The walls were covered with black and white photographs that beckoned her closer. Some were candid shots of his family and friends, but others were of people and landscapes that made her wish she was right there in them.
She stepped closer to see some of the photos on the walls and marveled.
Breaking the silence, Alex explained, “Those were taken the last time I was in Malawi, Northern Africa, in a remote village. I fell in love with the people there during my three-month stay. I'd never seen such poverty or such joy. Their community and love for family, simplicity of needs and fervor for life touched my heart and honestly, changed me forever.”
“These are amazing. Such beautiful people. You definitely captured their joy,” she said, looking up at him in wonder.
One of the photos was of a little boy holding a toy truck, his smile making her heart ache.
Alex tentatively took her hand, Aria’s attention turned back to him as he brought her down to the sofa. He was moving slowly, apparently afraid of making any sudden movements that might scare her.
Alex sat next to her and spoke softly. The warmth of his hand was a welcome touch, and she didn’t realize until that moment how much she missed it.
“I am so very sorry about what happened the other night. I haven't been able to sleep or even function, worrying about what you must think.”
Looking down at their hands, Aria asked, “You said she was your ex-girlfriend, but that’s not what she told the taxi driver.”
Closing his eyes, he took a big breath in and then released it, his hand gripping her tightly.
“No. Please believe me when I tell you that I would never pursue you if I was in another relationship.”
“I want to believe that, Alex, but she didn’t seem to think it was over,” she answered, fidgeting in her seat, her eyes fixated on the floor in front of her.
She wasn’t sure she could make eye contact yet.
“It’s over, I promise you that. Bella and I have had an unusual relationship. She’s a model I met on a shoot in the Maldives. We dated long distance and spent time together when our schedules matched. We had similar career goals in mind and after two years, I thought we were headed for something more serious. We were in love, or so I thought. I made our relationship a priority over my career, but when I missed one of her big fashion events, she got very angry with me. I had no choice. I was stuck in Bolivia, but she was hurt, disappointed. She lashed out and said some hurtful things in retaliation, I guess. This was right before I left for my last assignment. Then I got a call from a friend.”
Alex stopped abruptly, making Aria look up at him.
Pain colored his face as he pulled his lips in, either trying to hold back tears or anger. Her instinct was to reach out to him, so she put her other hand on top of the one he was holding.
The touch must have been what he needed as he took a breath and continued.
“This, this friend called. He had seen Bella and another man in a compromising situation in a hotel in Paris. Sometimes I think she did it on purpose so I’d find out. I broke it off with her and stopped taking her calls. Haven't spoken to her since. Well, until the other night.”
Silence hung over them like a heavy blanket, Aria trying to process what she had just heard.
“So, why was she here? How did she know you were back in Positano?”
“I found out a few nights ago that Michael's agent was secretly taking photos during the shoot. He mentioned me in a post about Michael's new book,” Alex explained.
Aria was indignant.
“I had no idea. He shouldn’t have done that. I made it clear you requested it be a closed shoot for your privacy.”
“It’s not worth pursuing with him. What's done is done. Bella knows where my dad’s house is and when she didn't find me there, she took a chance and came to the marina. I forgot that I told her about the boat.”
Aria was quiet, taking it all in. Remembering that he said this house was fairly new, she asked, “Has she been here before?”
“This house? No. She’s never been here. Besides Sofia, you’re the only woman I’ve brought over.”
Aria blushed, her raised eyebrows signaling her surprise. When she spoke, her voice faltered.
“Does, does she want you back?”
Alex shifted in his seat, his face registering his internal struggle with the answer.
“I won’t lie to you, Aria. Yes, she does, but that will never happen.”
