Page 32 of Finding Love in the Clouds

“You moved out, so you no longer live in a multigenerational home then?” Fernando asked, praying it wasn’t so. If things moved forward with Sophie, living with her family under the same roof would be a massive adjustment, one he wasn’t sure he was prepared to make.

“Actually, yes, I share a home with my immediate family. My brother is engaged and will soon bring his wife into the home. Their children will be raised by my mother and father while we, the younger generation, work. It is the way things are done. The younger generation cares for the older generation, but the elders help raise the up-and-coming. It is a beautiful cycle.”

“But, what about privacy? I mean, Spanish families have lots of kids. How do you make them with so many people in the home?” Fernando was having a hard time wrapping his head around this living situation. “I was raised in a boy’s home with close to fifty other boys, and trust me, there wasnoprivacy. I can’t imagine giving that up voluntarily as an adult, especially where my wife and marriage are concerned.”

“You get creative, I guess. I can’t say for sure. I have never had a husband in the home, so I couldn’t tell you. All I know is that after working a ten-hour day, coming home to a clean house and a warm meal is heaven. If I need to vent about my day or cry about something, my mother and father, well stepfather, are there to lend me a shoulder to cry on and their combined years of wisdom.”

“I guess it is like when we all lived at home with Anthony and Hannah, well, except their’s was a marriage of convenience, and Anthony slept in the boy’s room with us while Hannah had the master bedroom to herself. The homecooked meal and words of wisdom part, I can understand, though. Her parents actually brought us homecooked meals most weekends. It was nice. What about an in-law suite on the opposite side of the house or a cottage on a different part of the property? Would that satisfy your cultural need to live together, or does it have to be under the same roof, right down the hall?” His mind was working a mile a minute to find a compromise for this obstacle that just ripped his potential plans right out from under him like an earthquake taking out a freeway.

“There are always options. All I’m saying is that where I live doesn’t matter as long as I am close to the ones I love. Do I see myself living in the hills while my family is over an hour away in Whittier? No, not really. I would want them to be closer. How close could be open to discussion. I would want my family to feel comfortable and welcome whatever arrangement was figured out that suited everyone’s needs.”

“I understand that. It makes sense. I can’t wait to meet your family. Looking back, I think it’s strange that we haven’t gotten together in all the years you’ve worked for me. I mean, you’ve met my family on numerous occasions, and they already consider you a part of the family,” Fernando commented thoughtfully.

“Really? How would that work, me bringing my billionaire boss home to my humble abode for dinner or my middle-class family to your Bel-Air mansion to dine on caviar and filet mignon?” Sophie scoffed.

“What? Do you think I’m too big of a snob to fit in at your home? Remember, I was raised in a charity house for unwanted boys. My clothes were the castoffs of the second-hand stores and parishioners.”

“You were a New York Times best-selling author at nineteen, and by twenty-one, your books were already being turned into TV series and movies. Two of which you actually starred in. You may have grown up poor, but you didn’t stay that way too long, and you were famous before then, hitting all the best parties with your arm candy. Uh-huh, I read the journals and watch the celebrity gossip shows on occasion,” Sophie argued.

“Yes, I networked. Not all of that was for me, by the way. My brothers were climbing out of the same dark hole I was in, and we hobnobbed with the sparkly people together. Any chance we got, we made the rounds and brought the BBC crew, as much as we could, into the social circles we gained access to. We all needed as much exposure as we could get. There is no way we would have made it as far as we have, at least not as fast, if it hadn’t been a team effort. And for the record, I didn’t make my first million until I was twenty-two. Which happens to be the first time I lived on my own. Up until then, I rented a bedroom in a house a bunch of movie crew rented from a director. Then I moved up to a bedroom in a garage apartment with a cameraman and his brother, who was an actor. I know what couch surfing feels like, and I pray I never have to eat another ramen noodle cup.” Fernando intertwined his finger with hers and rested their joined hands on his thigh. “I would love to meet your family and promise you I will not look down on them, whatever the setting. I will respectand honor them if for no other reason than they raised an amazing daughter who I cherish.”

Soft color rose in Sophie’s cheeks at the tender look that covered Fernando’s face. “I would be honored for you to meet them. When we get back, we can discuss a good time to make that happen and the best location for everyone.”

“It’s a date.” Fernando raised her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles before turning to look out the window as they entered the town of Assisi.

Sophie’s thoughts swirled at the implications of their conversation. Why was Fernando asking such pointed questions about her home life? Was he implying something more when he said, “It’s a date.” He just kissed her hand, and no one was watching.

Alicia stepped to the front of the bus before she could make heads or tails of what was happening between her and Fernando.

Chapter Thirty

“Welcome to Assisi, everyone! This town is a medieval gem, famous as the birthplace of St. Francis, one of the most revered saints in Catholicism. He founded the Franciscan Order here in the early 13th century. St. Francis is known for his vow of poverty and deep love for nature; his teachings of simplicity, compassion, and reverence for nature continue to inspire visitors from around the world.”

