Under a Tuscan Sky. Karen Aldous

man was for real, Olivia picked up her wine glass and glugged wine nervously. Their plates still seemed full. Neither could finish the sumptuous meal but Olivia finished the last drops of the fine Chianti wine Alberto had chosen and wiped her brow.

      ‘Is it me or is it hot in here?’ She grabbed her water glass.

      ‘It is hot. We can get gelato in the street. I’ll get the bill and we’ll take a walk. It is cooler out there now and darker. Florence is so magnificent at night. It will charm you.’

      ‘Fresh air and a stroll around Florence – what more can a woman want? As lovely as it is here, I think the wine has gone to my head.’ Olivia, feeling thoroughly spoiled, poured herself another glass of chilled water as Alberto paid the bill.

      ***

      Olivia couldn’t recall such a blissful evening. Alberto was enchanting and answered many of her questions about his life and career. She learned that he was an excellent scholar and entered university at the Design School in Milan a year earlier than most, having completed his secondary education before any of his classmates.

      Then, spurred on by his professors, he completed his masters with distinction, knowing exactly where he was heading with his own electric car designs. He was vehemently determined they would be as eco-friendly as he could make them.

      He had investors and family opening their wallets before he was twenty, and after many trials and tribulations he’d had to overcome, like any worthwhile endeavour she imagined, he’d created one of the most successful electric cars on the European and world markets. A reputation he was currently building on.

      ‘Your parents must be so proud,’ Olivia said, catching her breath as they climbed a hill.

      ‘Yes, but they installed the genes and I suppose the drive. My sisters and brother are very hardworking too. One of my older sisters is a lawyer, a partner specializing in family law; the other is rising to the board of a bio-pharmaceutical company specializing in cancer and oncology drugs. They both have beautiful children and my mamma helps with the childcare. My younger brother is following in my father’s footsteps. He’s into econometrics, or economic statistical methods to you and me. He’s now a director for a bank and an adviser on its supervisory board. He is getting married next year.’

      ‘That’s impressive. What a lovely family. I feel quite humbled. A mere osteopath.’

      Alberto laughed. ‘You heal – what work is more vital? To help and heal another human being on a personal level is incredible, so tell me more. I want to know more about you. We sit here.’

      They sat on a bench at the Piazzale Michelangelo, Olivia grasping and capturing the sight with eager eyes.

      ‘Phew, wow. What a view.’ She gazed around at the panorama of the city. ‘Oh gosh, there’s not much at all to tell you. I was brought up by my grandparents in London. They were caring and lovely, but old. Even when I was young they seemed so old. The only person close enough to call a sister is my friend Chiara, who you would love, by the way.’ Olivia paused with a slant to her head and an affectionate smile. ‘Her family are from Italy, near Verona. I visited there once.’