Keeping Faith by Cindy Bradford (serial 29)

Chapter 10 Part I

Cindy Bradford

It took Patrick only ten minutes to walk from the train to the Duomo. Stefano had suggested an inexpensive place to stay nearby and knowing the hotels fill quickly in peak season, he had called ahead for Patrick. Looking at the prices, Patrick thought it cost more than it should have, but the location was excellent. His room was small and clean though somewhat tired from the countless other tourists who had obviously selected this no-frills place for a number of years. Dropping off his two bags, he realized he was hungry. From his research, he had learned that Florence was the perfect city for walking, with the centro storico practically car-free. Finding a place to eat lunch took only minutes because small food stands were everywhere. He selected one that had a vacant place to stand and ordered Chianti and Panini, deciding a quick sandwich would be an easy and cheap lunch. Tonight he could splurge and sit down for a nice quiet meal. His plan was to see inside the Duomo. Noticing that an English speaking tour was about to begin, he rushed to join the group. [Read more...]

Keeping Faith by Cindy Bradford (serial 28)

Chapter 9 Part VIII

Cindy Bradford
When Patrick reached the terrace, he saw that Elisabette and Guliano were already there, each drinking a glass of wine.”

“Hurry, Patrico, I want you to meet our children,” Carmella called.

Guliano stood. Almost as tall as Patrick, the dark Italian had smooth black hair and a straight mustache. Patrick thought he would pass for a movie star. Unfortunately, Elisabette, he decided, took more of her father’s looks than her mother’s. Not unattractive, she just didn’t have the same striking facial characteristics or smooth lines as her mother. But her personality was a reflection of both and she stood and hugged Patrick immediately as her mother introduced them. [Read more...]

Keeping Faith by Cindy Bradford (serial 27)

Chapter 9 Part VII

Cindy Bradford
Patrick stood looking to the west as the light from the golden ball oozed into the glistening water surrounded by the dark green landscape. Within minutes the sky had turned to crimson with just a few streaks of turquoise.

“This is, indeed, heaven on earth,” he smiled, looking directly at Carmella. “It is going to be difficult to leave.”

“Then stay.”

“I can’t, but I do hope you will have me back.” [Read more...]

Keeping Faith by Cindy Bradford (serial 26)

Chapter 9 Part VI

Cindy Bradford
Patrick drove up and down dusty roads through the hills, looking at the wonders of this beautiful region. The old farm houses were fascinating, many looking as though they had been there more than a hundred years. After awhile he stopped the bike and sat under an olive tree for more than an hour, just studying the twisted and gnarled old tree and thinking about the life ahead of him.

He could not help but think of Sue and how he wished she could see this. Then he stopped himself. He had made his decision and it did not include her. It was times like this that he questioned his choice. He knew he had to stop thinking like this, but he had loved her, his first real love. [Read more...]