She had a few moments of frustration when she couldn’t get a few pieces to fit back perfectly, but remembering Luisa’s words, she carefully filled in the imperfect spaces with the gold bond.
Alex was right. She had found a strength she didn’t know she possessed over the last few years. As she continued to put the pieces of her bowl together, it started to take shape and resemble something new. Imagining what it looked like originally, she inspected the newly finished creation in front of her.
Leaning her elbows on the table and holding up her head in her folded hands, thoughts of what her life could look like going forward lit an ember in her soul.
Luisa’s melodic voice interrupted her thoughts. Aria looked up into the woman’s kind face, her eyes swimming with what seemed like depths of wisdom.
“What do you think of your bowl now that you’re finished?”
Aria considered the question for a few moments.
“I think I’m just beginning.”
A knowing smile spread across Luisa’s lovely face, and she nodded as she walked to the next table.
Making arrangements with Luisa to return the next day to pick up their bowls, which would need to dry, Aria and Alex left the studio, waving goodbye to their classmates and thanking her for a memorable class.
Chapter Forty-Four
A few days later,Aria and Alex walked hand-in-hand along the coastline, chatting about art and music. They had spent every spare moment together and she was happier than she’d been in so long.
She knew that he was waiting for details for his next assignment to come through. She went to ask him a dozen times about any updates, but could never get the nerve to do so, fearing what was to come when he did have to leave.
“You’re far away,” he said, looking down at her as he brought her to his side.
Inhaling sharply, she said, “Just something that’s been on my mind. I wanted to ask?—”
Just then her phone rang with a special tone, alerting her that a video call was coming through.
Digging through her purse, she saw that it was her mother.
“Oh, hold on just a minute, Alex. It's my mom,” she said as she walked away.
Thinking she’d seen disappointment flash in his eyes, she grimaced at the thought of having hurt his feelings. She just wasn’t ready to tell her parents about him yet.
“Hey, Mama. Wait, why are you calling me from the car?” Aria asked, confused when she saw her father at the wheel of his car, buildings buzzing past them.
“Because we're on our way to see you. Surprise!”
“Maria, she keeps telling you that you don't have to yell,” Aldo said, keeping his eyes on the road.
“You're on your way here? Now? To Positano?”Aria asked in shock.
“Yes. You won't come to us, so we're coming to you. It's been too long, daughter. We’ll be there by dinnertime. Don't worry. I'll cook once we get settled,” Maria said.
“Oh, okay, Mama. Drive safely. See you in a few hours,” Aria said as she ended the call.
Standing still for a moment trying to adjust to the news, she looked at Alex. He smiled weakly at her as she walked back to where he was standing.
“My parents are driving in from Rome as we speak. I had no idea. I'll have to take a raincheck on our plans for the next few days. I don't think they'll stay past the weekend, but I'm so sorry to cancel on you like this,” she said sheepishly.
“I understand. I know you've mentioned how much you miss them. It’s great they're coming to visit you. I'll see you once they leave then.”
He put his hand on her lower back to steer her toward his car. He was quiet and Aria tried to find the right thing to say.
“Alex, I haven't had a chance to talk to them about us, yet. Please don’t be upset. I need to figure out what exactly to say to them. And I have no idea how they’ll react. It wasn't something I wanted to do over the phone.”
“I understand, Aria. I told you I’d give you time for all of this. You’ll let me knowwhen you’re ready.”
