Page 33 of Under A Sicilian Sky
‘Evening. Are you okay?’ Mitch asked.
She tried to stifle a yawn but failed. ‘I’m fine, thank you, why?’
‘You’ve been up here ages and I got concerned when I couldn’t hear you talking on your phone or anything.’
‘Ah, sorry, yes. I think the wine just got to me, that’s all.’
He nodded and leaned against the door jamb. ‘I see your bodyguard is looking after you,’ he said with a nod towards the snoring dog.’
Ruby giggled. ‘Oh yes, woe betide anyone who dares to try and get in.’ As if he knew he was being talked about, Nero awoke and lifted his head. He sneezed and rolled over onto his back, sticking his legs in the air.
‘There’s not many bodyguards that behave like that,’ Mitch said with a chuckle and Ruby laughed. ‘Anyway, Jaco said he escorted you along to the next property.’
Wondering why he was being so inquisitive, she folded her arms across her chest. ‘That’s right. I’ve made friends with your neighbour, Clark. Lovely chap. Very friendly.’ She cocked her head at him and awaited his reaction.
He scrunched his brow. ‘Right… right. How long is he here for? Clark, I mean.’
She stared at him with a frown. ‘I presume he’ll be here a while. It’s his house after all. Why?’
He shrugged. ‘No reason. I just didn’t know I had “neighbours”, that’s all.’ His use of air quotes annoyed her.
‘Well, of course you do. His parents have owned the place for years.’
His eyebrows raised. ‘Is that right?’ He rubbed at the stubble on his chin. ‘Funny, it’s been a holiday rental, or some kind of Airbnb, for as long as I can remember.’
She huffed, feeling a little tired of his silent insinuations. ‘I think you’ll find you’re mistaken. Clark and his family used to come out here during the summer.’ She lifted her chin. ‘But they’re quite a private family.’
He chewed the inside of his cheek for a moment. ‘Right. Okay… well, I’ve made gnocchi alla Sorrentina if you fancy it. There’s plenty. And the light bulb in the kitchen has been replaced, no need for candles.’ She saw a flash of a smile when he said that.
She hadn’t the heart to tell him she’d eaten a large lunch. ‘Oh, lovely, thank you. I’ll stick a black top on and be down in a sec.’ She smiled in return and was happy to see his mouth fully turn up at the corners.
‘Good plan. See you down there. I’ll take your friend back to his owner, eh?’
Ruby nodded.
‘Nerone, forza ragazzo!’ Nero jumped from the bed and scuttled off after Mitch.
* * *
The food smelled amazing and even though she had eaten quite heartily only a few hours earlier, her stomach grumbled and gurgled in anticipation. She took her seat at the table as Mitch served the meal.
‘So, what is gnocchi alla Sorrentina?’
He took his seat opposite her. ‘It’s potato gnocchi baked in a tomato sauce and topped with mozzarella and fresh basil. Really tasty. Vegetarian too.’
‘That sounds lovely, and it smells incredible.’ He had piled rather too much on her plate and she huffed. ‘Although I probably won’t be able to eat much. I had a big lunch with Clark.’ She cringed.
Mitch nodded. ‘So, what else do you know about Clark then?’ he asked as they tucked in.
Ruby chewed her first mouthful as she pondered how much, if anything, to divulge, but once again her tastebuds were brought to life by the tantalising flavours of the fresh ingredients, and she forgot to answer. He could certainly cook. Remembering he had asked her a question, she rolled her eyes. ‘Plenty. I know plenty about him.’ She changed the subject. ‘Sicily is beautiful. I can see why so many people fall in love with the place. I bet it’s incredible in summer.’ As if he took the hint, Mitch told her about the beaches and clear turquoise seas situated not so far away, and as she relished the delectable meal before her, delighting in the fragrance of the fresh basil and the crisp fruitiness of the wine, she relaxed into the pleasant conversation.
Before too long, however, Mitch managed to bring them back to her new friend. ‘I take it you haven’t revealed your true identity? To Clark, I mean. And he is still pleading ignorance?’
Ruby placed her fork down. ‘Look, I know you don’t really know me, so forgive me for my bluntness, but I’m not some stupid teenager who gives her personal information out to all and sundry, and he hasn’t called the newspapers, so…’
Mitch chewed thoughtfully. ‘I’ll take that as a no then.’
She huffed.
