Free Runaway Love by Nicole W. Lee Page B

magazines.  
    “By the way, Lorenzo, I've been a bit nosey.” She forced a laugh. 
    “Tell me.” His tone suggested he, too, was relieved that Genie had broken the silence.
    “I'm afraid I nosed around in your sideboard over there.”  She jerked her head back in the general direction of the sideboard.  “I found some old magazines.”
    His expression darkened instantly; as if someone had turned off a light inside him.
    Surprised by his sudden shift, Genie said, “I'm sorry, Lorenzo, I didn't think you'd mind.” 
    “No...no.  It's alright.”  He made a visible effort to switch the light back on.  “They were Anna's - my wife.”
    “Oh.  Perhaps I'd better--”
    “No, no,” Lorenzo repeated.  He managed to raise a weak smile.  “I'd forgotten they were there.”
    “Are you sure you don't mind?”
    “I should have thrown them away a long time ago.”
    Judging by his expression, Genie decided that thoughts about his wife still unhinged Lorenzo - wherever she was.  If she had deserted him, then it was obviously still a sore point.
    “I thought I'd take them to bed with me.  Do a little reading.  Is that okay?”
    He nodded.  “Of course.  You think you're Italian is good enough to read them?”
    “No.  Problem.” She patted the magazines. “I can make out some of the headlines.  And they're full of pictures.  I should get a thousand words out of each picture - as they say.”
    “If you want to read, I have some books in English - novels,” he said.  “Perhaps that will be better for you.”
    “These'll do fine.”
    “Those are scandal magazines.  I'm sure you're above all that.”
    “I don't mind a little bit of scandal here and there.”
    “I am surprised that this sort of thing would appeal to you.”
    “It doesn't generally.” Genie fidgeted in an attempt to master her increasing discomfort.  Ordinarily she would be caught dead with such garbage - especially after her outrageous exposure in “Celebs”.  “Something to read, that's all.” 
    “Then a novel will be more fulfilling, no?  More your level, I should think.”
    “Thanks Lorenzo, but novels and I...well, once I start, I won't be able to put it down.” She shook her head.  “I won't get any sleep at all then.”
    He tried another smile in response.  On a scale of ten, it might have just made a two. “Va bene.  If that’s what you want.”
    “Just for tonight.  Perhaps I'll try one of your novels another time.”  What is it, Lorenzo?  Do these magazines hold too precious memory of Anna for you?  Don't you want another woman handling them?  “If you really don't mind.”
    “No.  If that's what you want.” Whatever was on his mind was a million miles away from his words.
    An ensuing stillness spread out and filled the room.  Only the crackling of the burning logs intruded and kept it from becoming oppressive.
    Genie felt as though some unknown force was hovering in the air, waiting to blanket them both.  Was there something about these stupid magazines that affected Lorenzo so much?  Surely, it can’t be just because he’s missing his wife.
    People can be funny.
    Funny, or not, the mood had shifted downwards.  Best to get away before it gets any worse.
    Genie concocted a wide, noisy yawn. “I think the day has finally beaten me into submission.”
    He nodded.  “Perhaps we are both tired.”
    “I know I am.  I’m going to surrender and make for that lovely bed.” She leaned forward in the chair and jumped up.  It was too quick.  The room ebbed and flowed and the floor appeared to reach out for her.
    She was conscious of Lorenzo's grip on her upper arm. “Che successo?  Are you all right?”
    “I’m fine, thank you.” Genie shook her head to make sure.  “The blood that belongs in my head took a short trip, that’s all.” Genie smiled at him and made no attempt to free herself from his grasp.  The warmth of his hands stimulated all sorts of wonderful feelings that were