“Boss?” I asked, but his phone rang, and I went back to my thoughts to give him some privacy.
I was suddenly glued to the window, marveling at the massive sunflower field that lined the opposite side of the hill. Nestled in next to it were rows and rows of grape vines. It was just like the postcard Cara had given me. True excitement coursed through me, and I could hardly contain it.
“Do you like sunflowers, miss?”
“I do. I really do,” I smiled wide, thinking of how long I dreamt of this very thing, and it was finally a reality spread out before me.
“You’re welcome to explore that property if you wish.”
“Really?” I couldn’t wait.
“Yes, and there’s a bicycle in the garden house next to the driveway if you’d like to pedal around.” His eyes lit up, feeding off my excitement. “Just let me know, and we can go there, and if you get too tired or too hot, I’m only a phone call away.”
“That’s very kind of you…” I waited for him to say his name.
“Vinni.”
“Vinni, thank you.”
I leaned back in the seat and made plans to visit there before I left the area. I was pleased I brought my camera on this trip. I couldn’t wait to share it all with Wyatt. Not long afterward, we arrived at the town, and Vinni handed me a cloth bag to collect my things in.
“I’ll wait here. Take your time. I’m not due to be anywhere else.”
“All right. Thanks.”
I wove in and out of each little display. Each was packed with fresh fruits, vegetables, and miles and miles of cheeses and wines. I laughed when a kid tried to steal one of the ladies’ cookies. When she turned her back, I handed one to him and winked, watching his eyes bug out. He quickly jammed the entire thing in his mouth and ran away.
“I’ll take one, please.” I pointed at the loaves of bread on the table near the cookies and paid her double the cost. I knew how hard it was to make a living. I wasn’t hurting now, but there was a time when I would have been willing to sell an organ just to get something to eat.
“It’s too much.”
I shook my head and smiled then moved on to the next section, soaking in the culture that came with a market. People earning their living by working hard and standing behind their products. There was something to be said for that.
I stopped when I came to a stall that carried my favorite wine. I picked up the bottle and studied the label.
“I’ll take two bottles, please.” I couldn’t believe it was here. I knew it was local to the area, but I had no idea it would be at the market.
“Have you tried this before?” the girl asked as she took the money.
“Many times. It’s one of my favorites.”
“He’ll be happy to hear that.”
“Yes, please do pass that along,” I smiled, but her gaze shifted over my shoulder.
“Good evening, sir.” She stood a bit straighter.
I turned with my arms full of treats and saw Piero, Elio’s father, standing behind me, looking impeccable in a business suit.
“Oh, my,” I whispered in disbelief.
“Hello, sweet girl.” He called me by my old nickname.
“Hello.” I felt my cheeks grow pink.
“Would you take a walk with me?”
“All right.” I wasn’t sure if I wanted to, but I would never be rude.