It had been years since she felt the sun on her back and sand between her toes. Bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, Katy could feel the stress melting away. She had arrived at the resort just an hour before, and booked the trip just hours before that. She wasn't usually the impulsive type, but things had come to a head with Mike and she had quite literally cut and run. 31 years old and stuck in a rut, she hadn't been on holiday for years - Mike wasn't a fan of travel - so she booked it, left a note and ran away from home!
The beach was quiet, just a few stragglers, a couple walked in the distance, arms entwined and a resort worker collected glasses and rubbish from around the sun-loungers; otherwise she was alone. She gazed idly at the couple, remembering the feeling of closeness, an arm draped over her shoulder, an urge to always be touching. She couldn't quite recall when that changed, when the distance had crept in. She wondered if they would ever be able to close the gap. She had ten days to decide, she knew only one thing for sure; things had to change.
The sun was almost completely set when she got to her feet and headed towards the lights of the resort. She felt a little light-headed and remembered she had not eaten, she had been so full of nervous energy and so focused on getting away that she had completely forgotten, she headed towards the dining room.
The resort was a cross between a traditional resort and a retreat, nestled in a quiet corner of an Italian island, catering to adults looking for peace, calm and a gentle pace for their stay.
As she settled in the restaurant a handsome waiter came to her table.
"Buonasera bella, I am Marco and I will be your waiter tonight, to start things, can I get you a drink?" He said, as he laid the menu on the table.
"Oh yes, could I have an Aperol Spritz please?" She replied. He nodded quickly and disappeared.
Katy picked up the menu, bound in a beautiful deep red wine coloured silk, her hands felt rough against the beautiful soft silk, she made a mental note to check the spa times for the next day. The menu was simple, but comprehensive and she opted for a simple pasta dish of spaghetti and courgette.
"Aperol Spritz signora." Marco set her drink down with a half bow, "Would you need more time with the menu or can you order now?" He said in broken - but admirable - English.
"I'm going to have spaghetti con zucchini please." She replied.
"Bellissima!"
Marco arrived within a few minutes, a steaming plate of pasta in hand.
"Would you like some wine to join your pasta?" He asked, she smiled at the turn-of-phrase.
"Yes please, could you recommend something local?"
"I will bring." He answered with a smile, hurrying off.
"Your wine signora, it's Gavi and I think it will be a good friend for your pasta." Marco said, setting down a large glass of crisp, clear white, condensation covering it.
"Thank you." She replied, immediately taking a sip, as he watched on, "Oh wow, that's absolutely gorgeous, thank you Marco."
"Prego signora." He said with a quick smile before leaving.
A sense of contentment filled her, as she ate and drank and after a chaotic 24 hours, she finally felt a sense of peace. She had come for peace, but also for space to think and figure out what she was going to do but in that moment, Will and all the bullshit that was going on between them could not have been further from her mind.
After dinner Marco showed her into the conjoining bar, and she settled on the veranda with another glass of Gavi, she couldn't see much in the darkness, but the sound of the sea, the rustling of the foliage and the heat of the night were enough to give her an immense sense of pleasure.
"Buonasera." The words shook her from daydreaming and came from two tables away. A much older man, handsome, with salt and pepper hair and a deep tan. "Comesta?"
"I don't speak much Italian." She replied with an apologetic shrug.
