Chapter 21: CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Dwight and Savannah rose almost at the crack of dawn. After showering and dressing, they made their way to Ca' Rezzonico. They stopped at a small café on the street and ate the best sweet cakes they had ever tasted. That had been 30 minutes before, and Savannah was still stuffed. They stared in amazement at the elaborate chandeliers hanging from the high ceilings and admired the baroque paintings and tapestries hung carefully on the walls. They walked through the halls of the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, staring at the works of Picasso and Dali, perched so artistically against white walls. Savannah devoted a few moments of silence to Peggy herself as they walked pass her grave outside in the garden.

Dwight held her hand as they stood in the middle of the piazza San Marco. They took pictures in front of St. Mark’s basilica. Savannah ran her fingers along the walls inside Doge’s Palace and afterwards they posed again under the large clock tower, Torre dell’Orologio.

While sitting in the gondola, they smiled at the Italian song of the gondolier operator. They drifted down the Grand Canal, faces shiny with perspiration. Patrons at restaurants above smiled down and a few waved to them. The ride was smooth and before long, Savannah was pressed against Dwight’s chest, her breathing slowed to a rhythmic pace. By the time they reached the other side of the canal, it was darker, and she felt like she was floating above herself.

Dwight kissed her forehead. “You look like you’re half asleep.”

“We’ve been all over Italy. I think I’ve earned a nap.” She followed Dwight to the small street.

“Considering that it’s nighttime, you may want to go to bed instead.”

Once back in the hotel, Savannah watched Dwight undress. Lying in bed she could already feel his hands on her body. He had spent all last night rubbing her back and stroking her arms to the point that she felt her body humming beneath his touch. He kissed her shoulder and pulled her closer to him.

“Dwight?”

“Hmm?”

“Have you thought about the fact that this might not be forever?”

“Yes.” His body tensed. "But it's what I want."

Savannah placed her fingers against his chest, her eyes heavy with fatigue, her mind heavy with thought. She was so incredibly bad at flings. She had resigned herself to accepting that this thing with Dwight was only temporary and that she should have as much fun as her body and soul could handle. Dwight confused that belief of hers when he held her, or talked to her, or looked at her. His touch was that of a man who knew that the woman beneath his fingers would always be there. His words spoke about growing old and watching their children grow up. The cells in her body threatened her chance to experience that. Dwight had to know what could happen.

“How can you be so sure?” She sat up to look at him. His face had softened with sleep. His eyes opened slowly, and he brushed his finger against her cheek.

“I know you are worried about your health. I am too. I cannot pretend that what is happening to us is not real. But it is happening to us, Savannah. Me and you. I love you. I’ll be here as long as you are here.” His voice broke and his eyes fluttered open. The tears in the corners of his eyes sparkled with the light from the moon that had taken up residence right outside their window. “I love you.”

*****

Dwight held out a small piece of watermelon to Savannah. She leaned forward and hungrily plucked it from the fork with her teeth. “So delicious.”

They had spent two whole days tucked away in the privacy of their room. He had nearly proposed to her a few nights ago, when she looked so earnestly into his eyes, her very soul begging for a vow, a promise. She was afraid and unsure, and he wanted to whip out that ring and show her that he was for real. He meant it. But she deserved better than a proposal while they were both sleepy. The two days in the room had not been uneventful either.

Room service was getting a workout as they ordered succulent cuts of meat, delicious desserts, and sinful delicacies. They cuddled and watched old movies on the television they had found tucked behind a wall panel. They took several long baths together, relishing in the feel of being so bare and so close. And at night they reached for each other, silent promises on swollen lips and love and affection in each stroke.

“It’s warming up.” Savannah stood and unwrapped the sari that she had tied around her waist. The two-piece bathing suit beneath it was perfect for her frame. The electric blue fabric highlighted her brown skin. Her hair, crinkly with the hot air blew wildly in all directions. She laughed freely and smiled lovingly at him. “Stop staring and come on!” She raced towards the tides of the beach and threw herself into them. He watched her for a while, taking his shirt off and tossing it onto the towel nearby. He caught sight of a few men and even women, staring at the raven-haired beauty frolicking in the water, squealing with delight. He joined her.

Moments later, they were warming their bodies on the outstretched towels given to them by the hotel. “Are you hungry?” Savannah shielded her eyes from the sun.

“What did you bring?” He peered into the large picnic basket he lugged from the car.

“Sandwiches, grapes, cheese, water, a little bit of wine. Chips, crackers, celery and fruit roll ups.”

“Fruit roll ups?” He laughed.

“Hey, I’ve gotten used to them.”

They ate and talked. Savannah talked about work and all the places she wanted to travel. Dwight talked about Izzy and the fears he faced as a single father. They both shared concerns about their children growing up in such a crazy world. A man approached the two of them. Savannah felt Dwight tense up, so she scooted further behind him.

