Free Reunited with Her Italian Ex by Lucy Gordon

tomorrow.’
    â€˜Does anyone know where Mario is?’ Giorgio enquired.
    â€˜He left an hour ago,’ Natasha said. ‘He must be busy.’
    On the way upstairs she wondered if Mario was in his room, or had he gone to be with the same person he’d probably visited the other night?
    Passing his door, she couldn’t help pausing to hear if any sound was coming from inside. She blamed herself for yielding to the temptation, but she couldn’t help it.
    Then she heard his voice. He was on the telephone, speaking Italian in a warm, laughing tone.
    â€˜Non è importante. Non è importante.’
    She didn’t need to know the language to understand what he was saying: ‘It’s not important’. Mario was reassuring somebody that what was happening now didn’t matter to him.
    She hurried into her room and locked the door, wishing she’d resisted temptation and vowing to be stronger next time.
    * * *
    Next morning Lisa, the costumier, arrived early. She was a tall businesslike woman who spoke perfect English and went through Natasha’s requirements with no trouble.
    â€˜Let’s hope Romeo is handsome and has a good figure,’ she said briskly.
    â€˜He looked good in the photo I saw, but I haven’t met him yet,’ Natasha admitted.
    â€˜That’s a pity. To be suitable he must be sexy. We need the women to sigh over him and say, “I want some of that”.’
    â€˜But he’ll only be a picture,’ Natasha protested. ‘We’re selling the town, not Romeo himself.’
    Lisa chuckled. ‘You think that, do you?’
    Natasha gave a wry smile. ‘Well, it’s what I need to believe. But I guess you’re right.’
    â€˜Share the joke, ladies,’ Giorgio called from nearby, where he was talking with Mario.
    â€˜You wouldn’t understand it,’ Lisa told him. ‘We’re laughing at men, and men never realise how funny they are.’
    â€˜That’s very true,’ Natasha said. ‘And if you try to explain they still don’t understand.’
    Mario gave her an odd glance which she returned with an air of teasing confidence. She felt a certain cheeky pleasure in having disconcerted him. The day had started well. Whatever happened now, she felt she could cope.
    They all set out for the Splendido, where everyone was waiting, eager to begin. The next hour was spent going through a variety of garments.
    â€˜I like this one,’ Natasha said, holding up a long white ballgown. It was simple and elegant, perfect for a girl making her debut in society. ‘Juliet can wear this at the ball.’
    Giorgio looked impatiently at his watch.
    â€˜They should be here by now. What’s happened to them?’
    He snatched up his phone and dialled. Almost as soon as he was through, an expression of outrage overtook him.
    â€˜Sì? Che cosa? Cosa vuol dire che non posso venire? Oh, dolore bene!’
    He hung up.
    â€˜What’s happened?’ Mario demanded.
    â€˜They’re not coming. There’s been a mix-up with the dates. They thought the shoot was next week.’
    â€˜Oh, no, what are we going to do?’ Natasha cried. ‘It’s all set up for today.’
    â€˜There’s only one thing we can do,’ Giorgio said. ‘Find another Romeo and Juliet.’
    â€˜But we haven’t got time to search,’ she protested.
    â€˜We don’t have to search. We’ve got the duo we need right here.’ He threw out his arms towards her and Mario. ‘Romeo and Juliet.’
    She stared. ‘You can’t possibly be serious.’
    â€˜I’m perfectly serious. You’re beautiful enough to be Juliet, and Mario can just about get by as Romeo.’
    â€˜It won’t work,’ Mario growled. ‘As though I could—’
    â€˜It’s got to work,’ Giorgio said. ‘You’re the only two who can do it in the time available.