Civitavecchia is a small municipality in the Metropolitan City of Rome, mostly known as the port of Rome. It is also one of my most favorite places in the world. My mother is an avid cruise traveler. Gradually, she managed to turn me into one, too, even though I wasn't that enthusiastic in the beginning. Many people consider this type of vacation to be relaxing. I do not share the same opinion, not when your parents are determined to visit as many countries and see as many sights as they can in the shortest possible time. We never missed a port and were part of all the ship excursions available. The schedule was grueling. I was kicked out of bed at seven in the morning, had a quick breakfast and we hurried to join the dense crowd, waiting to get off at the new pier and take the seats on the waiting buses. We walked through historical sites for hours, took pictures at all sorts of panoramic spots, and it was usually blazing hot in the middle of summer. We took at least three cruises every year from May to September.

   Jason parks the motorbike in the designated area at the Fortezza Michelangelo.* I smile seeing the magnificent, white cruise liners. I truly missed this place, the moments of hectic anticipation before boarding, the excitement, the smell of the sea, and the sound of suitcase wheels rolling.

   *Fortezza Michelangelo - A massive fort commissioned by Pope Julius II to defend the port of Rome. A part of it was designed by Michelangelo. 

   "Take it off." Jason waves a hand in front of my face. "We won't be worrying about the helmet again, right? If you don't like your hair, I'll help you fix it."

  "Sorry," I mutter. Why does he continue to be so super sweet? "Just got a little distracted. Nice childhood memories. Nostalgia, I guess."

   "Aww." He starts rubbing my back soothingly. "Growing up isn't fun, is it? I wish I was eight again every time I see the kids from the neighborhood play soccer. However, school sucks. You are not allowed to drink, either. No money, no sex... When I think about it, it is much better now."

   "You are crazy." I start giggling and bravely remove the helmet. "Kids do not have those things, but they also do not want them. We were innocent, remember? I agree about school, though. You can't make me go back there."

   "I definitely wanted money," Jason states. He grabs my chin with two fingers and turns my head left and right. "Perfect! No intervention is needed. You are cuter than ever. Let's go."

   We cross the tidy park area and come up on a small lawn right before the concrete quay. There is a big, luxurious pavilion tent in the middle. I wonder how the port authorities have allowed that at all. Either way, it looks fantastic against the huge cruise ship behind it. The entrance is closed, but from the sounds coming from inside, it is clear that the work process is arduous.

   "They are doing studio shots inside, then the session will continue outside, and Mauricio is boarding the ship at twelve," Jason explains, pointing at the cruise liner. "Impressive, huh? Just wait to go in."

   "I am not sure I want to," I mumble. My legs go soft, only imagining a room full of fashion models. I will look like a bull in a china shop. Oh, my God! I hate this job. What the fuck!

   "Sky?" Jason shoves a bottle of water in my hand. "Are you all right? Your face suddenly lost color. You are as white as a sheet. Is it your stomach?"

   "Yes," I groan. I am clutching at straws right now, but I am not willing to admit that I have totally lost my nerve. "I told you urchins were a bad idea."

   "It's ok. Drink some water." He starts fanning me with both hands. "Take deep breaths. It's fine if you puke. Don't worry. I've seen worse."

   "Stop it!" I catch his wrists mid-air and groan in embarrassment. "I am not going to puke."

   "Glad to hear it." Jason pulls me towards the pavilion. There are some launchers at the entrance. "Would you like to sit here for a while?" 

   "No need." I drink some water and try to calm down. Why is he grinning? I must be pathetic. "It's hot. We better get inside. I hope there is air conditioning."

   "Sure, sure," he confirms. "Your color is back to normal, but some cooling always helps."

   "Thank you!" I barely utter when he holds the door for me. 

   My eyes need some time as it is a lot darker inside than at the bright sun outside. I gasp when I finally manage to look around. Filming is in full swing. Makeshift dressing rooms are arranged along the walls. The models are dazzling men surrounded by teams of make-up artists and hairdressers. Maurizio is on the central podium, stunning in a stylish, red leather raincoat. The circle of spotlights are casting bright reflections on his handsome face. People are fussing around him, smoothening his clothes and fixing the pose. The photographer is ready to shoot. I gaze at him and totally forget to watch my step. My leg gets tangled in one of the numerous cables stretched across the room. I shake it to free my ankle, trying not to make a sound. It does not work, so I pull harder.

   At this moment, one of the spotlight stands flies across the stage and hits Maurizio directly in the forehead.

  "Chi ha lasciato entrare questo idiota? Cavolo! Ho detto, niente estranei. (Who let this idiot in? Damn! I said, no spectators.)" The photographer starts to yell, crouching in front of the startled model. A girl runs to them with a package of ice. The guy keeps shouting at me. "Aren't you watching where you're going? How am I supposed to work with this? Fuck it! That's a huge bump on his forehead. There is no way to hide it with make-up."

   I am petrified. This is horrible. I hesitantly raise my head and peek at Mauricio. His big expressive eyes are pinned on me. The moment our gazes meet, his lips stretch into a wide smile. 

A/N

Hello, at the end of Chapter 26.

Thank you so much for reading and supporting ❤️❤️❤️

Could it get any worse? 🙈

What do you think Mauricio's reaction will be when he finally talks to Sky?

Do we expect Jason to get jealous? 😀

Share your thoughts, criticize if you think it is necessary, and don't forget to vote and comment if you liked the chapter. 

Love: Anny 

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