Page 112 of A Scottish Teashop in Napoli

Elena poured them both a glass of wine.

‘To the teashop!’

‘To new beginnings!’ Lucy replied, clinking glasses and looking deep into Elena’s sparkling eyes.

Perhaps it was Lucy’s imagination, but did her cheeks have a rosy glow, her eyes an added sparkle?

Looking up shyly through her long lashes, Elena said, ‘Jamie was wonderful with Stefano.’

Lucy sighed. ‘Aye. He’s great with kids and would make a brilliant dad, if only he could meet the right woman. Since his injury, he’s lost a lot of confidence in that department… and some people can be so cruel.’

They sat in silence for a few moments.

‘Zia Lucy!’ called Stefano. ‘I’m ready for my story now.’

‘Coming!’

As Lucy clattered along the hallway, Elena kicked off her shoes and massaged the arch of her feet. Picking up her book, she collapsed onto the sofa.

It didn’t take long before the words began to blur as her eyelids grew heavy and she started to nod.

Giancarlo’s calm, reassuring voice whispered softly in her ear…

Don’t turn away from the light,amore mio.It’s time to let go of what-might-have-been and embrace the life around you. Make new memories without feeling guilty. Do this for me, for Stefano.Ti amo sempre…

By the time Lucy returned, having been inveigled as usual into reading several different stories, Elena was fast asleep.

‘Sorry I took so long, but Stefano insisted…’ Her voice faded to a whisper.

Tiptoeing over to the sofa, she carefully removed Elena’s empty wine glass and picked up her book, double blinking at the title:Sunset Song. A card fell out onto the floor.

Elena… Great spending time with you

and the wee man.

Haste ye back, Jamie xx

Dario looked in the mirror. A face he didn’t recognise stared back at him. But this was no time for self-pity, for vanity. There was serious work to do.

Waiting in the reception area for patient transport, he checked his inside pocket for his phone, his keys and his reading glasses. He took out the crumpled letter he’d read over and over, smoothing the page.

Caro Dario,

I have written to you many times before today, but I didn’t send the letters. Why? I don’t know – for the same unknown reason I didn’t visit you in hospital.

Tonight Elena and I shared a bottle of Lacryma Christi (my favourite wine), so I have the courage to say this now…

No one has saved my life before, and I feel immense gratitude, of course, but also guilt – guilt that I escapedwith just a few minor burns, whereas you… you have been through so much because of me.

I am so sorry. It’s futile to say, but I wish with all my heart that the roles were reversed.

Whilst I can’t change what has happened, when you return home, I’d like to cook one of my grandmother’s special dishes for you. It’s called Toad-in-the-Hole. But don’t worry, no toads will be harmed in the making of this dish!

See you soon.

Auguri,

Lucy