Page 181 of Modern Romance January 2025 5-8

‘I thought we were in a rush.’

‘We are.’

‘It can’t be that much of a rush,’ Susie said, ‘if you’ve time to shave.’

‘Call an ambulance if ever I don’t,’ he teased, wiping his jaw and then pulling on a black shirt.

Within a matter of moments he was back to looking like aVoguemodel, elegant and polished, and soon they were headed out to the car.

‘It’s not fair,’ she grumbled as they sat inside.

‘What isn’t?’

‘How lovely you look in so little time.’

‘You look lovely, too,’ Dante said, looking at the mascara on her lashes, her glossy lips, her hair freshly brushed and worn down. ‘You’ve really helped with Gio.’

‘What happened?’

‘I’ll tell you when we’re there.’

‘I can’t wait.’

But for now it was nice to simply relax as the car took them out of town and into the gorgeous countryside. Dante showed her fields that in summer were a blaze of yellow, filled with sunflowers. Then the car slowed down as it climbed the hills and they passed a church that was somehow familiar.

Then she knew why. She recognised it from one of the many photos Gio had shown her. It was the church where Sev had married.

She glanced at Dante, who was going through the messages on his phone.

‘Is this it?’ she asked, as a sign for a winery came up, rustic and pretty and very Tuscan. ‘It’s gorgeous.’

‘That’s not it,’ he said, with an edge to his low voice. ‘That’s the De Santis winery.’

‘Oh, I’ve heard it’s good. Well, for cheap wine...’

‘It’s like vinegar,’ he said. ‘Always rushed through. It’s Sev’s wife’s...or rather his late wife’s family winery,’ he explained, and there was still that edge to his voice.

‘Rose?’

‘Rosa,’ he corrected, and it was as though he had to keep his mouth from curling with distaste just saying her name.

Susie knew there was a lot of tension around the wedding.

Looking out at the grey rolling clouds, she tried to remember who had told her what. Mimi had told her on their walks about Sev and Rosa’s wedding in the beautiful little church, and the tragedy of the funeral just a few months later. Gio, too, had shown her photos of his gorgeous family outside the church.

Susie hadn’t known Dante then—but she’d seen his cut and black eye.

‘We’re here,’ Dante said.

Unlike the De Santis winery, Casadio’s wasn’t quaint or rustic. The dark signage was sophisticated, the driveway long, and clearly it was a slick operation.

Dante parked, and as she climbed out Susie saw there was a large shop. Then they walked around the side, and spread before them was a hillside full of vines and a gorgeous outdoor area with tables.

‘Dante.’ A gentleman came out, all smiles, and greeted him effusively.

‘Susie, this is Christos.’ Dante introduced him. ‘Our manager.’

Christos led them up to a gorgeous restaurant that was every bit as luxurious as Pearla’s, yet very relaxed and spread out. He spoke in rapid Italian, but thankfully Dante translated easily.