Page 34 of Putting Down Roots

“It means strength, endurance, protection, peace—but also change.”

“Symbolised by the changing seasons of the leaves.”

“Sometimes I forget you’re an artist.” I smile.

He dips his head down away from me, but he doesn’t deny it, which pleases me.

“Why did you have it done?”

“Have what done?” Anna sweeps into the kitchen carrying several bags of shopping. I shoot Luca a look, hopefully conveying that I’ll answer his question, but when we’re alone.

“Nothing.” I answer, rising to take some bags from Anna.

“You’re going tomorrow, why have you bought enough food for a week Anna?” Luca pauses, then his voice takes on a worried tone. “You are going tomorrow, aren’t you?”

“Relax, I know you want rid of me.” Anna beams a grin that takes in both of us. “But I wouldn’t be a good friend if I didn’t make sure you have a well-stocked fridge. You might be happy to starve yourself Lu, but you need to keep Jackson well fed.”

“I can do that. I can look after Jackson,” Luca protests.

“You can’t look after yourself. And pizza every night is not a proper meal.”

“I don’t think there’s a pizza place for miles.”

“Hence the need for all this food.”

“Hey, I’m right here,” I say, then immediately wish I hadn’t got in the middle of one of their spats, as they both unite in glaring at me.

I start unpacking the food and putting it away. Anna does have good taste and the ingredients are top-notch.

“Can we help tonight?” I’m no good at sitting doing nothing.

“Thanks, yes,” Anna replies. “You can start by opening that bottle of wine.”

CHAPTER 30

Luca

Anna has us both helping,and soon we’re sitting down to a simple meal of steak, with a creamy garlic mash and mangetout. The dining room is still covered in plans, so we sit round the kitchen island.

“I’m sorry I missed the cherry blossom,” Anna’s saying. “Lu said it was really pretty.”

“It was, but if you really want to see it, you should go to Japan,” Jackson explains. “It’s on a whole different scale and is a festival. They call it Sakura.”

I’d never heard of it before, but now I have I want to see it.

“When is it?” I ask.

“Usually at the end of March and early April. It varies slightly throughout the country, as the trees bloom later in the north.”

“You know a lot about it, have you been?” Anna asks.

“Yeah, a number of years ago. It’s definitely something that should be on everyone’s bucket list.”

“I’d love to see it,” I add. And Jackson gives me a big smile, like he knew I would say that.

Anna jumps up.

“I’m sorry I didn’t have time to make dessert, so shopbought will have to do.” She’s been spoiling us, and I’m sure we won’t eat half as well once she’s gone.

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