21: I Dream Only of You

Cora stepped off the plane at Federico Fellini International Airport. It was brisk, in the lower 50s. Immediately, a gentleman with a thick Italian accent but excellent English approached Cora.

"Welcome, Signorina Sims. My name is Giorgio. I will drive you to the Balisimo Estate."

"Thank you, Giorgio."

Cora took in the quiet seaside town as they drove north toward Rimini. The Basilio Estate was a moderately sized stone farmhouse built in the late 1800s with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, all updated and renovated.

There was a small former carriage house updated into a loft-style open apartment. The estate was fenced and gated with a watermill and oak forest surrounding the property. Both buildings were furnished in classic farm, rustic style.

Upon arrival, Cora was shown to the carriage house by Alessandra, the house manager. ", Sims, I'm Sondi. I will be at the main house preparing for the family's arrival tomorrow morning. When you are ready, Giorgio will take you into town for a spa service. I will serve dinner at the main house at your request."

", Sondi. For dinner, nothing formal."

"Of course, ."

"Cora, please."

"As you wish."

Cora stood in the lower level of the carriage house and she had a wave of intense deja vu. She moved slowly through the small space and then up to the loft and found clothes and shoes in the wardrobe and dressers. She spotted another Tumi and smiled to herself. On the bedside table, she found a handwritten note.

Cora moved over and slid a large flat box out from under the bed. She opened it and removed the tissue paper, finding several matching sets of lingerie. "Wow."

----

Cora spent the afternoon getting massaged, soaked, buffed, waxed, and moisturized. She was shuttled from one service to the next. By the time she returned to the farmhouse, she was exhausted and hungry. Sondi sat with her as she ate from a selection of antipasti with a light mushroom ravioli as the main.

"Sondi, what time is the family due in tomorrow?"

"Mr. Basilio, Dominic, and Zola will arrive by lunch. They usually retire to their rooms until dinner. The trip is very taxing and they need their rest. Marie and Master Matteo will arrive by dinner."

Cora nodded. Her body tingled at the thought of Zola and she wondered how she would sleep.

"Cora, while you were in town, I stocked the carriage house. You should find everything you need to retire to the space for days if you choose." Sondi smiled softly.

"Does Zola usually stay at the carriage house?"

"No, usually the main house."

"Should I wait here or meet her at the airport?"

"Hmmm. If it were me I would be here and ready to rest. I'll come over mid-morning and help you set up a selection of food and wine for lunch. Dinner will be at 7 PM unless Mrs. Basilio and Master Matteo are delayed."

----

"How are you feeling, Papa?" Zola carefully examined her father's eyes and body language. At 61, he was in great shape, but this trip was hard on everyone.

"Zolina, I am fine. Happy to come home to the shore. How are you, (my darling)?

"Tired, Papa, and I miss my friend, Cora."

"Aahhh. Cora, . Would you like to go back to Austin, Zolina?"

"No, Papa. I would never miss Rimini with my family. You know that." Alberto smiled triumphantly. ", Zolina. We are family." Zola sighed softly at her father's implication. Cora was not family.

----

On the ride to the farmhouse, Zola cracked the window, breathing in the air, basking in the smell and sight of the village. She could hardly wait to bury herself in her bed and sleep.

"Papa, Marie and Matteo are on time. I'll drive back out with Georgio to pick them up at 4:00. We are having dinner at 7:00, ?

", Dom, dinner at 7:00. Sondi has assured me everything is in order. You will be at the main house with me this time. I want my close!"

Dominic smiled, proud of his father who was working hard to please Zola and keep an open mind. ", Papa. Whatever you wish. Zola, that means you're in the carriage house. Matteo has usurped your bedroom."

Zola laughed. "I guess it was only a matter of time!"

----

Zola, Dominic, and Alberto all walked into the main house to say hello to Sondi before they crashed. "Everything is ready to go. Can I prepare lunch for you?"

"None for me, Sondi. I'm going to power nap before I head back in to pick up Marie and Matteo."

"No, Sondi, this old man needs to rest."

"Zola?"

"No, Sondi, thank you. It's so good to see you and I hate to turn down your cooking, but I'm exhausted."

Dom hugged Zola. "Welcome home, Zo. 7 PM, don't sleep through it, don't be late."

Zola smirked. "I'll be on time for dinner. Send my beautiful nipote over to get me!

Dom laughed. "Okay! You asked for it!"

Zola laughed, slightly confused by Dom's response. She moved across the property to the carriage house. As soon as she opened the door, she sensed a difference in the space. Then, she realized what it was. She smelled sandalwood. She stepped into the small kitchen area and saw Cora sitting comfortably at the table, flipping through a magazine. The table held a selection of fruit, cheese, and pastries. She was wearing white pajama pants and a camisole-style pajama top. Zola could see the matching bra and panties through the lightweight fabric.

"Zola!" Cora's eyes dropped to the table. She suddenly felt nervous and embarrassed, having surprised Zola. "I wasn't sure. If you'd be hungry ..."

Zola's eyes filled with tears of joy, relief, and exhaustion. ", (day and night I dream only of you), you came."

Cora stood up and moved to Zola who stood still frozen and blinking back tears. "Zo, I don't understand. Please don't cry." Cora framed Zola's face with her hands, gently pushing back her soft, thick hair. "Zo," Cora pressed her lips gently into Zola's and she felt Zola's lips tremble with emotion and she tasted salty tears. "please."

Cora kissed away the tears and she felt Zola fall gently into her embrace. She could hear her stifle a quiet sob of emotional release. Cora folded her up into her arms and continued to kiss Zola's face lightly, moving her lips to her jawline and ear.

Cora whispered into Zola's hair and ear. "I'm here. I love you. I'm sorry it took me so long." As soon as Cora said the words, her body flooded with ecstasy and her mind eased. She felt right and at home in Zola's arms.

Zola's heart pounded, Cora's declaration echoing in her ears. She dropped her shoulder bag, her arms slipped around Cora, and she soaked in the heat, breathing deeply, letting sandalwood fill her lungs.

"Please, , don't cry." Cora pulled gently away. She placed a hand at Zola's cheek and jaw, directing her eyes to her gaze. The cinnamon-brown pools were glistening with thought, wonder, and exhaustion.

"Zola," Cora kissed her lips lightly and then retreated again so she could pour herself into Zola's searching gaze,"I love you. Let me take care of you."

Zola could not muster a response beyond a small whimper of gratitude and devotion.

"Okay, let me take you to bed. I will hold you there while you sleep." Cora grinned and kissed Zola lightly. "I'm good at this. It's kinda what I 'do.'"

Cora led Zola up the stairs. She guided Zola to the bed where she worked in silence, carefully helping Zola to strip down to her underwear and bra. She smiled softly and on occasion found a soft spot to kiss Zola lightly.

Zola watched Cora's hands move with care. She didn't dare break the silence. She looked into Cora's eyes and they were beautiful, clear, and certain. Cora stepped away for just a moment, pulling a T-shirt from a drawer. She returned to Zola, slowly releasing her bra and pulling it off her body. She then slipped the shirt over her head. She put her hands on Zola's waist and pushed her gently into the bed.

Once Zola was settled in the linens, Cora crawled into the bed, creating warmth. She began running her fingers in a familiar way through her hair and over her scalp. Cora whispered to her, letting her relax and fall into sleep. "Sleep now. You're so beautiful. Dream of me and when you wake, I will be here." Cora fell asleep shortly after Zola, the rhythm of their breath and hearts synchronizing.