Pointing out the window, Alicia continued, “We’ll start with the Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This site is unique as it has two churches: the Upper Basilica with Gothic architecture, known for its stunning frescoes by Giotto, and the Lower Basilica with its Romanesque style and the tomb of St. Francis. Look out for the ribbed vaults and the large rose window in the Upper Basilica. After exploring the town’s historic center, we’ll ascend to the Rocca Maggiore, a medieval fortress perched atop the hilltop, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. From this vantage point, you’ll be treated to sweeping vistas of rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves, providing a glimpse into the timelessbeauty of the Umbrian landscape. Also, take note of the many monasteries around here. The monks and nuns often support themselves through farming, creating handmade goods, and offering retreats. Before we depart, I encourage you to look around Assisi, where you’ll find charming cafes, artisanal shops, and hidden courtyards waiting to be discovered. Don’t forget to pick up a handmade pottery souvenir.”

After exploring the basilica, Sophie and Fernando took some time to wander hand in hand through Assisi’s enchanting streets. Its medieval character enveloped them as they meandered down narrow, winding alleys paved with cobblestones worn smooth by centuries of foot traffic. The architecture spoke volumes of the town’s storied past, with stone buildings rising proudly on either side. The structures bore the marks of centuries, their rustic, weathered facades decorated with intricate carvings, ornate detailing, and wood-shuttered windows adorned with vibrant flower boxes that added bursts of color against the earth-toned walls hinting at a bygone era. Medieval archways spanned overhead, connecting buildings and casting dappled shadows on the streets below. As they strolled, they passed by artisan workshops where skilled craftsmen practiced age-old trades, their hands deftly shaping metal, wood, and clay. The scent of freshly baked bread mingled with the earthy aroma of leather, creating an intoxicating sensory experience. Moss-covered walls and ivy-clad facades added to the town’s timeless allure while the distant sound of church bells echoed through the narrow alleys. Sophie couldn’t help but marvel at the authenticity of it all, feeling as though she had stepped back in time.

She paused before a shop showcasing an exquisite collection of ceramics; the pottery’s vibrant hues and intricate designs were captivating. “Buongiorno,” the shopkeeper greeted them warmly as they entered. “Buongiorno! These hand-painted ceramics are beautiful,”she remarked. Admiring a display of colorful pieces, she decided to purchase a Deruta bud vase hand-painted in bright reds, yellows, and blues she knew her mother would love.

Fernando nodded in agreement, his eyes catching on a beautiful vase with a scalloped edge that he knew Hannah would appreciate. He picked it up, admiring the craftsmanship. Then, holding up a colorful, wide-bellied water pitcher for Sophie’s inspection, he smiled and said, “This will be a perfect memento for the trip and practical for my summer pool parties. The lemon design reminds me of Sorrento and Capri, the teal and blue accents of the Mediterranean waters, and the leaves of all the olive trees, even if they’re not the right kind.”

“Yes, it’s like all our destinations rolled into one souvenir that will do more than just collect dust,” Sophie agreed.

Climbing back on the bus a short time later, Fernando and Sophie settled in for the two-hour drive to Florence.

“Speaking about family earlier, I have a question,” Sophie said as she finished retrieving their afternoon meal from a paper bag and placing it on the flip-down trays on the back of the seats in front of them. As Fernando adjusted his seat, he looked over with curiosity. Sophie continued, “I was wondering if you have ever tried to locate your mother? You have the resources now to hire a private investigator. Why wait for her to come to you when you could possibly go to her.” She handed him a freshly made panino, the aroma of warm focaccia and savory fillings permeated the air, along with a chilled bottle of Limonata.

Fernando unwrapped his panino, admiring the layers of prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, and roasted peppers nestled between the golden slices of bread. “No, I haven’t. Well, that isn’t exactly true. When I first had a little pocket change, I tried. It was a dead end. Could I hire someone better now and try again? I could, but part of me is also a bit wary.She rejected me once already. I don’t know if I’m willing to give her a second chance to abandon me. I also have family that I love, and part of my logical side says I don’t need her in my life,” he stated before taking a sip of the Limonata, the tangy sweetness quenching his thirst.

“Yeah, but you said part of your obsession with M.C. is that she’s knocking you off the top of the best-seller lists, and if your fame isn’t big enough, your mom won’t find you or want you enough to be in your life. What if you just looked her up and found out for yourself once and for all if you want each other around?”

She took a bite of her panino, savoring the combination of flavors. “Mmm, this issogood! Have you noticed how everything in Italy is so fresh? I swear this basil was picked right off the bush before they put it in our sandwich. I can almost taste the green.”

Nodding in agreement, Fernando added, “That is one of my favorite things about this country; they don’t rush the food preparation.”

“Back to your mom, what are your thoughts on finding her? It seems like that is a massive unresolved part of your past that could be holding you back, whether it is specifically a fear or not,” Sophie pushed, not wanting to give up on the topic.

“You’re right; there’s a great deal of childhood trauma, for lack of a better word, revolving around my abandonment. Between my mom dropping me off on the doorstep of a firehouse within hours of giving birth, to the McKenzies and a handful of other families not adopting me, it can be a real struggle to remind myself as a grown man that I am worthy of love and my place in this world.” Sophie noticed Fernando didn’t make eye contact as he continued eating his lunch.

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