Jack of Hearts by Robin F. Gainey

Author:Robin F. Gainey
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Untreed Reads Publishing
Published: 2012-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

I was deep in thought when the terrazzo doors squeaked open.

The Contessa stood in the doorway, dressed, cappuccino in hand. “Che succede? What are you doing out there?”

There was no time to waste. I darted for the kitchen, crossing the threshold just as Grazia walked back up the slope from the winery. When she entered the kitchen, I gave my body a vigorous shake, dousing her with secondhand rain.

“Shimoni! What’s the matter with you?”

“He’s been huddled in the storm, under the table,” said the Contessa. “I just let him in.”

Grazia cast a cool glance my way. “Sulking? Don’t worry. The world will not end. Capisci?”

Too late. I understood. She had a secret. Who didn’t in this house? Still, I was aghast. It seemed as though the only creature left on earth of any dependability was dog itself. The rest were a fickle lot, indeed. The whole world was a jumble: La Donna Rosa and the Count, the Contessa and Umberto, Grazia and the winemaker. They were all pazzi. La Squisita and I would no doubt end up crazy, as well.

Grazia glowed from head to toe. She wore a gentle smile on her full lips as she adjusted her undergarments with a soft, discreet hand to her blouse. “Lunch?”

“Not for me, thanks,” said the Contessa. “Where’s Umberto?”

“At market, I think.”

The Contessa opened the patio door. She walked onto the wet flagstone. I followed as far as the door. I had no wish to return to the outdoors just yet. The rain stopped and thin rays of sunlight teased through the clouds. The ground steamed under the spotty light. The woman stood facing the villa. She examined the wall, putting a hand to her chin and wrinkling her brow.

Grazia stood at the door. “Something wrong, Signora?”

“No, no.” The Contessa paused. “I was just thinking. A fireplace in the bedroom is a nice idea. I found this picture in an old magazine. Un bello camino, no? Probably have to tear into the outside wall, though, for footing”

Grazia joined the Contessa on the patio. “Si, si. A big mess.” Grazia chuckled. “That will keep Umberto out of trouble for a while.”

Both women laughed. The Contessa let her eyes follow Grazia as she returned to the kitchen. Her laughter faded into thought. She returned a serious gaze to the villa wall. The rumble of Umberto’s truck pulled her down the hill to greet him. La Squisita’s jump from the cab was enough to lure me from safety in the kitchen.

“I have a problem,” the Contessa said when she met Umberto.

The man leered in her direction. “I know.” He snapped the gum in his mouth as he pulled several empty burlap bags from the truck bed.

Squisita and I bounced around the front of the vehicle, exchanging fleas and other intimate details.

The Contessa sounded annoyed. “Besides that.”

I stopped bouncing to better hear the conversation, but Squisita would not be still. She continued to dart and weave in an effort to entice me into joining the frivolity. I snapped a warning.

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