The Inheritance: Chapter 5 - Part II (Updated 11/14)
eefje00704:
same here!
dnog86:
Very nice chapter!!! I can't wait for you to go on with this story ^_^.
CuriousSimmer:
Hey all! I'm back from a short vacation with an update (or two) on the way.
CuriousSimmer:
The Inheritance
Chapter 3 - Part VII
August 1964
A week later, Adela came over to share some bad news...
"We've been evicted," she said, handing showing me the order. "We have thirty days to move out.
"What? Evicted?" I demanded, taking the paper from her. I gave it a glance. "REI has chosen not to offer a renewed lease of your premises."
"Who are these REI clowns?" Adela demanded angrily.
I hesitated. "My son works for them as a courier."
"Andre?" she asked.
I nodded. "He's at school right now, but when he gets home I'll ask him. I'm expecting him any time."
"I just can't believe it," Adela said. "After all this time, they want to kick us out?"
"Do you need somewhere to stay?" I asked. "Mother Moretti's visiting her sister in Venice, I'll call and ask if you can use her guest room."
"No, I'm sure we'll be fine," said Adela. She gave me a thankful smile. "But thank you very much."
The door opened and closed and I turned to see Andre walking into the living room. "Hi, mom, Mrs. de Luca."
"Andre--" I was interrupted by the ring of the telephone.
"I'll get it." He went over to the phone, picked it up. "Hello? Yes, just a second. Mom, it's Mr. Esposito."
"I'm sorry, Adela, I need to--Andre, watch your sister, I'm going out."
I launched out of the chair and was out the door before either could say another word.
Five minutes later...
I knocked on the door and Paolo called from inside that the door was open. I walked in to find him pouring drinks at the bar. "Come in, Elizabeth. Have yourself a drink."
"Is it...Paolo, is it bad?" I asked, my voice trembling.
"Have a drink," he insisted and handed a tumbler to me. He took a sip, watching me. I downed it in one long draw and set it down. "Fair enough. Let's sit down."
"Paolo," I said as I settled onto the sofa. "Please, I need to know."
"Are you sure about this?" Paolo said. "No matter what I say, that's it--it's out there and I can't take it back."
I closed my eyes and shook my head thoughtfully. For a few moments I sat in silence before finally saying, "Yes. Tell me."
"Your husband is sleeping with his chief of staff."
The tears came before I could stop them. I wiped my nose with the back of my hand as my life flashed before my eyes. Only it wasn't my past that I saw; it was a future that was cold and lonely, without Dante.
"You're sure?" I finally managed, my voice cracking.
"Yes," said Paolo. "I'm sorry."
Paolo stood to fix me another drink. I sat there, my shoulders heaving, the silence broken only by the strangled sobs that escaped my throat. He brought a tray of drinks; I took one, downed it at once, and found myself coughing even as I reached for another.
"Elizabeth, are you..."
"Don't. Just...don't say anything." I took another drink.
I was never a heavy drinker. To be honest, I seldom drank than more than a glass of wine or two with dinner. But the drink felt good, and the next, and the next.
Paolo hesitated, but relented to my requests for more. When I finally got a grip and realized how drunk I was, I sat slumped against the armrest of the sofa, sobbing for the loss of my marriage and my dignity. Paolo came to sit next to me and hugged me against his chest.
"There there," he said quietly. "I can't imagine how you must feel, but you have to hold it together. All right, Elizabeth?" He raised my chin so he was looking into my face.
"I'll try," I slurred, leaning forward to balance myself.
"Be strong," he said, pulling me closer. And even without thinking or deciding, our lips met. He pressed forward, kissing me, and for a moment I wanted to return the kiss, and then--
"No," I said. "No. I'm married!"
"I'm sorry," he said. "I'll...I'm sorry."
I didn't hear his apology; I had finally passed out. Paolo let me lay across the sofa and went to clean up all the glasses.
I slept fitfully, dreaming of the day I met Dante, pondering what it would have been like if I had known he would break my heart. I slept, knowing that someone was watching over me, but never thinking for a moment...
...that my guardian might have cruel intentions.
dnog86:
wow You left me absolutely in suspense with this chapter ^_^ I can't wait for more!!!
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