Free Alessandro's Prize by Helen Bianchin Page A

discovering Sophia was the sole occupant of the dining room.
    Pretending normality in Alessandro’s presence after his fateful claim last night would have considerably affected her composure.
    â€˜Alessandro has already left, but not before he relayed you are to begin work in the restaurant next week. I am delighted for you.’ Sophia’s eyes sparkled with pleasure.
    Lily found it easy to smile as she poured coffee into her cup, added sugar, and savoured the aromatic liquid. ‘Thank you. I’m pleased it worked out OK.’
    â€˜You will need to be settled by the weekend,’ Sophia offered with a degree of concern. ‘Today Carlo will take us to my friend’s agency and we will look at apartments, sì ?’
    â€˜Please,’ she accepted gratefully. ‘That would be great.’
    â€˜ Bene . Now tell me about yesterday while you eat, then we will leave.’
    Sophia and her friend, Julia, proved a knowledgeable pair as they selected suitable locations, rental availability and together they set out with an intent to view.
    There were a few provisos. Sophia insisted the apartment must be in a good locale, comfortably furnished with excellent security and parking facilities.
    Julia proved to be very thorough, her recommendations valid as she took them through no less than five apartments, any one of which Lily would have been happy to lease.
    â€˜We shall have lunch,’ Sophia declared as they exited the fifth apartment. ‘Then we continue our viewing.’
    â€˜Excellent idea,’ Julia agreed. ‘I think you will be pleased with a particular one I have in mind.’
    â€˜Saving the best for last?’ Lily quizzed, and earned a light laugh in return.
    â€˜It is business, sì ? Besides, today provides me the opportunity to spend time with a dear friend, and enjoy the pleasure of meeting her beloved god-daughter.’
    It was Julia who chose the restaurant and insisted on playing hostess, while Lily listened to their light-hearted banter with the maître d’, deferring to each other over what to order and whether they would indulge in wine.
    Two apartments were on the afternoon’s agenda to view, and it was the second of the two that clinched the deal for Lily.
    Situated in a lovely street, the building itself had been restored and renovated while adhering to a classic style. Comfortable, extremely functional, with a medium-size lounge, an en suite adjoining the main bedroom as well as a separate bathroom for the guest bedroom. Utilities were modern, and the kitchen and dining room were warm andinviting. Fully furnished, the apartment had security and off-street parking. Added to which the lease provided flexibility and the rental was reasonable.
    â€˜This is the one,’ Lily declared with a delighted smile. ‘I’ll take it.’
    Sophia and Julia clapped their hands with pleasure.
    â€˜Good. You do not require time to consider?’
    She shook her head in immediate negation. ‘No.’ Her smile said it all as she turned towards Julia. ‘You have the relevant paperwork available?’
    â€˜At my office,’ Julia enlightened. ‘We will head there now.’
    There was a sense of satisfaction in signing the lease, for to achieve employment and an apartment within a few short days seemed incredible.
    The next acquisition would be the purchase of her own transport. And sheets, towels, a few items to personalize the apartment.
    â€˜You are deep in thought,’ Sophia observed as Carlo returned them to her villa in Como, and Lily reached across the rear passenger seat to link her fingers within Sophia’s own.
    â€˜Thank you.’
    â€˜ Cara , whatever for?’
    â€˜Everything,’ she said with warm simplicity, and felt the slight pressure as Sophia curled Lily’s fingers within her own.
    â€˜My dear, I have a vested interest in your happiness, as well as a personal desire to have you with me