Facing Redemption Read online

  “I’m Terri and this is my husband, David. We were just leaving you some wine and flowers as thanks to little miss Chaz in there,” Terri finished while pointing toward the bedroom. A gush of relief came over Timothy, and laughter never felt so good. Chastity walked out to see the three of them getting along in a grand manner. All three of them laughing at the joke that she particularly did not think was funny. She had been accused of cheating and now Timothy gets to laugh it all off? And on top of all that…how dare he act like a jealous monster. Who did he think he was anyway? She was not someone’s property and did not like being treated as such.

  Timothy turned with apologetic eyes, but Chastity wouldn’t have any of it.

  “If you would have let me explain, I would have told you that my friends are letting me finish out their lease,” Chastity said with ice, giving Timothy a look he’d not seen before. It was one of pure intimidation.

  Not knowing how to handle her mood at the moment, he did the best he could with the situation. He offered his hand to David and expressed his sincere apologies. He had now way of knowing that this set Chastity more on fire than anything, as she thought she deserved an apology worse than anyone else in the room.

  He’s apologizing to David? After basically calling me a whore and treating me like something he needs to pee on to claim? Men so suck! Of course he’s apologizing to one of his own kind first. They’re both in the club…so they take priority!

  Chastity turned to go back to her room, and slammed the door. All anyone could do was stand there and feel incredibly foolish. David cleared his throat. Terri’s jaw had dropped as she stared at what used to be her bedroom door. And Timothy began to apologize … again.

  “Um, again ... sorry for the confusion. I thought,” Timothy began.

  “No, seriously man. No worries. I would have jumped to the same conclusion.” David reassured. “Besides, if it were me I would have taken my head off already.”

  “And trust me, he would,” Terri offered. “Hey we were all supposed to meet tonight for dinner around eight o’clock if Chastity is still in the mood…” her voice trailed off.

  “I’m sure that’d be very nice. Thank you.” Timothy said before showing them out. “And I’m sure by then everything will have calmed down.”

  Timothy showed them out, and shut the door behind them. He leaned back against the door, let out a sigh, and wondered how he was going to get out of this one.

  Chapter 8

  For the last two hours Timothy had tried talking through Chastity’s bedroom door, but had no luck in coercing her out of the room. His efforts to apologize produced no results, so he did the only thing he could. He attempted to get ready for dinner, and just hoped Chastity was doing the same from behind her closed door. Luckily for him, his bags were still in the sitting room in his possession.

  Timothy used the kitchen sink to freshen up and shave, and threw on some lightweight pants and a plain, white loose button down shirt. It was the only thing that looked halfway decent after his lengthy flight, and since he didn’t have that luxury of an iron or ironing board, it had to suffice.

  At a quarter to eight, Chastity promptly opened her door looking good enough to eat. He had a feeling the extremely sexy look she strived for, and achieved, was meant as punishment for him. It told him he could look but obviously not touch.

  Her emerald, strapless sundress showed off her bare shoulders and strong back. Chastity’s hair was pulled up, with loose ringlets streaming down the side, so that it sat exposing her long neck, which softened her face. Chastity draped a cream pashmina over her elegant arms and pulled it tight around her before turning her back on him to walk out the front door.

  Seeing her, Timothy had to refrain from walking across the room, pushing his hands through her hair, and unraveling everything she’d so pain-stakenly took the time to fix. All he could think about was taking her back to her room and finishing what they’d started, but one look from her eyes told him that wasn’t about to happen.

  “I heard them invite you. You coming?” Chastity coldly asked.

  “I thought you’d never ask. I think we should talk though, before heading out.”

  “Let’s not ruin the rest of the night. I’m hungry and just need some air. Okay?”

  “Sure,” he paused. “After you.” Timothy cleared the way so she could pass. He knew he needed to apologize to Chastity, but if she needed some more time to cool off … he would give it to her. Timothy obviously felt horrible about his accusations, so he dealt the hand given to him at the moment.

