By the time she arrived
Giovanna’s plan to charm Antonio suffered a setback. By the time she arrived at the front of the house, having buffed herself to A standard the bench was empty. Through the door she heard what she hoped was tension between him and Gabriella. The noise died down after she heard an inside door close. Antonio was meeting Mario. Giovanna wished she could be a fly on the wall, that trio’s chat she would find most entertaining.
***
The two men shook hands and politely chatted for a while.
‘So, let’s get to it why am I here?’
‘I want to make sure Gabriella is taken care of.’
‘I’m doing just fine in that department, never had any complaints.'
Mario cleared his throat.
‘Gabriella is important to me. I want her to be happy.’
‘Oh she’s plenty happy let me tell you.’
‘I want to make sure you are the right person for her. There has to be a reason you two never got married.’
‘I’m looking at him. She couldn’t leave you.’
‘Couldn’t leave his bed more like.’ Giovanna had come in behind them.
‘Is this true?’
In the face of Antonio’s glare Gabriella nodded.
Mario put his head in his hands.
‘Out!’
‘Now Mario don’t get excited, it’s not a good idea.’
‘Out woman! Do I have to keep telling you? Or shall I make you?’
Mario tossed the covers back.
‘Please Giovanna.’
Gabriella put the covers back over Mario.
‘If you weren’t dying…’
Antonio stormed out, followed by Giovanna.
