“Now,
Let Me Tell You What Really Happened…”
At age 40,
I was on my way to visit my first castle in Italy. All my life I have
dreamed of being in an actual castle. In fact, I think in my previous
life I lived during the medieval times. It feels like where I truly
belong.
I did not
want to come alone so I saved enough for my best bud, Simonne to tag
along. She was not difficult to convince. She heard Italy and
immediately said Italian men. I have to agree, seeing a few of them
will be a bonus to the trip. We are single ladies.
My heart
began beating so fast I thought I was going to pass out. The entrance
to Guaita Rocca (First Tower) of San Marino was more spectacular in
person than the travel brochure could possibly show. Looking at
Simonne, I do believe she thought the same. Wait, an Italian guide is
walking towards us. A big grin spread across Simonne’s face.
“Hello
there, my name is Celio and I will be your guide.”
“Hellooo.”
Simonne said extending her hand to shake his. Any excuse to touch him
I am sure.
I chuckled
knowing what she is probably thinking. Love my outgoing, sex fanatic,
and fun friend of the last twenty years. She brings the excitement to
any adventure.
I think she
caught Celio off guard. He was quiet but smiling. He gestured for us
all to follow.
He led us
through to a courtyard that had several stone pathways. One led up to
the main tower while the others led to other parts. The grass was a
gorgeous green. I wanted to take my shoes off and walk through it
barefoot. Love the feel of plush grass under my toes. The flower beds
were full of red, white, and pink colored flowers. Absolutely
stunning. I could hang out here forever.
I looked to
my right and caught a tall dark haired man staring at me. At least I
think it’s me he is staring at. I slowly turned to look behind
me. Nobody else there. I turned back to him. He was grinning. Great,
he saw me do that. Embarrassing.
He began
descending the stairs. He is heading this way I think. What do I say?
He reached
the edge of the grass, reached down to untie his shoes, pulled them
off, and stepped onto the grass. How could he have known that was
what I was thinking about? I closed my eyes for a few seconds, then
opened them. He was still there. I was frozen in my spot by the
grass. The rest of the tour group was already up at the tower.
Simonne was too busy flirting to realize I was not with the group.
It was only
me and him standing in the courtyard.
“Will
you join me?” He asked.
I
was speechless, but my feet were moving me toward him. I bent down,
took off my shoes and felt the lush grass under my toes.
Heaven.
I stopped a
few inches away from him.
“Feels
heavenly, yes.” He spoke again. He was close enough that I
could feel his warm breathe on my face. His cologne was out of this
world wonderful.
“Yes,
but won’t we be in trouble for this?” I asked.
“No
signs. No one here but us.”
“My
name is Tawny.” I said.
“Hi,
I am Alvise.” He reached for my hand and kissed it. I almost
fainted.
I did not
want this moment to end. A charming stranger kissing my hand just
like my dreams.
“Alvise.”
I repeated in a slow voice.
“Means
famous warrior.”
“Oh,
mine is light brown.” I touched my hair.
He
chuckled.
I snapped
out of my trance. What a dork I am. I can’t believe I said
that. Where is Simonne when I need her? She is the smooth talking
one.
“I
see. Very beautiful, Tawny.” He touched my hair.
Bucket
list. Castle, check. Hot Italian guy touched me, check. I can die
now.
“I
planted this grass. Best decision I believe. My father did not think
so.” Alvise said walking around looking at his feet.
“You
planted, must be the grounds keeper?”
“No.
This is my castle.” He chuckled.
“But,
how? This castle is very old and no one lives here. It is a tourist
site.”
“True.
It is my home. I do not lie.”
Ok, go with
it. He is too handsome to argue with. If he wants to believe it who
am I to say any different.
“Why
do you allow people to tour it?”
“It
is a beautiful home. I am proud of it. Plus, it brings me beautiful
women like you to it.” He kissed my hand again.
His kiss is
like a spell. I forget the craziness of this.
“Tawny.
Tawny.”
I could
hear someone faintly calling my name. All I want to do is stare at
this man’s gorgeous face.
Someone was
shaking me.
I looked at
Simonne.
“Earth
to Tawny.”
I heard her
laughing hysterically.
I looked at
my hand.
Bird poop!
Oh gross!
I bent down
to wipe it on the grass. I saw my shoes off. It was not a dream.
“Oh,
girl. You look like you were posing like a statue. No wonder the bird
dropped its poo on you!” She was rolling with laughter.
I glared at
her.
“Alvise
was telling me about his castle. This is him.” I said angrily
pointing to where he was standing.
“You
named the bird. Girl I need to get you out more.”
“No!
He is right there. Look!”
Simonne
shook her head and grabbed me.
“The
bird is right there.”
I looked
again, she was right. Just the bird was sitting there no Alvise. I
surely did not dream all this.
I looked up
where I saw him first.
Alvise was
smiling. He waved to me.
“Right
there!” I yelled and pointed.
“Have
you been drinking without me? Shame on you.”
Why can she
not see him?
“Ladies,
get off the grass! It is not to be walked on.” Said someone
yelling behind us.
“Sorry
sir. My friend seems to have a bit of jet lag.” Simonne yanked
me back onto the stone pathway. She ran across the grass to get my
shoes. She shoved them at me.
“Let’s
catch up to the rest. I am making headway with Celio. He has a friend
too, another guide.”
I do not
understand. I felt his kiss. I smelled his cologne. I did not imagine
it.
The
cologne. I can smell it.
“Stop.
He is here. I smell him.” I turned around. No one there.
Simonne
shook her head at me.
“I
have got to find you a man.”
Off we went
to catch up with the group. Every room that we toured, I could smell
him but not see him.
“This
is where Alvise spent most of his days.” Celio stated.
“Alvise?
You said?” I asked Celio the guide.
“Why
yes, he was the first owner of the castle.”
“But
that would make him very old and dead.” I said.
The whole
group busted out laughing.
“Yes,
you are correct.” Celio laughed.
No way had
this happened. I did not have my first encounter with a ghost.
We reached
the last room on the tour. The guide dismissed everyone and started
walking towards us.
“My
friend will be here in a minute. He is finishing up his tour.”
Celio said.
“Sounds
great. I am starving.” Simonne said.
“Here
he comes.”
I turned to
look in the direction Celio was looking. It is him.
“Hello
ladies. Good to meet you.”
“This
is my friend, Alvise.” Celio said.
I did a
double take. Celio saw my shocked expression.
“Yes
he is one of the castle relations. Way down the line of relatives, so
he is not dead.” Celio chuckled.
Alvise
kissed my hand. He made a face.
Oh, good
grief, he grabbed the one the bird pooped on!
“Sorry,
long story.” I stammered.
“While
we are eating, you must tell me, what really happened.” He
winked.
No, he is
not, is he?
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