The Gentleman

Chapter 12: The Gentleman

Ursula and Zia discussed their plans for the day over a glass of wine in the car as they took off for their girl's day trip. Zia had allowed Ursula to doll her up after the latter refused to take no for an answer. It was typical of Ursula, though. She was never the one to relent.

"What do you think we should get first?" Ursula asked, ecstatic. This would be the first time she would be touring Milan, and she was glad it was with the beautiful Zia Benedetta.

Maria promised to show her around, but she understood how busy her friend was. She would never put her needs above something as crucial as Maria's mission, so she was glad Zia was available to go with her.

"I say food first. We do need our strength if we're going around the city."

"Do you have any ideas?" Ursula asked, her mouth-watering already. So far, every meal she had eaten banged. She wanted to taste more and more. She couldn't get enough of it.

"There's this local espresso bar just around the corner, and I think it'll do."

"You heard the lady captain," Ursula called out to the driver. "Take the turn and stop."

"Si signora," he replied, and she giggled.

"You're so happy today, princess," Zia said, loving how excited Ursula was to go for a mini-tour.

"I am," she replied.

They entered the bar just in time and were approached by a lady in her mid-thirties. They made their orders.

The food arrived, and they immediately dug into it. Ursula sighed pleasantly as she stuffed her mouth with food. Zia Benedetta watched her in fascination. She was so glad that the princess was not too shy to express her love for whatever she did.

She was also glad to see Ursula enjoying a typical Italian meal. She looked like she had lived here all her life with how comfortable she looked. That was how well she blended in.

"At this point, I think I'll look like a sack of potatoes if you keep on presenting me with these meals." Ursula joked as she took the last bite of her food. Zia Benedetta laughed heartily. The waitress returned, and this time, she spotted an infections smile.

"Grazie signora," Ursula said, her German tongue conflicting heavily with the Italian intonation she was going for. Zia stifled a laugh.

The friendly waitress smiled more as she handed over their bill. They paid for their food, and Ursula ordered a takeaway for the driver.

"Milan is so beautiful and colorful, Zia," Ursula said as they waited for their driver to bring the car around.

"Beautiful people, beautiful food, beautiful music, it's all just absolutely gorgeous!" She twirled and stretched, drinking in the sun.

"You fit so perfectly, princess. And in just a few weeks, your Italian has gotten better," Zia replied.

"Oh, don't lie to me, dear Zia Benedetta. Did you see that kind waitress's face when I replied in Italian? The poor woman had to smile politely, but I'm sure she was dying inside!" Ursula covered her face in horror. Zia Benedetta laughed.

"I even had to stifle a laugh," Zia said, unable to hold it in anymore.

"Oh, I just knew it, Zia!" Ursula said, and they both broke into laughter.

Their driver arrived, and Ursula handed him his food. He thanked her wholeheartedly and continued their journey.

"I wish we could walk around like other pedestrians," Ursula said, stretching her head out the car's window. She watched as people walked around. She was envious of them. They were the ones getting the true Milan feeling. Not like her, that was stuck in a car.

"You know we have to ensure our safety first. Maria would be devastated if anything happens to us," Zia replied.

"I guess you're right. I just really wanted to feel everything. Maybe next time we can come armed with bodyguards. I could even announce loudly that I'm a German princess. I bet no one would want to mess with us after that," Ursula said, making Zia laugh again.

"Oh princess, you're such a handful."

"Where are we now?" She asked.

"Brera. You could call it the historical core of the city."

"Wow! I could almost tell from the structures," Ursula said, taking it all in. "Where are we headed to?" She asked.

"Duomo de Milano," Zia replied breathlessly. Ursula caught the dreaminess of her reply. It was almost like she had been transported to a whole new face with the way her face lightened up.

"Is it somewhere you love?"

"Yes. I grew up in its surroundings."

"What does it mean?"

"It's a cathedral—one of the largest in the world. Growing up, we lived around that place. I saw it almost every day, and it was always beautiful," she replied, that dreamy look returning.