  Timothy knew Chastity was a fighter, because she’d always been a tough one. Seeing what she was up against, with her family, in Oklahoma City, gave him first hand knowledge of just how strong she had to be, but seeing it up close and personal was something he’d not experienced before. Her anger had never been directed at him.

  Strangely enough it made Timothy proud of Chastity. Knowing she had a backbone but was still willing to keep the peace for dinner’s sake. He knew he’d picked the right girl for him. He had someone who would never let him run over her, but would stick it out with him for the duration. As long as she continued to think he was worth it…she’d stick it out. That gave Timothy a small thrill.

  Terri nudged David as she saw the couple walking up. Terri hoped a little dinner and dancing would lighten the mood for her friend. Since she had only known her for part of the summer, she had no clue what - if anything would really work. One thing that was obvious was Chastity’s body language, which screamed she’d still not forgiven Timothy. She was walking slight in front of him with little interaction. She was almost racing him to the table. Timothy, she noticed, was still trying to be as congenial as he could be under the circumstances. He pulled out a chair for Chastity, and sat down across the table from her. Terri noticed he didn’t try to slide over to Chastity. He was smart enough to give her enough room to still work her emotions out.

  Timothy was still hoping that seeing her friends and enjoying a good meal under the stars would loosen things up for Chastity. He was about to suggest a bottle of wine, when their water approached the table.

  “Ah Bellisima. Chastity! So you’ve brought your man to my place yes?” Frederico clapped his hands in excitement.

  Chastity cleared her throat, and put on her best poker face, which still couldn’t hide the anger in her eyes. “Yes Frederico. This … is Timothy Banks.”

  Chastity did not even look in Timothy’s direction for the introductions. Frederico suspected a little lover’s quarrel, and knew such matters were a waste of time when his friend was spending time with her beloved on borrowed time.

  “Timothy, you will spend the week with us? Yes?” Frederico inquired.

  “No, just four short days. Counting today I guess that makes it three more.”

  “Aw, what a shame you not stay longer. Chastity has been waiting for you.”

  Chastity quickly interrupted. Her hunger and her pride were anxious to cut this conversation short. “Frederico, we would like to order please. David? Terri? Do you know what you would like?”

  David and Terri both placed their quick order in Italian, all of which Timothy could not understand. When it was his turn to order, Frederico held up his hand to stop him.

  “Do not worry sir. I know just what you and the lady would like. I will send out exactly what you need.”

  Timothy nodded in respect and was grateful he didn’t have to rely on Chastity to order for him. At this point she might order the worst thing on the menu just to torture him. Frederico leaned against his doorway, and thought it a shame to let this wasted effort continue on such a beautiful night.

  A few feet away sat a small stage, decorated for Carnevale. A live band, all dressed in costumes, was playing everything from classical, folk, and jazz music. The energy throughout the crowd was playful one, as they donned their masks for their annual festival.

  Timothy was amazed at the many colors infused in each costume and mask. He felt a bit out o
f place in his drab khaki’s and white shirt, but was excited to be a part of it all. He looked over to Chastity, who although not in costume, still shone bright in her colorful dress. He tried smiling at her one more time, but she turned in her seat to take in everyone else having a good time while they sat like two stones. The music and laughter around him felt like such a waste. Each song held a beat begging to be danced to, as many couples already were taking their cue and swaying to the sounds that floated through the air.

  “Excuse me you two. I’d like to dance with my wife.” David winked at Timothy and nodded toward the band.

  Timothy took a chance that Chastity would like join in with the fun. He waited until their wine arrived, and was poured. Lifting his glass to his lips, he took a sip of liquid courage.

  “Would you like to take a spin with me?”

  “No thanks. I’m not really in the mood right now.”

  Enough already! “Not in the mood?” He asked incredulously. “You’re in the most romantic city in the world and you’re not in the mood? Look Chaz, it was an honest mistake … forgive me and let’s get over this already!”

