Italian Fever

Chapter 1

I don't understand why you are flying over? Mia Easton said while watching Crystal walk back and forth repeatedly in her New York City apartment, packing. Why not take the cruise both ways?

Because I can't afford to be away from work that long. You know the 'Dragon Lady'!

Oh … right … she would find fault with God. Mia said rolling her eyes.

Exactly.

You look so great in that swimsuit, wish I did, Mia sighed as she looked towards the floor.

Sis you keep up with that new liquid diet and you will get there.

Mia scowled back, "Do you have any idea how hard that is?!? After a few days I start having cravings … Pop-Tarts … potato chips … chocolate … then a few days after that the countertop starts looking good!"

I know Sis, I know. I was there. But it's worth it in it the end, don't you think? she paused to twirl a bit, then continued packing her new suitcases being careful not to wrinkle the delicate fabrics.

You just love doing that don't you? Mia sighed.

Well, I am so happy it finally fits! It's been a long time, and I told myself I would take this trip if I could ever fit in it, Crystal said as she continued packing.

Did you buy it that long ago? It looks new.

Well yes and no. I haven't been this size for a long time. I bought it during a clearance sale, but knew it wouldn't fit. I kept it as an incentive to stick to my diet. I loved the style and shape. And you know red never goes out of style. Crystal winked and continued to grin as she packed another of her new dresses away.

You do realize that this means war. Mia said as she sat back in the overstuffed blue chair and smiled.

Crystal walked over and sat down in the opposite chair and held her hand. Sis, it is a war you will win. And then we both will go on a cruise.

Mia's head shot up as her grin widened. You mean it?

Of course I do! I wish I could take you with me now, but I'm sure the Dragon Lady would have our heads with the Anderson account so up in the air.

Yes you are right there. It's really delicate, he is still deciding and we need to keep him or the agency is going to be in a bad situation with the other two large accounts leaving this month. Well, you enjoy it for both of us. Mia sighed as she looked out the window of Crystal's apartment to the mass of traffic that was New York City.

Oh I will, but I still wish you were going too, Crystal said as she placed the last item in the suitcase, unzipped the expander to increase its capacity then carefully zipped the whole thing closed.

Me too. Oh I almost forgot I have something for you, Mia said as she reached into her purse rummaging around.

Sis! You didn't get me a going-away present did you?

Of a fashion. She said with a grin as wider than a Cheshire cat while handing over a little wrapped blue box with a shiny white silk ribbon encircling it.

Crystal took the carefully wrapped package and looked back at Mia with wide eyes. What is it?

Well, I would say it's a present. Why don't you open it and find out?

Crystal smiled as she tugged carefully at the bow. It unfurled and fell away, then she pulled at the paper. She felt guilty ripping the fancy paper but in the end curiosity got the better of her and the paper was torn away leaving a plain hinged box of the same color. Flipping the top open revealed a small cylinder with a spray nozzle on one side and a push button on the other sitting on a ruby cushion. She laughed picking it up and holding the bottom shaking it slightly in Mia's direction. Pepper spray?

Mia's smile broadened. You bet, a girl has got to protect herself these days. And that is a special type I found. It should freeze them in place a few seconds after spraying. No ill effects other than one wicked headache after. It's something new that just came out and won't hold them for very long. Sort of a knock out gas, but not quite from what I read.

Oh Sis I love you, Crystal said as she squeezed Mia tightly.

She grinned back. Of course you do.

And where on Earth did you ever get it wrapped like that?

Oh. Well I thought this deserved special wrapping, so I went down to Tiffany's. They will wrap anything if you give them a few bucks, her smile broadened further as she winked, if it fits in their boxes anyway, which this does.

But how am I going to take this on the plane to Italy?

Oh just keep it in that box. Everyone will think it's from Tiffany's and they will let you right through. Especially this time of year.

You thought of everything.

Don't I always? Mia said as she squeezed Crystal tightly.

Chapter 2

Crystal leaned back in the seat and sighed. Thank goodness I went ahead with first class so I could stretch out, she muttered. Somewhere behind her, a gentleman snored loudly, much to the displeasure of all. The lights were dimmed, but instead of diving into her e-book to escape, she slipped on her headphones and flipped on the Italian language course. She silently repeated the words, hoping they would stick.

It would be awful to not know how to ask where the bathroom is when I need it, she thought stifling a small laugh.

The flight attendant tapped her shoulder. May I get you anything?

Crystal switched off the course and shook her head. I'm fine, thank you.

The other woman smiled. Language course? Italian?

Crystal nodded. I definitely want to know a few key phrases.

The flight attendant laughed. Yes, you definitely do! 'Permisso' means 'with your permission, a bit like 'may I please'. And if you are shopping, many will bargain with you, so start with, 'Che cosa significa questo costo?'

Crystal grinned. I just want to make sure I can ask where the bathroom is.

Dov'e il bagno? the flight attendant said smiling back. Another passenger called her away before Crystal could say anything more.

Crystal practiced the phrases before she turned the course back on. The rest of the flight passed quickly, and she soon found herself going through customs. When the security guard pulled out the distinctive bluish-green Tiffany box, her heart sank.

Signora, the big burly guard frowned, his heavy black eyebrows making a dark line across his forehead, someone loves you very much. Even we recognize these boxes.

Crystal smiled even as her heart raced. Please don't open it, she thought then spoke quickly, my friend Mia gave it to me as a 'Yay I am visiting Italy' gift.

The guard placed the box back inside her bag and waved her through. We are a very peaceful country, and one open to great adventures and love. May you find both, Signora.

