"Very wise, little one. How about we find my bag so you can take me home?" She turned and looked toward the carousel and noted it was not yet moving.
Zaira reached out and placed a hand on her arm. "It will be a few minutes yet, I'm sure. Your Italian has improved considerably from what I remember of your last visit." She grinned at Alex's pained expression.
"It could only improve." She checked the carousel once more before turning back to the young woman. "Tell me, how's your English coming along?"
Zaira shrugged. "It's okay, but could be better. I have so little opportunity to practice. Maybe you can help me while you are here?"
Switching to English, Alex replied, "Of course." She pushed off the wall when she noticed the luggage carousel begin to move. "Let's get my bag. I'm exhausted, and would love to get home so I can relax."
Zaira took the bag from Alex and began to lead the way through the airport towards her car. "I did not expect to see you alone. Zia Maria said you had a new girlfriend. I thought you would be bringing her with you." She looked over at her when she didn't respond, and saw her furrowed brow and clenched jaw. "I'm sorry, Miss Alex. Did I say something wrong?"
Alex exhaled sharply. "It's okay, piccola, you didn't know. I am alone because I do not currently have a girlfriend. Now, I'd rather not talk about it anymore." She waited for Zaira to unlock the car. "How about you tell me what you've been doing? How are your studies going?" They climbed into the car and she began to talk about her classes as they traveled through town. She watched the buildings and people slide past her window as she listened. Soon they reached the city limits, and passed out into the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside. "It is so beautiful here. I had forgotten how much I love this place."
"We are glad to have you back. My father is excited to show you the changes he has made to the vineyard."
Alex turned and looked at Zaira. "I'm looking forward to it, but need a day or two to myself first. I hope you all understand."
"Of course. You have just made a very long journey in a very short amount of time. That is hard on the body and mind." She turned into the driveway of the vineyard and waited for the gates to open. "You need to rest, Miss Alex, and let our beautiful country soothe your spirit."
She couldn't help but smile at the young woman. "When did you grow up and become so wise?"
Zaira laughed. "I have always been wise, you just never noticed." She parked the car and opened her door. "Why don't you go inside? I will take your bag to your room."
Alex walked up the front steps and into the sprawling four-bedroom house she called her home away from home. She wandered from room to room as she reacquainted herself with her surroundings, finally ending up in the master suite. She smiled when she saw her suitcase and backpack on the luggage rack at the end of the bed. She quickly unpacked and placed her suitcase and the portable rack into the closet before grabbing a T-shirt and shorts. After a quick shower and change of clothes, she lay back on the bed and was soon asleep.
The next several weeks went by swiftly as Alex immersed herself in the daily routine of the vineyard, inspecting equipment, and walking the fields with Dante. She spent several hours in the evenings with Zaira, discussing her schoolwork and ambitions, while she waited for the illustrator to return her latest Millie book. After a couple of weeks of non-stop work, she decided to spend a couple of days in the city. She returned with several bags of clothes to supplement the meager wardrobe she brought with her, and a new much shorter haircut.
Alex and Zaira fell into a comfortable routine, enjoying dinner together three nights a week. They became as close as sisters, sharing their thoughts and feelings with each other. She was surprised to learn that the young woman wished to follow in her father's footsteps by becoming a vintner. "Why do you want to be a vintner?" she asked one night as they discussed Zaira's school choices.
"I love growing things, and living in the country. This is what I've grown up doing, but I still learn something new every day." Zaira shrugged. "I love that."
Alex watched her explain her point of view, and saw her enthusiasm and conviction. "Your father tells me that it was your idea to open the vineyard to the tourists." She sat back and waited to see how she would defend her decision.
A little disconcerted by Alex's tone, Zaira wondered if she was upset by the decision. She scrambled to explain her thought process to the owner of the vineyard and woman she'd started to call friend. "Yes, Miss Alex, it was my idea. This is a small, well run vineyard that could attract many tourists because it is quaint and somewhat old-fashioned." She paused as she saw her eyes narrow. "I think we can use that to attract the tourists and their money, so that eventually we can become more." When she saw Alex was listening, she continued. "There are several hectares for sale beside our northern borders. If we can get those, we will be able to plant new varieties, expanding our offerings."
Alex held up her hand to stop her. "Why new? Why not simply produce more of what we've become so good at, and well known for?"
Zaira smiled at the question, glad to see Alex was listening to her opinion. "A smaller lot will drive the prices up, and a new offering will keep people buying." She struggled for a moment with her English before giving up