"Zia!" Ursula called out.

"What is it, princess?" Zia asked, taken aback by the sudden outburst.

"Who is he?" She asked point-blank.

"Who is who?" Zia asked, confused.

"I mean the person that has got you all dreamy looking," Ursula replied.

"Oh, Ursula," Zia giggled.

"I knew it! You better spill now" she clapped in excitement. Zia watched the German princess. She couldn't believe she had already forgotten how impulsive she could be. She didn't know why it still surprised her. Nothing went past Ursula unnoticed.

"A story for another day, my dear," Zia replied.

"If you insist. But so that you know, I will remind you every day until you fess up," Ursula declared.

Zia smiled, knowing the princess meant every word. Ursula enjoyed stories. As much as she loved to share, she also loved to listen.

"We're here," Zia said when the car stopped. Ursula quickly looked out the window to see the building and surroundings that held so many memories of the lovely Zia.

At first glance, the sight she saw took her breath away. They alighted from the car and proceeded to observe the area.

"It is a beautiful place. It screams artsy and luxurious," Ursula said, full of compliments.

"It sure is."

They walked around observing everything. Ursula brought out her cameras and began to take pictures. She took pictures of Zia posing next to the cathedral. She captured the moment a kid set a bird free. They walked further, indulging in some window shopping.

"We should go in and do some actual shopping," Ursula said.

"Do you have any idea how expensive things are here?" Zia replied.

"Dear Zia, you underestimate me. Do you know what it means to have a black card?" Zia Shook her head.

"It simply means we can buy whatever we want, and if anyone gives us trouble, we can buy them too," Ursula replied, walking into one of the boutiques.

"You're coming or not?" She turned and asked.

"Okay," Zia nodded excitedly.

"Hello and welcome to our boutique. We're here to satisfy your luxurious appetite, and we promise to give you even more than your expectations," the lady at the entrance said, welcoming them in.

"Do you need any specifics, or you'll love to look around?" She asked.

"We'll just look around," Ursula replied. The lady bowed and left.

"Such a polite young woman," Zia said.

"Oh, dear Zia. She is just making sure we don't leave without spending some of our money."

"Oh"

"Common madame Zia Benedetta, let us shop for some clothes."

They began by testing different clothes and showing them to themselves. Zia would try something new and pose to see if Ursula, the ultimate fashion queen found it okay and vice versa. Their laughter and joy were such infections that the staff soon became drawn to the whole scene.

They all cheered as they tried more and more clothes. Ursula's turn to try another dress, and she went into the dressing room. She felt slightly off. She couldn't shake the feeling of being watched by someone. She tried to play it cool, but the surface was still there. She quickly put on the silk jumpsuit and stepped out.

"Look at you, princess!" Zia screamed excitedly.

"You really can't take off this dress. You should wear it out of here," one staff member said.

"You think so?" Ursula twirled, feeling herself.

"Totally," they all chorused.

"Okay then," she replied, and they all cheered.

Zia and Ursula, done with their shopping, proceeded to the lobby to pay for their clothes and pick them up. Ursula handed her card to the cashier, who stared blankly at her.

"What is it?" She asked, confused.

"Mam, your dresses have already been paid for," the cashier replied.

"No, that's not true. I don't remember paying. Did you, Zia?" She shook her head. "So, how's this possible?" Ursula asked, getting more confused.

"The gentleman paid for it over there," the cashier said, pointing in direction.

Ursula, wasting no time, walked to the man whose back was turned to her. She fumed at the audacity of whoever he was to pay for her. She stopped when she got to him, contemplating whether to tap him or not.

"I heard you paid for my shopping. Collect your money back. I can pay for my clothes," she said and made to leave when he turned around, stopping her dead in her tracks.

"Hello, beautiful," he said in his thick Italian accent, and the princess, too stunned to speak, just gazed into the face of the most beautiful man she had ever come across.