Crystal thanked him, picked up her bag and hurriedly walked away. Whew! Guess Mia was right. Tiffany boxes were the best at hiding all sorts of surprises! she thought.

Chapter 3

Crystal walked up and down the small streets dreamily gazing at the old historic buildings. She was finally in Italy! She had always dreamed of being here and now her dream had finally come true. Rome was beautiful, and the Colosseum was all that she ever hoped. The last 3 days had been truly amazing. She leaned over looking at a small table full of items as the vendor chatted away in her ear why she should buy his merchandise. Some of it she understood, but most of it sounded like elegant gibberish.

While thinking of what to say, her purse was ripped from her shoulder and a tall man dressed in ragged clothes ran down the street clutching it. Stop! Thief! she yelled then paused and shouted Arresto! Ladro! She ran after him waving what was left of her purse's strap in her hand. All the hours in the gym had left her in great shape, but the man had a head start and longer legs. Why oh why didn't I take Mia's advice and get a purse with a reinforced strap? she thought. She cursed realizing her passport and the money she just exchanged into Euro's hadn't been moved into her concealed belt wallet. The man was getting farther and farther ahead. STOP! Please, someone stop him! Crystal shouted again between ragged gasps as she kept on running.

The thief was almost out of sight when he fell flat on his face. As Crystal got closer, she could see another man nearby had pushed the thief to the ground. The thief now scraped and bloodied by the sharp impact to the pavement, got up and ran leaving the purse behind.

Crystal ran up to the tall man who smiled warmly while holding out her purse. I believe this is yours, he said in a strong Italian accent.

Why yes it is, she wheezed fighting to catch her breath, thank you very much. Her breathing started to slow, but her heart continued to race. The man was incredibly attractive, and his simple blue shirt and black pants did nothing to hid his well-chiseled physique. She gazed into his eyes, eyes that a woman could lose her very soul into. She snapped out of the gaze when she realized a crowd had gathered and were watching them stare at each other. It was only a moment, but it felt much longer.

The tall stranger's smile broadened. I am Riccardo Marino, it is a pleasure to meet you, he offered his hand. Crystal took it weakly, and he shook her hand with a gentle, yet strong grip.

Crystal Bell, and the pleasure is mine. I can't thank you enough for returning my purse, it would have ruined my entire trip, she spoke quickly and tried to get her heart to slow down as it thumped in her ears and threatened to choke her words.

Ah, I thought you might be. Although, you don't look like the typical tourist. He smiled and Crystal wished he would quit doing that … it only made her heart go faster.

Thank you, I try not to be. She smiled back and wished she had worn one of her dresses instead of a pantsuit. But the corners of her mouth curved up knowing it did show off her newly reacquired shape, and she never could have ran after the thief in a dress.

Are you staying in Italy long? Riccardo smiled again. I would be happy to show you a few places here in Rome and try to make up for this dreadful experience.

Oh, I don't think it was all that dreadful, Crystal thought smiling, but said Oh I am only in Rome today. I am on the cruise ship Star Princess and she sets sail tonight.

That is a pity. I had hoped to show you how wonderful my country is, Riccardo sighed, but would you join me for lunch? I do know of a good restaurant not far from here.

Oh I would love to! she said hoping it didn't sound too forward.

Chapter 4

Crystal shifted in her chair as she gazed into Riccardo's dangerous blue eyes. I can't believe I am here in Italy with this hunk of an Italian, she thought watching his eyes moving back and forth inspecting the menu. She loved this little restaurant already. A small one with a great view of the street. Just a notch above a street cafe, which are so common in Italy. She must have seen fifty in Rome, with only a few days in the city.

Would you order for me? she said smiling pointing at the menu as the waiter approached. My Italian is rather lacking. The waiter had reached them by now and Crystal noticed he was dressed in a casual suit with a short apron around his waist and held a notepad. She smiled at the realization that only in Italy do they still use old-fashioned notepads to take customer orders.

Yes, of course, if you wish, Riccardo said as he turned towards the waiter. Avremo Capellni Primavera e Salmone Alla Checca grazie.

The man wrote it down on his pad nodding then turned to Crystal. And la mia signora, you could have asked me directly. He said with a grin spreading across his face, winked, then walked away giving their order to the chef.

So what did you order for us? Crystal said smiling as she sat forward in the chair and propping her chin on her folded hands.

Just a little pasta with vegetables in olive oil, with garlic sauce. And a salmon fillet with diced tomatoes with a hint of basil, he paused smiling, I hope that meets with your tastes?

Why yes, as a matter of fact I love pasta and salmon, how did you know?

I didn't, but I suspected you knew something of our cuisine when you took the time to learn our language.

Well … she stammered, felt her face flush, and hoped that her feelings were not obvious to him, I wouldn't call it learning your language. Barely coping at best or a failed attempt at worst and I am leaning toward the latter. She smiled gazing down at the cobble stones then looking back up to meet those darn blue eyes again. She shifted in her chair with the sudden gaze and this time her leg brushed against his under the small two person table causing her heart to skip another beat.

I think you did very well. Your pronunciation earlier when you shouted for help was almost perfect. I have met several who did far worse. To the point that I couldn't tell if they were asking for help or trying to find the nearest restroom. They both laughed.

At least I am not that bad. I would have hated to have been shouting in the square that I needed a toilet, Crystal said still chuckling

I am sure you would never face such an indignation. You are too much a lady for that.

Why thank you, this time she couldn't hold it back and was sure Riccardo saw the blush in her face. I am lucky that a proper gentleman heard my call and ran to my aid.

"I couldn't let such a lady leave with an appalling thought of my country now could