Under the Tuscan Sun

"Uh..." James said as she rushed after her. "It's not very nice, miss."

Rose spun around, "Will you shut up? I don't care what it looks like. Anything is better than there." She pointed at her house.

"If your father finds out he'll toss me out." James said.

"He won't find out. And if he does I won't let him fire you, don't worry." Rose said.

He frowned and then led her to his home.

"You live alone?" She asked as she walked in.

"Yes ma'am." James nodded.

"Call me Rose." Rose insisted.

"Okay, Rose." He smiled and pulled out a chair for her to sit in.

She smiled at him.

"So Rose what are you so fussed about?" James asked.

"Everything." She pouted. "Preston is alright but I don't want to marry him."

He looke at her in disbelief, "Why not? He has everything you could possibly want or need."

"He has nothing I want or need." Rose said.

James looked confused, "What do you want and need then Rose?"

"I need nothing." She said, "And I want some freedom."

James looked at her, "At least he has money. He'll be able to provide for you."

"I want love..." Rose sighed. James handed her a mug of wine.

*&*

Mariana braided her hair and sighed. She was bored. Everyone in the house had retired, not worried about Rose's disappearance.

"To love..." James raised his mug.

"To love." Rose smiled slightly as they clicked their glasses and took a sip.

(*)

Mariana's mind drifted to Gerard and she didn't know why.

Rose couldn't help but smile at her.

*&*

Mariana made up her mind that she would go see him the next day without Jon.

"You like to drink?" James asked as she took a few big sips.

"Sometimes..." Rose smiled slightly.

*&*

She'd sneak away, Rose would cover for her.

"Your father makes wonderful wine." He said with a smile.

&*&

"Yes, he does." Rose smiled. "What brings you here? You're not Italian?"

James shook his head, "I'm Scottish. Economy is god awful, so is the weather. Came to Italy to find work."

Rose nodded, "Any family?"

James shook his head, "My parents passed when I was young. No siblings."

Rose frowned, "Sorry."

James shrugged, "It's okay...Do you know how mad your Daddy would be if he found you here?"

"Do you know how mad Preston would be if he found me here?" Rose laughed.

He couldn't help but laugh.

They drank wine for another hour, they were both a little tipsy and red in face.

"Rose, it's just past midnight." James pointed out.

"FINE! I'll let you walk me back." Rose got up from her chair.

He laughed slightly and they walked back to her home. Mariana was waiting on the porch. She looked at James for a moment.

"Thanks." She muttered as she took her sister's hand.

"Goodnight James." Rose smiled.

"Sweet dreams, Miss Rose." James bowed slightly and was off into the darkness.

"So..." Mariana started.

"He works for Daddy." Rose smiled.

Mariana laughed softly and took her sister to their room.

"Is Preston angry?" Rose yawned.

"He'll get over it." Her sister smiled.