“Excuse me, signore. I was wondering if you and the lady wanted to have your picture taken? We’re running a special.”

“Why not?” Savannah pulled Dwight closer to her and gave her best smile. She draped her arms around his neck. Dwight grabbed onto her arms with his. The man took two pictures and handed them a receipt and nodded to where they can claim the photos.

“This Alex person must be a real satisfied client. This is a very lovely trip.” She bit into a piece of cheese.

“He would say he is. He’s offered me a job in Seattle with his main company. I would oversee the finances and report directly to him. He’s found a house for me and everything.”

“That sounds like a great opportunity.” The smile that had spread across her lips had not managed to meet her eyes.

“Don’t worry, I’m not leaving. You and the boys are here.” He glanced toward the sky. “Those look like rain clouds. We should go.”

When they arrived at the hotel, their bags were removed from their hands and whisked toward the elevators. Frederico glided forward, his arm extended upward. “How was your outing?”

“Wonderful.”

“Very good.” Frederico turned to Savannah. “Signore Clarke had a question about the bill. Do you mind if Antonio escorts you to your room?”

“That’s no problem. See you in a little bit.”

When Savannah turned the corner, Frederico leaned into Dwight. “I just wanted to tell you that everything has been arranged. I checked and then rechecked your list to make sure that we had everything right. Saturday will be very special!”

Dwight nodded happily and joined Savannah in the room. He assured her that everything with the bill was fine and headed to take a shower.

Savannah stood in the marble shower of the master bedroom and let the hot water cascade down her body. The sun had felt marvelous against her skin. She was incredibly exhausted. She wasn’t sure of what was happening with her body, but the uninvited guest that had set up residence there was surely to blame. She’d had a good time, but Dwight seemed distracted, nervous. She caught him looking at her and when she turned to look also, his head snapped in the other direction. A few times he smiled at her wistfully. Once he reached out and touched her cheek. He was acting weird. Maybe the jet lag was taking its toll. She rinsed the final suds of soap from her body and nearly collapsed on the bed after slipping on a very thin nightgown. She vaguely made out the outline of Dwight’s body before her eyes closed.

Dwight shifted. The persistent buzzing radiating through his body had awakened him. He glanced around the shadowy room, taking notice of Savannah sleeping soundly next to him. Her arm was touching his. He looked at the clock and sighed heavily. 3 a.m. Of course. He rolled over and buried his face in his pillow. Bzzz. Bzzz. Bzzz. Dwight sat up, careful not to disturb Savannah who he knew needed the sleep.

Digging around in the bed, he finally found the source of the buzzing. His cellphone. He shuffled through his pillow and the blanket. After finding it, he jogged toward the living area.

“Sandra? What’s wrong?” He whispered into the phone. There had to be a good reason that she was calling at that hour.

“Nothing’s wrong Dwight. I was calling to talk to Isabella. And hurry I’m calling between takes.” There was plenty of noise in the background that he could believe. Why she was calling for Izzy after such a long period of time was beyond him. But that was usually the way she did things.

“Izzy isn’t here.” He whispered and peeked over his shoulder. From the living room he could see Savannah sleeping, facing the window. He was at a disadvantage because if she was up listening to his conversation, he had no way of knowing.

“So, tell me where she is.” She paused. “Wait. It’s a Saturday. When are you two not together on a Saturday?”

Dwight could feel the tension through the phone as he imagined the wheels in her head grinding towards an answer. He checked the time and crept closer to the bedroom to see if he heard Savannah breathing. He did. So, he relaxed. A little.

“You’re with that wench, aren’t you?” Sandra shrieked. “That’s why you’re whispering. I’ve told you, Dwight. I don’t want her anywhere near Isabella. I thought we had an understanding?”

“I never agreed to that, Sandra. I am the one with full custody of our daughter, so I make whatever decision I choose when it comes to her. Besides, my love life is none of your business.”

“Oh! How soon we forget, Dwight. I’m the reason you have full custody, remember? I didn’t fight it. But now, I think I want my daughter back. It’d be great to have a little mini me on set. I can get her ready for the modeling business.”

Dwight sighed. He knew better than to panic. Sandra’s threats were always a puff of smoke. Since Izzy had been born, he often found voicemails or letters from so-called lawyers who were threatening a custody battle. They usually appeared after he was caught out on a date. Or he failed to complete a task she had asked of him.

“Yes. I know. You’ll come after me for her. Like I always tell you, send me the paperwork and I will show up to every court date.” He peeked again at Savannah. “I have to go.”

“I bet you do. Tell that tramp to stay away from my kid or she’s going to have a problem for real.”

Dwight ended the call and tossed his phone on the coffee table before easing down the hall and sliding into bed next to Savannah. He moved closer to her until his body was spooned around hers. Hopefully, this business with Sandra would fade away long enough for him to enjoy the last part of the trip.