Page 16 of Two Chances With You

“I don’t think she’s dating anyone.” Pallina says it intentionally, with a smile on her face, thinking I’ll be happy to hear it. “Well, I’m not interested in Babi.”

She makes an incredulous face when she hears my response. “You what?”

“I’m not interested in her. Seriously. And anyway, a wise man once said that if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere. And I think I’ve made it there.”

“I understand. It wasn’t someone. It wasAs Good As It Gets. Okay, I believe you.” She smiles and lifts an eyebrow.

I take another drink of beer. “Listen, I’m really not interested in her.”

“Then why are you telling me again?”

I stand up and pick up the check.

“What are you doing, heading out?”

“Yes, but first I’m going to pay.”

Pallina seems a little disappointed: “Are we going to see you one of these days, or are you leaving again right away?”

“No, I’m staying.”

“Give me your number, that way I can track you down.”

“I don’t know it by heart.”

She looks at me with her funny face. She tilts her head to one side, and she stares at me. She’s more attractive, more of a woman. And I care deeply for her. But she doesn’t believe me.

“All right then, I’ll give you a call. Or else call my brother’s house. Just call the old number, he kept it when he moved.”

She relaxes. She stands up and gives me a kiss. “Ciao, Step. Welcome home.” And she goes off to join her friends.

Chapter 5

The motorcycle starts up immediately. The battery has recovered without problems. First gear, second, third. In a matter of seconds, I’m riding along under the viaduct on Corso Francia. I’m reminded of something I want, and I make a U-turn.

I go to buy two slices of watermelon from an old friend at the Ponte Milvio. I hadn’t seen him in forever so he gives them to me for free. He has the tastiest watermelons in Rome.

He asks me if I’ve come home because of a girl. There’s nothing more amusing than trading details with a friend. Especially if the girl hasn’t captured your heart. Not like back then. Not like withher. I’ve never told any other guy anything about Babi. Not even Pollo.

Nothing, there’s nothing to be done. When the love you’ve lost comes back looking for you, it finds you easily. It doesn’t bother to knock. It just barges in, rough and ready, rude and gorgeous as only love knows how to be. And in fact, in less time than it takes to think it, I’m lost in that color again, in the blue of her eyes. Babi. That day.

“Come on, get moving. It’s taking you forever.”

The beach at Sabaudia. The sea. The motorcycle, parked under a pine tree, near the sand dunes.

“Huh? Step, I don’t understand you. Do you want gelato or don’t you?”

I was bent over, locking my bike with the chain. “What do you mean, you don’t understand? You’re a real comedian. I told you, no, Babi. Thanks but no.”

“No, of course, you do. I know you do.” Babi, sweet and stubborn.

“Well, in that case, why do you even bother asking? Plus, what do you think, Babi, if I wanted it, don’t you think I’d get some? It’s cheap.”

“There, you see what you’re like. The first thing you think about is money. You’re just a cynic.”

“Huh? No, I wasn’t saying it because a popsicle is cheap. What do you care, Babi? You can get it, and if you don’t want it, you just throw it away.”

Babi walked over with a couple of popsicles in her hand. “And sure enough, I bought two. Here, orange flavored for me, and mint flavored for you.”

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