“You and I both know that trip to Naples was about the cute guy that worked at the pizza shop, not the pizza.”
They both burst out laughing.
“Well, he was really cute, and it was really, really good pizza.”
Aria was so thankful for her friend. She always brought light and joy into her life.
Corinna listed off all the movies they would binge-watch that day, vowing to stay in their pajamas.
“Maybe we could watch some of that French show I was telling you about,” Aria said.
“You know I hate to read subtitles,” Corinna said as they moved to the living room. She turned to look at Aria, who was making an exaggerated pleading face. “Fine.Let's look up your show.”
Grabbing the soft blanket that was draped over the sofa, Aria took control of the remote. When her fingers stopped, Corinna looked over at her, setting her cup on the table in front of them.
“What’s wrong? Can’t find it?”
Shaking her head, Aria answered, “I forgot. It’s mostly a love story.”
Corinna scooted over and laid her head on Aria’s shoulder. “We could, I don’t know, watch a slasher movie instead.”
Aria shrugged her shoulder, knocking her off it.
“You know I won’t sleep tonight if I do.”
Corinna met her eyes with a knowing grin. “Okay, let me choose one then.”
Aria sighed as she handed over the remote, leaning back on the sofa as she waited. When she saw the familiar movie pull up and start, she twisted her head toward her friend.
“Are you serious?”
“What?Everything is better after watching Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy,” she replied, picking up her plate and pretending not to notice Aria’s narrowing eyes.
By the time Elizabeth Bennet told off Mr. Darcy at the first dance scene of the movie, Aria was sighing happily.
She and Corinna spoke the famous line in time with the movie with a perfect British accent.
“Dancing. Even if one’s partner isbarelytolerable.”
They laughed out loud and Aria nestled into the blanket to enjoy the rest of the movie.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Pacing on Aria’sporch early the next morning, Alex tried her phone again when she didn’t answer the door.
He was afraid if he left her house to check her office, he might miss her return. Dialing her office, he hoped for the best.
“Good morning, Libre Stellari. This is Anna. How can I direct your call?”
“Good morning, this is Alex Rossi. Could I please speak to Aria?” he asked with hope in his voice.
“Oh, Mr. Rossi. So nice to hear from you again. I'm sorry, but Ms. Bianchi is out of the office today. May I take a message?”
“No, no. That's okay. Thank you so much,” he mumbled, his heart plummeting.
Pushing his hair back across his forehead, Alex started to feel hopeless. She hadn’t gone to work, and she wasn't at home. If she was at Corinna’s house, he didn't have their information.
When a text came from Bella, he ignored it.