  “You think it’s that easy? You assume I’m cheating, get all possessive and you expect me to overlook that?”

  “Yes, think about how you would have felt if it happened the other way around.”

  “I - I w-would have been mature enough to handle it,” Chastity stammered, “and a lot better by the way. I would have trusted you.” Trust him that easily … with your history? Come on Chaz … be honest with yourself … you’re lying to him and yourself!

  The problem was Chastity liked being angry. She liked it too much. But was it that she was still reeling from her anger from the effects from the letter, or was she really this angry in result from an honest mistake made by Timothy, who was a good man? When she stopped sulking long enough to notice how miserable Timothy looked, she knew the answer.

  “Excuse me? I notice you were interested in a dance?”

  Timothy looked up to the sexiest woman at the café, other than Chastity, staring down directly at him. Chastity opened her mouth to speak, but before she could tell this woman where to go, the young Italian beauty beat her to the punch. Without taking her eyes off Timothy, she used her best English.

  “Your woman turned you down, no? My name is Gabriella…If I was yours I wouldn’t turn you down.”

  Timothy shook his head and was about to decline, but Chastity, still wanting to prove a point, answered for him.

  “He would love to. Go ahead,” she said in defiance. “Dance. See? I don’t care.”

  “You don’t?” Timothy narrowed his eyes.

  “Nope. I think I’m mature enough to handle it.”

  “Okay,” he shrugged. “If you say so.”

  Gabriella took Timothy’s hands and walked backwards, with every intention of showing him a good time. The music held an easy beat to move to, which they both easily fell into pace with one another. As his dancing partner’s hips were swaying, she was looking into Timothy’s eyes with a promise of what could happen if only he spent more time with her. There may have been a language barrier, but some things didn’t need interpretation.

  Chastity sat still cringing from jealousy. She made it a point to sit on her hands to keep them from throttling the little wanton who was seducing her man.

  What are you angry with now Chaz? She asked herself. You should be angry with yourself…you’re the one who pushed him out there into her arms.

  She watched as the little Italian goddess grabbed his hands and placed them on her hips, to feel them as they swayed back and forth. She also noticed how quickly Timothy drew them off, trying to keep them to himself before she grabbed them and placed them on her hips again. The music ended and turned from a fast hot beat to smooth sexy one, as Gabriella bridged the gap between their bodies.

  Just as Timothy was about to decline and turn back to his table, he felt a hand on his arm.

  “Excuse me,” Chastity said firmly and slipped in between. “My turn!” She said to the brazen Italian goddess with the iciest stare she could muster.

  Gabrielle smiled and gracefully slipped off to the side, but before leaving whispered in Timothy’s ear.

  “You get what you want now, yes? Your woman’s attention?”

  Timothy couldn’t contain his laughter, and quickly winked in her direction. He swiftly turned to smile at Chastity, who was as green as they come. They only thing as green were her eyes as they lit up with fire.

  “I told you I’d handle it more maturely,” she smarted off with while sinking her body into his, swaying to the rhythm.

  Timothy chuckled deep, and kissed her neck. “Your restraint amazes me. I’d have knocked any guy out in seconds for putting his hands on you.”

  “I’ll remember that,” she said before winding her arms around his neck and pulling him in for a kiss.

  David and Terri observed the fireworks from across the patio, while sitting back at their table.

  “It’s about time they made up.” Terri said. “I was about to go slap her silly. She doesn’t know a good thing when she sees it.”

  “Honey, she knows. She’s just female, and you all have to make us work for it. It’s how you’re made, and we love you for it.” He leaned over and kissed her before she could smart something back to him.

  David waved Frederico over to pay for their meal. Now that Chastity was smiling and finally having fun…it was time for David and Terri to slip away. They thanked Frederico for boxing up their food, and asked that he give Chastity their good byes.

  Frederico nodded and wished them well. On his way back inside to his kitchen, he passed by his favorite lovebirds.

