An Escape to Remember by T.A. Williams

Author:T.A. Williams
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Canelo
Published: 2022-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Vito appeared in the hotel lobby at seven thirty accompanied by his four-legged friend. Louise was delighted to see he had brought the Labrador to lighten the mood as she had a feeling it might prove to be an emotional evening. She knew Annabelle, always well-dressed, would appear looking elegant so she had once more pressed her trusty charity shop Dior dress into service, accompanied by the new heels she had bought in Turin. At the last moment she even put her hair up, telling herself this was for Annabelle’s benefit while knowing, deep down, that it wasn’t.

Vito walked in with the dog and as soon as Leo spotted her he came running, but she was ready for him and started to crouch down. Although it was dry outside and hopefully not muddy, the last thing she needed was a mucky dog climbing all over her nice clean frock. This time, however, she didn’t need to take evading action as she heard Vito’s voice, sounding remarkably authoritative.

‘Leo, no! Come here. Now sit!’

Louise was impressed to see the dog obey and she straightened up again and walked over to greet him as he now sat primly beside his master, tail wagging excitedly.

‘Ciao, bello.’ She could have said the same to his owner who was looking decidedly bello in a freshly ironed light grey linen shirt and chinos. He had even shaved and this was the first time she had seen him without a stubbly chin and she wasn’t sure which look made him more desirable. She stroked the dog’s head and glanced up. ‘And good evening to you, Vito. Have you been to those dog training classes after all? That was a masterful bit of canine control.’ The slightly apprehensive expression on his face cracked into a little smile and Louise took heart from this small but significant gesture.

‘No, no classes, just me trying to be a bit more assertive.’ His eyes ran across her and she struggled hard to prevent the inevitable flush from appearing on her cheeks. ‘You look stunning, Louise. I’ve never seen you with your hair up before and it makes you look so…’ He was still hunting for the mot juste when Annabelle’s voice interrupted them.

‘Good evening, or should that be buona sera?’

Her voice also attracted the attention of Leo who leapt to his feet, ready to launch an enthusiastic canine greeting but Vito’s hand shot down to his collar to stop him from messing up Annabelle’s stylish light-blue dress. Louise felt sure the label would belong to one of the big-name designers.

‘No, Leo! I’ve told you once and I’ll tell you again: no jumping up.’ Vito walked the dog over to Annabelle where she gave Leo a cuddle before reaching out and throwing her arms around Vito’s neck.

‘I’m so glad you could come, Vito. We’ve got so much catching up to do.’

‘Well, I couldn’t ask for two more beautiful companions.’ Louise was pleased to hear him sounding so complimentary and, just for a few

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