The atmosphere in the room suddenly became very still and emotionally charged, as Elena fought hard to prevent tears from falling.
Nick quietly signalled for the crew to leave the room.
Elena swallowed hard and drew a deep breath. ‘Forgive me. It catches me unawares sometimes.’
Nick looked kindly into her misty eyes. ‘Would you like a moment?’
Elena shook her head and put on a smile.
Nick had momentarily wondered about the name painted in beautiful lettering on the teashop door. ‘I’m guessing this is all for him? Giancarlo?’
Elena tried but failed to hold back her tears.
‘How about we dedicate the documentary to his memory?’
In that moment her aching sadness fell away, as a rush of giddy euphoria coursed through her veins.
‘You would do that?’
‘Of course. It’s the obvious thing to do and would benefit the programme by giving it the personal touch. We could credit his name at the end and…’
Forgetting herself, Elena flung her arms around him.
‘… and with the family’s permission, I’d like to use that photo,’ Nick continued with a startled laugh.
Elena kissed him lightly on each cheek.
‘I take it that’s a “yes” then?’ He blushed, her soft, warm skin and perfumed hair a stark reminder that he did have a human side after all.
Straightening his baseball cap, he headed for the door and flung it open. ‘Okay, guys! Let’s do this!’
As Elena left, the crew took up position, swiftly followed by Lucy and Franco with the make-up lady hot on their heels. She dusted Lucy with a sprinkling of powder, zsooshed her hair and gave Franco’s newly trimmed moustache a quick tweak.
As soon as she was out of earshot, he leaned towards Lucy, eyes dancing.‘Mamma mia!I feel like George Clooney.’
The sound recordist lowered the boom microphone inches above Elena and Franco’s heads.
Lucy drew a steadying breath. She was sure everyone could hear her heart thumping.
‘Quiet on set!’
The boom suddenly began to wobble and a few half-suppressed sniggers escaped from the crew.
Nick eyed each of them suspiciously. ‘Would someone like to share the joke with me?’
The lighting designer subtly indicated each cheek. Nick shrugged his shoulders, bewildered. ‘What?’
The make-up lady then rushed forward with a baby wipe and removed the tell-tale scarlet lip prints, to a chorus of giggles and whistles.
Flame-cheeked, Nick put on his no-nonsense, director’s voice, ‘Okaay, that’s enough. You’ve all had a good laugh at my expense. Now, can we please get a move on? Ready? Quiet on set. Aaand action!’
Alfonso tapped his glass with his cake fork. ‘My son,’ he began, a slight crack in his voice as he surveyed the room. ‘My son would have been so very proud of what we have all achieved this week. We are indebted to you, Nick and your team, for bringing his vision to the wider world. I’d like you to join me now in a toast to Giancarlo!’
‘Giancarlo!’ everyone chorused, raising their glasses of prosecco.
Nick then made his way to the front, clutching a beautifully wrapped parcel.
‘Alfonso, I know I speak on behalf of all my crew when I say it has been our pleasure to work with you and your amazing craftsmen. You welcomed us like family, and we leave having learned so much, and having had fun along the way too, which I assure you isn’t always the case. Am I right, guys?’ This prompted knowing looks, nods and mutterings from the crew.
