Chapter 45

CHAPTER 45

L uca

"Well?" Anna asks, as she stands in the kitchen. She's just arrived to help with the opening in a couple of days. She flew in from the States last night, caught up with a few friends, and then drove up from London this morning. I know what she's asking about, but before I can answer, the object of her question walks in.

"Morning Anna," Jackson says, coming in for a midmorning break. He heads over to give her a hug. "Good flight?"

"Ugh, a couple of hours' delay but I got here eventually. But enough about me. What about you?" She looks between us both and then her eyes fix on me.

"If I didn't know you better Luca, I'd say you almost looked happy."

"People can change." I turn back to the coffee machine.

"Evidently." I know I'm not off the hook yet with Anna's questioning. "And you, Jackson, are looking as gorgeous as ever. I'm surprised Luca can keep his hands off you."

Jackson saunters over to collect the mug I proffer. He smiles and holds my eyes as he answers, "He can't."

"How's the job going?" I need to change the subject, before I forget Anna's in the room and climb Jackson like a tree.

"It's going really well, we're nearly finished pre-production. Shooting starts in a few weeks. I've been able to make some amazing costumes and there are some fantastic sets. I'll be on hand during shooting to adjust costumes and then dress the actors."

"It sounds awesome. Well done."

"There's already talk of a sequel and I've been approached for another movie. I might even move there."

I can't believe that she dropped that in so casually. At one time, the news that she was going to move to another country would have sent me spiralling into a panic. But now, I'm genuinely happy for her. I'm aware she's watching me carefully, so it's less than a heartbeat's hesitation before I answer.

"That's brilliant news. I'm so pleased for you." I give her a hug.

"You sure?" She murmurs, so only I can hear. I give her an extra squeeze for an answer, but I know she'll want more reassurance.

Jackson downs his coffee and heads towards the door to get back to work.

"Great news on the job Anna. Sounds perfect. I'll let you both catch up properly and see you later."

Anna doesn't waste any time in trying to get details once Jackson has gone.

"So, how's it going?"

"It's good—better than good, in fact." Before I would have told her everything, but now I want to hold some things back. Some things are for just me and Jackson.

"Is that all I'm going to get?"

"He's so kind, loving, and generous."

"Does he make you happy? You do certainly look different, though that might be the fresh, clean air."

"More than happy. I told him everything, and he didn't so much as bat an eyelid."

"I said he wouldn't." Anna looks pleased she was right. "What about the future? I take it he still works for you." This is something that I've given a lot of thought to. I have a plan. I want to stay here at Larchdown and sell my flat in London, but it depends on Jackson. I tell her my plans, but also my worry that Jackson might not agree.

"If he loves you as much as I think he does, it'll be fine." She approves of my plans.

"You make it sound like I'm proposing marriage," I laugh.

"One step at a time, Luca. I'm so pleased for you, though. You know I wouldn't think of even contemplating America if you weren't going to be alright."

"I know, but you should never hold back on your dreams because of me."

"No, I would've dragged you with me." She hugs me again.

We have a lovely evening, catching up with Anna, hearing all about life in Hollywood and the stars she's met.

The next morning, with most of the jobs in the garden completed ready for opening day tomorrow, we give Anna the grand tour. We outline the plans for the garden of the gods for the next year. When she hears that I asked Jackson to model for them, she insists on seeing the sketches. There are a few that she isn't going to see, though. They're for my eyes only.