Rome was bustling that year
tourist and locals filling the old city.
She was excited four weeks to tour
Italy it was high on her bucket list.
the fight from Kennedy
was Nine hours but she was here now.
Her divorce was final
the assets split and
she was forty and free.
it had been a hard year
but it was over
she was ready to enjoy
the eternal city.

The little cellar restaurant
was perfect it was nine PM
Romans eat late
and when in Rome right.

waiting at the bar sat on a high stool
she slipped on a glass of Chianti.
she noticed an attractive man
he was alone and giving her the
once over. she still had it she thought.
but not for anything serious

her *** addicted ex had burned her badly.
it turned out he had ******* half the neighbors
and most of her friends.
no she was burned.
but a little holiday fling
well that could be appropriate.

she flashed him her prettiest smile
he took the bait and walked over to her.
hi he said
mind if I join you.
she smiled again
only if you don't get the wrong idea.

he was English his lovely soft accent
was pleasant to her new York ears.
definitely not pushy very gentle
and respectful. she found herself
liking him.

it turns out he was a schoolteacher
near London in a small village.
he was touring Italy on his summer vacation.
she told him of her divorce and the hard breakup.
a tear formed in her eyes as she unloaded.
he offered her a crisp white handkerchief.
who on God's green earth carried a handkerchief
any mora
. He laughed and said my mother
makes me carry one she says you never know
when you may see a lady crying
and a gentleman
should always be prepared.
I liked his mother already.

he said he was Twenty eight
a bit young for me.
but what the heck.
I lied and said thirty four.

he was so gentle so nice
I was getting way too attracted to him.
his lovely eyes grey as steel
and his soft voive. Oh My!

He told me he was single
his girl friend had got tired
of waiting for him to pop the question
and moved on.
I don't know why but I was happy
to hear of his breakup.

he said he loved my American accent.
I couldn't believe it he liked
my new York voice.

it was midnight
I wanted to stay but the bar closed.
I thought I can't let him go
he seemed shy to ask me.
But said look why don't I walk
you back to your hotel.
I agreed a bit too quickly.
he escorted me to the old fashioned
elevator in my hotel

And he kissed me goodnight.
he turned to leave me
but I held onto his hand
he looked up into my eyes.
and I led him into the elevator
and up to my room?

that was were I should have
let it go but he made love to me
gently like a new bride.
I wept in happy joy.
as he stole my heart.
I fell asleep in his arms
and felt as safe as a child
in her father's arms.

we were inseparable
for the next four weeks.
we toured beautiful Italy
and made love in every city.
Then it dawned on me
I was in love with him.
So much in love.

I had to fly back to the States.
my ticket was fixed my job
was expecting me back.
I said what I going to do with you jude.
he said I can't lose you Abby.
I will come for you to America.
he stood four hours
watching the taillights
on the jet fade into the horizon.

three months later

Abby opened the door of her apartment.
he stood there so beautiful.
A rose in his hand.
I got a visa for the states
I can stay.
Abby took him into her bed
and they never left it for a day.

A year later

they were taking a walk
down fifth avenue
the baby was sleeping
in the stroller.
the winter was starting
and some snowflakes
we're already flying.
Christmas Carols lilted
in the distance.
He held Abby close
and kissed her.
saying I love you so much honey.
Abby smiled her prettiest smile
for her englishman.
not as much as l love you she said
in their routine mantra.
And there in the busy street
full of countless people in a hurry.
He walked into her heart
and found a place
where fate had made for only him.
And a home where he would never leave.