Disappointment flickers across Delaney’s face, but she smiles regardless.
‘Sure.’
We settle the bill and take our time walking to the hotel, pointing out interesting things along the way: two kids sharing a gelato cone, snatching it back and forth; a tiny shrine to the Virgin Mary tucked into an alcove in the wall; a cat lounging on a front step, basking in the late-afternoon sun; washing strung between buildings, sheets billowing in the breeze; street signs hand-painted onto tiles…
The island is alive with charm and character and one day, we’ll return to showcase it on film.
Possibly.
When we arrive at the hotel, Vittorio catches sight of us and beelines across the lobby.
‘Signor James, Signorina Cole, did you see the news?’
‘That the ash cloud’s dispersed?’ I ask. ‘Yes – we saw that a little while ago. I’ve booked a flight out of Naples for tomorrow afternoon.’
‘Oh, you’re leaving us early,’ he says with a sad smile.
‘Only by a day – I need to return to London. My fiancée—’ I sense Delaney stiffen beside me and mentally kick myself. ‘I should get back.’ He nods sagely. ‘But it’s been lovely – and you’ve been great,’ I add hastily.
He seems to take this at face value and I’m about to head off to the room when he raises his hand to stop me.
‘Wait, are yousureyou don’t need the other room? True North said they would cover the cost.’
Delaney groans and I turn my head sharply in her direction, then back at Vittorio. ‘Sorry, what other room?’ I ask.
‘I told Signorina Cole this morning. A room opened up, here in the hotel.’
‘Nick, I?—’
‘Why didn’t you tell me?’ I ask her.
‘I… I thought we had it figured out.’
‘I slept on a bloody sun lounger last night. I still have a crick in my neck,’ I say through gritted teeth.
‘Mi scusi,’ says Vittorio and I tear my eyes from Delaney. ‘The bed – the one with wheels – it was not satisfactory?’
‘It was fine,’ I reply. ‘Just a little short for me, so I… Never mind. We’re grateful – thank you.’
‘So, the other room?’ he asks, glancing between us.
‘We’ll take it,’ I say. ‘Or ratherI’lltake it.’
‘Perfetto.’
He’s clearly pleased to be of help – especially after accidentally dobbing in Delaney. What was she thinking passing up a second room without discussing it with me? I would never have done that.
I follow Vittorio to the reception desk for the key and he gives me directions to the room, which is at the opposite end of the hotel. Even if I weren’t upset – which Iam– it’ll be good to have some distance between us, especially with how muddied things have become.
Delaney’s waiting near the stairs and I walk over.
‘I’ll come up and pack my things.’
‘Nick, I’m sorry. I?—’
‘It’s fine,’ I say, interrupting.
Her eyes dart away, and we go upstairs without saying anything more. When we get to the room, she waits on the balcony while I pack, which doesn’t take long, as I never really unpacked. I sling my duffel bag over my shoulder, then go out to the balcony. It’s probably best to saygoodbyenow while things are reasonably amicable between us. I reallydowant us to makeWhere the Road Endstogether – or whatever we end up calling it.