello, bella Olivia.”

“Hello.” I smile. My eyes dart to Rico nervously. I don’t know what he just said to them, but they seem awfully happy about it. Manuel holds me at arm’s length as he looks me up and down. “You look like a beautiful…” He hesitates as he searches for the right word. “Asshole.”

“Angel,” Rico corrects him.

I laugh and put my hands over my mouth.