A
TWIST OF FATE
Chapter Fifty-Four
Jack sighed tiredly. It had been a long day.
Now he was back at the di Rossi house and about to pack.
The evening at Fabri’s had been most
pleasant. Maria was delighted with her flowers and had given Jack a big hug.
The couple glowed with happiness and Jack found it quite warming. Their flat
was simple but homely, with some furniture borrowed from the restaurant, some
as wedding gifts. They gave Jack a tour and then sat down to talk.
Jack told them his news that he was returning
to take Joe’s job offer. They were delighted for him and insisted on opening
one of their wedding gift bottles to celebrate.
“So you are coming back next week?” Maria
asked.
“Yep, I have to finish up in Philly then I’m
back for a while,” replied Jack. Fabri looked as though he was about to speak,
then changed his mind.
“Where are you going stay?” Maria asked.
Jack shrugged. “I have to find a cheap
apartment or sleep in the park.”
Maria looked at Fabri.
“You must stay with us until you find
somewhere. Mustn’t he Fabri?”
“Yes, you must” Fabri smiled.
“I can’t do that!” exclaimed Jack. “You just
got married. You don’t need me here!”
Fabri put his arm around Maria. “It will be
another week before you get back. Besides which, Maria will be working nights
downstairs anyway, so I will be alone. It is no bother. And better than
sleeping in alley’s eh?”
Jack smiled humbly. “That is so kind of you
two. I don’t know what to say”
“Maria, go and open that wine now and I’ll
get the glasses” Fabri went to the cupboard and Maria went to the kitchen. When
she was out of the door Fabri went over to Jack.
“You gonna finish this with this Rose then?”
he asked
Jack drew his breath. He did not want to fall
out with his best friend especially as he had just made such a kind offer.
“Fabri, I have to tell her that I’m leaving.
I owe her that and if she wants to leave too then it’s up to her. But I can’t
see she’s gonna leave all that money. Can you?“
The newspaper piece burned a hole in his
pocket but he would not get it out.
Maria’s approaching footsteps could be heard,
so Fabri just whispered
“Just be careful Jack. Please.”
Maria walked back in and poured the wine into
the glasses Fabri had placed on the table.
“I know my little sister will be pleased you
are coming back” she teased.
Jack looked embarrassed.
“Are you serious about her?” Maria asked with
a twinkle in her eye.
“Sure he is!” laughed Fabri.
Jack undeterred looked Maria.
“I think I gave her the wrong impression
yesterday and I have to put it right.”
“Don’t worry about it. She falls in and out
of love two or three times each week. I’m sure she’ll get over it.” Maria
smiled kindly.
“That doesn’t make me feel any better,”
replied Jack. “But I’ll do it tonight.”
Fabri looked a little disappointed, but said
nothing.
They had fetched some food from the kitchen
for a simple but delicious dinner. As they ate, they had talked about the
wedding and Jack assured them his portrait was under way. All too soon, it was
time for him to leave.
The goodbyes were not too hard, as they all
knew he was back in a week. Maria gave him a peck on the cheek and Fabri shook
his hand. One week seemed a long time away.
Now he was back in his room and about to
collect his things together. Tomorrow, Philadelphia waited.
He got his bag out and began to place things
in it when there was a knock at the door.
Jack went to open it. Theresa stood out side.
“Come in!” he smiled, but with a sinking
feeling.
Her hair was tied back from her face. She
looked at his packing.
“Going without saying goodbye?” she asked.
“Hardly, I have to say goodbye to your
parents. Jack sounded harsher than he intended and he saw Theresa’s face fall.
“I just got back from Maria and Fabri’s”
“How are they?” she asked.
“They are fine, they look very happy and I
had a lovely evening.” Jack was softer now. “So, how are you?”
“I was tired this morning” Theresa forced a
smile. “How did the job interview go?”
“I got it”
Theresa smiled even more.
“So you are coming back?”
“Next week.” Jack hesitated.
“Look Theresa, I have to say this and I know
it ain’t going to be easy but here goes. Last night was great, I had a good
time, but I made a mistake in letting you think there was something there when
there wasn’t. I’m sorry Theresa.”
Her face fell and Jack felt quite wretched.
“It’s OK Jack. I appreciate you being honest
with me. I, er have to go now. As I said I’m tired, so have a good journey back
and maybe I’ll see you in a week perhaps?”
“Yes, I’m sure I’ll see you next week.” Jack
felt quite awful as he watched Theresa go. But in a way he was also relieved it
was over. He watched s she crossed the yard and over to the house. He deeply
regretted kissing her.
He turned back from the window and to his
packing. It wouldn’t take long to put his meager things away. Then he had to go
and goodbye to Maria’s family and maybe see Theresa again. Then sleep.
Tomorrow, Philadelphia.