Casanova LLC by Julia Whelan

Author:Julia Whelan [Whelan, Julia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

The day dawned bright and clear. After a simple breakfast in the garden, I motored Claire over to the island of Burano. I thought she’d fall in love with the lace, which had made the island famous. But beyond that, I knew she’d appreciate the colorful houses. Blue next to pink next to yellow next to orange.

I told her the history of the island on the way over, but in truth, I was not myself. I hadn’t slept at all, thanks to Jacopo, as my conscience warred with itself. Yes, I should tell her everything she didn’t know. But how much did the truth matter? Did it matter enough to not only ruin this weekend, but also her lingering love for her late husband?

But he didn’t deserve her devotion. Didn’t deserve it while he was alive, why should he have it for eternity?

But I didn’t deserve it either.

But I wanted it.

But what if I also wanted to tell her? Who I really am. The man hiding in the shadow of the fantasy. Then what? I wanted to keep talking about art and sex. But what if I also wanted to talk about dreams and desires, vulnerabilities, pain and longing? And, most frighteningly, the future?

No.

Better to leave the magic intact. Keep the magician intact.

Once again, what I wanted was the problem. The fact that I wanted anything at all was the problem.

We disembarked and I led her to a small lace shop. Everyone in this lagoon was a friend of my uncle’s, but guests were only brought to those who made quality products. This shop had been in the same family practically since lace was invented, and the current proprietor was the daughter of two of Jacopo’s best friends, Silvia and Luigi. She took her time explaining the craft to Claire, who, as with the palazzo, or the gondola workshop (or anything else she gave her attention to), had a wealth of questions. In the end, she pulled out her wallet and bought two lace placemats for two-hundred-fifty euro. She saw me watching. “It’s okay. I withdrew a grand from the company account before I left. Just in case.”

“In case what?” I teased. “In case I never picked you up at the airport?”

She grinned. But then she asked for them to be gift-wrapped.

We left the shop and I couldn’t help but ask, “A gift?”

“Don’t be jealous. They’re for Jacopo.”

“This is not a jealous why…but why?”

“For his boat.”

“That’s a lovely gesture, but if she’d known they were for Jacopo she would have given you a family discount.” I started walking back to the shop.

Claire’s hand landed on my forearm, tugging me to a stop. “That’s why I didn’t tell her. Let her make her money. Please. It’s my pleasure. Don’t refuse me my pleasure.”

Her mind was made up. I had to admit: there was something I liked about that. “At the very least, he doesn’t need two.”

“Maybe not right now. But who knows? Right?”

I’d never imagined him having a partnered life. I’d never even thought to ask him if he wanted that.

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