-POV ENZO-
Spending that time with Marina was definitely easier for me than all the disaster that has happened since we met on the plane. Their expressions were easier to understand, it was something that mixed excitement and joy. Her laughter spread to me as she told me how her day had been and that my script had not been strictly followed. I almost worried when she said she got lost a few times, even though I knew she was safe with Raoul around, even though she didn't know it herself. We decided to return to the hotel when we realized that it was just after ten o'clock at night and agreed to continue the tour the next day.
The next morning we left the hotel around eight o'clock and when I asked her if there was any specific place she would like to visit, she told me that she was looking forward to seeing the Cathedral Santa Maria Del Fiori. It was delightful to see the sparkle in his eyes, admired by the architecture and beauty as soon as we arrived at Piazza Del Fiori.
- I dream of knowing this place since Ezio ... - She stopped talking at the same moment she mentioned the name and seemed to be quite embarrassed. Which made me tense. Who was this guy? - It's too beautiful here. - she continued after a moment, trying to change the subject.
I couldn't let it go, the fact that she was here with me and yet thinking about another guy made me taste bitter in my mouth. I had to know.
- Ezio? - I said looking at her.
- Do you promise not to judge? - She said with an embarrassed look. To judge? Now I was getting worried. I nodded that no, curiosity was consuming me.
- Ezio Auditori. - She said with a sigh, as if confessing.
I stayed still, waiting for her to finish explaining to me who he was, with a slight pang of irritation growing inside me. But who the hell was Ezio Auditori?
- Ezio Auditori da Firenzi from the game Assassin's Creed 2. Have you never played? He does parkour across the rooftops of this city, including the roof of this cathedral. Since I played Ezio's trilogy, I've been dying to know all of this here.
I remained silent, half shocked and trying to hold back the urge to laugh that was growing inside me. But it was in vain, I laughed as soon as she punched my shoulder when she realized what was going on.
She rolled her eyes before continuing to walk in front of me, but she wasn't really upset this time. I would never imagine that she would like video games. She was really different from the women I was used to dealing with. And every minute I admired her more.
We went to a few more places that I wanted to show it to and decided to go to lunch next.
We arrived at the restaurant and decided on our dishes, in fact Marina was looking at the menu for a long time and seemed a little confused about what to choose, so I offered to help her with her order. She accepted and I ordered a Cacio and Pepe for her. Simple, tasty and spicy, just like her.
From the moment we met, I had a hard time interpreting Marina's expressions, and now it was no different. But now she was looking at me with a different look than I was used to.
- What's it? - I asked curious.
- I'm really going to need some Italian lessons. You may have just ordered me a chayote sandwich and I won't know until the dish arrives.
I couldn't help the laugh that came instantly.
- Stop laughing, it's not funny. - she said smiling too.
- I don't think any restaurant in the world serves "panino al chayote", but you can give the chef a suggestion. - I replied, still enjoying the situation.
In a few moments I saw her staring at the window, with a lost look. I had no idea of his thoughts, but I knew they were far away.
- Is everything okay Nina? - I had to ask.
- Yes it is. I'm just thinking. I can't believe it's already tomorrow, I'm a little nervous. No, I'm fucking nervous to be honest. - She said and I liked the sincerity.
- No need for that, you're more than ready. And I will be with you, all the time. - I said, trying to pass a little security to her. But Nina babbled something that I couldn't quite understand.
- What? - I asked.
- Sorry, I was thinking out loud. - she said, looking a little embarrassed.
- I see. Well, the truth is, I'm dying to know what you were thinking of me. - I replied, without taking my eyes from hers.
- You deconcentrate me Vincenzo Barbieri. - she replied, and fuck I wasn't expecting for that. I thought fast, even though I love to know that I had messed with her. It was my chance and I would take it.
- Only that? Because you do so much more than just distract me. - I said quickly, trying to make the most of the moment that she had inadvertently or on purpose, had provided me.
Before she could answer me the waiter came back with our orders. Fuck. But I was not going to give up.
Nina said she loved the dish and I was happy that my choice pleased her. But I was still looking forward to continuing the conversation that we had started. We finished our lunch and left the restaurant.
- So, where do you want to go now? An ice cream before we go back to the hotel? - I asked, but I was interrupted by my damn cell phone. It was Olivia, my secretary and I needed to answer.
I excused Nina and took the call. It didn't take long, but when I returned, her mood seemed to have changed again. I don't know if I would get used to it one day but somehow I was willing to try.
Nina refused the ice cream and said she preferred to return to the hotel and that she was not feeling well. I agreed, since she assured me she didn't need to see a doctor, it was just an indisposition for having eaten too fast. Then we returned to the hotel, which was strangely more crowded than when we left in the morning. I walked with Nina to her bedroom door.
- Nina, in need of anything, please be sure to let me know. - I told her.
- Alright. - she told me.
I waited for her to enter the room and went to mine. I worked a little on my laptop for a few hours but it was difficult to concentrate. I couldn't help thinking about Nina and if she was okay. I tried a bath to relax, but it didn't work either. So I decided to go to the hotel bar, it was already dark and maybe Nina would agree to join me for a drink or two.
I had already taken two shots of whiskey, I decided to send her a message asking how she was doing and if she wanted to join me, but after five minutes without an answer and two missed calls, I decided to go to the reception to call directly to her room.
- Buonasera signori. How can I help you?
- I need you to call room 1102 for me please. - I said.
- Sorry sir? - said the receptionist, a little puzzled.
- I need to talk to the girl from room 1102, she came with me, I'm at 1104. - I said.
- Yes of course. - he said, picking up the phone.
- I'm sorry sir, but nobody answers in that room. - he answered me after a few moments looking at me with a landscape face.
Damn, did something happen? She said she wasn't feeling well and now she doesn't answer the fucking telephone or her cell phone.
- Okay, I'll need the room key. - I said.
- Sir, unfortunately it won't be possible. It is against our privacy policy. - said the receptionist.
- But what? I know her, Marina Maia, she was with me earlier today and said she was not feeling well. I haven't heard from her since we had lunch. I called her and you called and she didn't answer. Aren't you worried?
- Sir, have you considered the possibility of her leaving or simply not wanting to attend to you? - he had the audacity to say.
- What the fuck? - I said.
- Can I help with anything else? - he asked me.
- No grazie, but I think this could help you. - I said, discreetly handing him a hundred euro bill.
- A moment, signori. - he replied while calling someone. Damn it, I would still be kicked out of the hotel for a bribe.
He whispered in the man's ear and then came towards me.
- What? - I asked.
- Didn't you want to go to the room 1102? Come on, quickly. - he replied.
I was so nervous that I only thought about what to say to Marina when the receptionist was opening the door, my heart cold.
And there she was, in the deepest sleep. Snoring.
We stood at the door without moving.
- Looks like your Fiona is asleep. Or in a coma. - he said.
- Shut the fuck up. - I answered.