  “I see you got what I sent over...it was ah - how do you say in America? Just the ticket?” Frederico inquired of Timothy.

  “Yes, the wine was wonderful Frederico, thank you. And I’m sure our food will be too.”

  “Oh gratzi, but it is not the wine I was referring to. You met my wife, Gabriella?” Frederico nodded in the direction of the kitchen, where his little Italian goddess wife winked and waved with acknowledgement.

  Chastity wanted to sink into a hole from embarrassment, but couldn’t help but giggle at the situation. Timothy laughed hard, and responded for them both.

  “Yes, I did…thank you Frederico”

  “Good. Your food has also been delivered to your table bellisima. Enjoy your night.”

  Chastity blew Frederico a kiss, and turned to Timothy with a sultry smile. She knew she’d been stupid to overreact, and pulled her man in for the rest of their dance.

  Frederico watched the couple from America and smiled. Living in Venice, he knew true love when he saw it. Seeing their passion stirred his desire for his wife, so he wandered through the crowd to find his beloved Gabriella and dance under the stars.

  Chapter 9

  “Earth to Chastity…helloooo,” Anne called from across the room. They’d been packing all afternoon, but her friend had checked out into la-la land for the last few minutes of it.

  “Sorry, I was just thinking about my trip this summer,” Chastity finally responded.

  “That good huh?”

  Chastity smiled and nodded. “It was,” she paused. “Most of it was great.” She stopped to take a sip of her water. “I made some wonderful friends, experienced a whole new culture, got to brush up on my Italian, and of course Timothy’s visit was pretty awesome,” she said wistfully. “It was a turning point for both of us. On our first night together, we had a huge fight … mostly all my fault.” Chastity shrugged and gave Anne a sheepish smile.

  Anne chuckled, “Lover’s quarrel so soon?”

  “Not anything too serious…I was just being my normal self. He got to see me in action.”

  Anne groaned from across the room.

  Chastity gave her an evil eye and continued, “But from that - I learned a lot about him and what he can take. He gets me.” She smiled. “He puts up with me and still wants me. It blow
s me away Anne! And it’s something I don’t take for granted.”

  “You’re very blessed Chaz,” Anne said quietly, wishing she were in the same boat. Her relationship with Brent had cooled some over the summer months. If she weren’t so happy for Chastity, Anne might let herself feel a little envious.

  Chastity nodded. “Yeah but … I opened the letter just days before Timothy’s visit and you know me. I’ve never been one to put on a poker pace or pretend very well.”

  “Whew, must have been some letter for it to screw up your romantic mood in the middle of Italy.”

  “It was,” she said, but quickly diverted the focus back to Timothy, “but we obviously made up. We danced most of the night away - till Timothy’s jet lag had him drooping. He tried to fight it off, to stay out with me, but the poor guy couldn’t make it very long. So, after we ate - we walked arm in arm back to my place, in the moonlight. It was all pretty romantic.”

  “Mmmmm?” Anne cocked her head and smiled with a wink.

  Chastity paused and pursed her lips. “You know what they say … what happens in ...” Chastity’s voice softened and she looked up mischievously at her friend.

  Anne threw a towel at Chastity. “Shut up! Give me the details!”

  Chastity threw her head back and laughed wholeheartedly. “You are such a sucker for gossip Anne!”

  “And?”

  Chastity shook her head. “If he were awake enough, I would have taken full advantage. Not to say we didn’t almost…but as it turns out he’s still a man of his word. And I want his full attention the first time anything happens.”

  “Ugh!” Anne grunted, disgusted. “You’re such a tease!”

  “I am not! I just … well, this sounds lame but I’d had a rough couple of days prior to his visit and all we ended up doing was talking about my stuff. It seems I always have stuff lately … ugh,” she sighed. “But it helped having someone to talk about it with. We grew so close through that experience. The first night, before our fight we almost made love. And I don’t know after all my emotional baggage was revealed, I think we both just wanted to wait until it was just us in the room and not the big elephant.”