Second Chances in Chianti (Escape to Tuscany Book 2) by T.A. Williams (online e reader .TXT) 📕

away the familiar pall of pollution from over the city. As a result, she could see for miles, right across to Fiesole and the dark green bulk of the Apennines behind it in the distance. She leant on the stone balustrade and let her mind, as well as her eyes, roam.

Her rental of the little house would come to an end in exactly one week and, as things were at present, she would then be flying back to Britain. With her university studies finished and David out of the picture, there was no need for her to stay in Bristol, so maybe she should think about selling her flat there. But what then? A few guest appearances on the new series of Pals Forever would occupy her for a few weeks now and then, probably just in its first year of existence, and necessitate some commuting to and from the US, but that was hardly a real job. How would she fill the rest of her time? Of course, there was the possibility of a part in the new movie with Fliss but that, too, would only occupy her for a few months next year, after which she would once more be unemployed – although no doubt a good deal better off. Maybe she should concentrate on finding herself a full-time position in the world of art history and turn her back on showbiz altogether – as had been her intention until receiving Conrad’s email last month. And the full-time job would determine where she lived, so maybe it would be wiser to hang onto her flat in Bristol for now. So many questions…

Which brought her onto the question of Matt.

What if their relationship continued to develop and became something serious? From the very first moment she had set eyes on him, she had been completely infatuated by him and, as far as she was concerned, she could see it going the distance. However, she still wondered whether he was holding something back – and if so, why – and just exactly who he was and what he did. She still barely knew him and, with only six more days left before having to leave the little house, there was a limit to how far down the line they could get.

His life was clearly firmly rooted here in Tuscany now, with his vineyard, his olives, his dog and his escape from whatever had been causing him so much grief before moving here. He had told her that he had a little place in London so no doubt if she returned to work in the UK, they would be able to meet up now and then over there or she could come to Italy to see him from time to time. But she had experience of the collapse of too many other people’s long-distance relationships to harbour any realistic hopes of it succeeding for her. If it turned out he was equally serious about her, should she consider applying for art history jobs here in Tuscany? Might it be worth asking Teresa or Claudio if they knew of anything? Even more questions…

She met up with Antonia at five, as arranged, and was delighted to see her again. After exchanging pleasantries, Antonia launched straight into the main reason for this meeting: she wanted to offer her a job. Alice sat up and listened with rapt attention as Antonia went on to outline what she had in mind.

‘It was that afternoon we spent together here at the Uffizi that gave me the idea. You’re so knowledgeable about art, and you have a very natural and spontaneous way of speaking about it. At the same time, you’re also such a recognisable and relatable figure that I’m convinced you’ll be able to inspire a whole new audience with your love of art. What we’re thinking of is an initial six-part series on Italian art followed by a number of others anywhere in the world – you tell us where – if this first series has the success we hope for. You write it, you present it and I know it’ll be a hit.’ She looked across at Alice. ‘What do you think?’

What did she think? It sounded amazing and Alice hastened to tell Antonia so. Suddenly, a whole new career path was opening up, which would allow her to have the best of both worlds – a job involving her beloved history of art and a continuation of her life in front of the camera. And this time she would be able to choose her own wardrobe and, hopefully, avoid the kind of unwelcome publicity Polly the flirt had brought. Plus, she thought excitedly, with this sort of job it didn’t matter where she was based. She could stay in Bristol, go to London or, indeed, even settle in Tuscany. She felt a wave of optimism bubbling up inside.

Antonia, encouraged by her positive reaction, went on to talk about the nuts and bolts of their offer. Filming would start as soon as this autumn or winter, whenever Alice had got it planned and written, and it would be up to her to decide where she wanted to go. All her expenses would be covered and her pay generous, with a bonus linked to the success or otherwise of the series. Whatever happened, it soon emerged that Alice would easily earn considerably more for just these first six episodes than the auction house had offered for a full year. It sounded perfect, but she felt she had to tell Antonia about the offer of guest appearances she had had from Conrad. To her surprise, this didn’t come as news to Antonia.

‘I know, Alice, and I’m delighted you’ve said yes.’

‘You know about that? So, you and Conrad are still talking?’

Antonia grinned. ‘Not only talking, but also working together. He’s one of the partners in this new company. In fact, he and Silas are meeting us for drinks a bit later on.’

They met in the slick cocktail bar