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Not wanting to talk any more about his family, Roberto turned to Stasia. “Would you like to dance?”
Surprise lit up her eyes. “I would.”
“I have to warn you that I don’t dance often.”
“I bet you’re better than you think.”
He shook his head. He knew his limitations. Why exactly did he suggest dancing? It was obviously a moment of desperation.
To his relief, the music switched to a much slower, romantic ballad. He was a little better at this pace. And then Stasia stepped in front of him. She was so close. His heart beat faster. He wrapped his arm around her slender waist and automatically drew her closer. His heart pounded his ribs. His other hand reached for her much smaller hand, enjoying the feel of her smooth skin touching his.
Her jasmine scent wrapped around him. All the bad memories, stress and guilt disappeared as if in a puff of magic. The only thing on his mind now was Stasia and how much he enjoyed holding her as they moved around the floor. He’d never get enough of this.
All too soon the music stopped as the band took a break. Disappointment assailed him as he released her. His family and friends joined them at a large round table in the middle of the room. The birthday girl was at the center of the crowd. She looked ten years younger than her eighty years. And his grandmother continued to smile as she’d done all evening.
People pulled up chairs until they were sitting two and three chairs deep. He and Stasia were at the front, across the table from his grandparents. Moods were light and festive as champagne flooded.
“You two looked so amazing out on the dance floor,” his cousin said.
“I don’t know about me,” Roberto said. “I have two left feet.”
“You do not,” Stasia piped in. “You are quite talented.”
“All I know,” Gaia said, “is that you two look so much in love. Maybe you’ll be the next ones to get married.”
Stasia reached under the table and squeezed his hand. He knew she was nervous and he couldn’t blame her. His cousin could get carried away at times. But with his grandmother watching them like a hawk, he didn’t say a word.
As the party wound down and they made their way to their cabins, they were hand in hand. It just seemed like the thing a couple would do. And he found that he liked the physical connection—being tied to someone else. Even though it was a fake relationship, he liked that they were in it together. It was a confidence that was shared just between the two of them. It was a link he’d never shared with anyone, as he usually kept people at arm’s length.
And as hard as he tried to tell himself it was just a blossoming friendship, unlike the cordial relationship they’d entertained in recent years, this was so much different. She was warmer, funnier and livelier than he’d originally thought. In the beginning, she was reserved with people until she got to know them. Like with his grandmother, Stasia had held herself back. But something told him that if she spent much time with his outgoing grandmother it would all change. He wasn’t sure how he felt about it.
Because the more Stasia became comfortable with him and his family, the more comfortable he’d get with keeping her around for the long term. And he didn’t do long terms. He refused to end up like his parents, who were involved in a relationship, which was supposedly based on love, but they could barely stand to be in the same room with each other for more than five minutes.
But then there were his grandparents. They seemed to have overcome their problems. He couldn’t help but wonder if it was because they came from a generation that believed you toughed out the rough times no matter how bad or how miserable. That didn’t sound like something he wanted to try.
It was best for him to remain a bachelor, answering to no one and not having to worry about disappointing anyone.
DAY SIX
Split, Croatia
SHE JUST COULDN’T FOCUS.
Stasia sat in her cabin, having to reread the same paragraph three times. Each time she would get distracted with thoughts of Roberto. What was he doing now? Was he regretting their arrangement?
For as much work as she’d accomplished, she might as well have gone ashore. She had to admit, she’d been tempted. After all, there was Diocletian’s Palace, with its cathedral and bell tower to explore. But if she kept running off exploring, she’d never devise her five-year plan.
