Page 42 of The Unraveling of Julia

“I told you I had excellent contacts. I sent them pictures. There is a class who will buy sight unseen.”

“Do they realize how much work it needs?”

Franco hesitated. “They want to tear it down.”

“Tear itdown?” Julia asked, aghast. She rejected the notion, but had a second thought. Her brain was so jumbled, so were her emotions. Maybe Courtney was right, and she should sell. This place had been nothing but a house of horrors, especially after last night.

Anna Mattia scowled, turning to the sink.

Franco was saying, “Julia, teardowns are an option for these buyers. This couple has a villa on Lake Como and they want to buy here. They intend to rebuild the villa, compatible with the region and zoning. The property will be beautiful again. The vineyard can come back. He’s a wine connoisseur, he wants to dabble as a vintner.” Franco’s tone turned pleading. “This offer is excellent. Please, be reasonable.”

Julia rubbed her forehead. She couldn’tdestroya villa that meant so much to Rossi. “My answer is no, for a teardown.”

“But why? You said it was a ruin. Itis.”

“I just can’t do it. No teardowns.”

Franco groaned. “Don’t you want to think about it? We have time.”

“No. Now I have to go. Thank you.”

“Certainly, thank you,” Franco said, rallying.

“Goodbye.” Julia hung up, meeting Anna Mattia’s eye. “Okay? No teardowns?”

Anna Mattia smiled slightly, which was all she had to say.

Julia pocketed her phone and finished the last of her eggs. She rose, gathering her silverware, plate, and dirty napkin. She was crossing to the sink when Anna Mattia intercepted her, taking her plate and meeting her eye.

“Signora, I go church today, I pray for you. God will ’elp you not to suffer.”

Aw.“Thank you,” Julia said, meaning it. She’d take all the help she could get.

They both turned to the unaccustomed sound of an engine in the driveway. Julia realized it was Gianluca, but seeing him was the last thing she was up for, after last night. “That’s him.”

“Okay.” Anna Mattia began rinsing the plate, and Julia went outside to find Gianluca standing with a shiny red motorcycle that readDucation the side. It was large, with a short, slanted windshield and a sleekly aerodynamic design. Its chrome exhaust pipes gleamed in the sun, and on its black leather seat rested two gray helmets.

“Didn’t we agree no motorcycles?” Julia asked, dismayed.

“We agreed noVespas.” Gianluca grinned, walking over and greeting her European-style, with kisses on the cheeks. “You look great.”

“Thank you.” Julia hadn’t tried to look great. It had been all she could do to get it together. She had on a white turtleneck to hide her neck scratches, a light white cotton sweater, and jeans. Meanwhile Gianluca looked handsome in his skinny jeans, black quilted jacket, and another cool scarf. But they were just friends, and it was herwedding anniversary.

“A motorcycle is the best way to see Tuscany. You’re going to love it. Don’t worry.”

“Iamworried.” Julia had to come clean. “Gianluca, if we were on a highway with a lot of traffic and a lot of people, I’d be nervous.”

“Got it.” Gianluca raised a hand. “Then we can avoid the highways altogether. We can drive slowly and take the back roads. Truly, it’s more scenic anyway. It will take longer, but that’s fine with me, and if you feel uncomfortable, you let me know. Okay?”

“Really?” Julia didn’t know what to do. She was too tired to fight with him and she wanted to go to Forlì.

“I promise, you’ll be fine.”

“Okay,” Julia agreed reluctantly.

“By the way, I brought you some books about Caterina Sforza. My friend at another library had them.” Gianluca slipped off a black backpack. “Here.”

“Thanks,” Julia said, grateful. She took the heavy backpack as Anna Mattia arrived at her elbow. “Anna Mattia Vesta, this is Gianluca Moretti.”

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