Tartufo

by Kira Jane Buxton

Lorenzo falls silent. Giuseppina sees storm clouds gather behind his eyes. She did not want to mention the autumn music festival of Borghese, the neighboring village. A village with waves of tourists crashing against its shores year-round, a veritable tsunami of them in the summer. A village heralded for its colorful pastel buildings, castles, upscale eateries, and rich history of culture, music, and art. And a music festival that siphons glorious guests from all over the world. Not to mention their professional bartenders who don’t give away drinks, eat all the chocolate, and expose themselves to busloads of tourists. But Borghese’s Festival Del’Arte and its flagrant success is more of an affront to some. For Lorenzo Micucci, it is personal. Giuseppina hates to see his hopes crushed. He does not need this stress. Lately, he is looking more and more like the last asparagus spear of the season. It matters to Giuseppina. She cares about this man far more than about her husband.