She nodded, but it wasn't what she wanted. She had been so ready to go home finally. Didn't her businesses need her? What should happen to the Agency and the massage parlor? 

It was too much to think about now, and the morphine was hard to fight. Sleep would help clear things up later; maybe. For now, she was glad Gavin was staying for a while. 

"You look wiped out. Have you slept at all?" 

She patted the bed beside her and chuckled as she cracked a joke and a weak smile.

"I promise I won't kick you in my sleep." 

Gavin smiled as he gently climbed into bed with her.

"No, not much, really. And you've been hanging out with me too much if you're humor is that dark."

He chuckled as he turned to her, but he grew serious as he looked at her.

"I'm sorry about all of this, Stella. I should have just gone after Vincent myself in Palermo. It would have been a tall order, but I've pulled off harder..."

His voiced died as he gestured, encompassing both Stella's legs and the building as a whole, the men who'd died, the damage that was done.

Stella shook her head and spoke as soon as his words dropped off. 

"Don't, Gavin. If you had tried to handle this yourself, god, I don't want to think about what could have happened. You saw Carlito. He was mad with revenge and his attack showed it."

She looked directly into his eyes as she finished. 

"You taught me well, I picked off three of those guys on my own. I wasn't useless in this fight, and I consider that a victory outside of the fact that Carlito is taken care of. So, don't apologize for any of this. You have done far too much for me to ever have to  apologize."

Within a few minutes, the morphine had finally relaxed her enough so that she could drift off to sleep. 

-----

A week passed slowly. A few days after the attack, Stella had recovered enough to sit up in bed and come off the morphine. The lack of use of her legs was a lot to get used to, and was downright frustrating at times. Over all, though, Stella remained as positive as she could. Julia came to stay and help Stella with things like bathing and dressing until they could find a nurse full - time  Despite being given the option to go back to the states, Paul stayed as well. 

One morning, as Gavin slept, Stella asked Paul to take her downstairs for a change of scenery. He took her to the sun room that was just off the kitchen, where she could be on the couch and enjoy some sunlight. It was the first time she'd been able to feel sun on her face since the day of the attack. A cup of coffee made her feel almost normal, and it was blissful. 

Hearing a sound in the kitchen, Stella looked up. Marco was getting himself a drink. Smiling, Stella called to him. 

"Marco? Do you have a minute?" 

Gavin was quiet. He knew that, in some other future, he'd taken down Carlito himself. What would have happened in the future? By the time he was done thinking, Stella was asleep. Gavin exhaled, picking up his hand- which had been gently tapping against her thigh and had received no response. He stood and left the room without a word- and without looking back.

***

Marco smiled and made his way over to Stella, He sipped his coffee as he sank into the chair next to her.

"For you? Of course."

His smile was refreshing to see. Since the attack, everyone had been so quiet and serious, even sad. She hoped time would quickly heal everyone's spirits. As Marco sat down, she considered her words carefully.

"I haven't had a chance to thank you for everything you have done. Paul told me how you jumped in front of Papa Marco in the fight. I can't begin to tell you how grateful I am that you stuck around. That certainly was beyond anything you had to do."

She fidgeted with the coffee cup in her hands a bit before continuing. 

​​​​​​"I know that a lot has happened, and things are going to change a good bit. I don't think I'll be able to go back to the states. Not now, not like this. So, I suppose I'll be staying here for...a while. I was wondering...what are your plans? Everyone here is so fond of you. Did you plan to return to Palermo?"

​​​​

Marco frowned.

"I don't know, to be honest. I'd been assuming you'd run off with Mr. Bang Bang back to the states and that I'd return to my life with a richer bank account and with richer experiences."

He shrugged.

"What about you? I suppose you'll be leaving soon?"

Stella couldn't help but giggle at Marco's nickname for Gavin. 

"Gavin...is both a simple yet very complex man. He is dear to me, yes, but the reality is that he isn't the kind to settle down. His life, his work...it's just not something he can parlay into a committed relationship. So, no, that's not the case."

The words she spoke were easier, now. Did she love Gavin? Probably. Did she understand his situation? Yes; perhaps better now than before the whole Carlito incident. A week in bed with nothing to do but think had given her a much needed opportunity to clear her mind. Everything was different now, and she knew that there were a lot of things she was going to have to say goodbye to. 

"You know, now, the line of work I've been in. Yes, I have businesses that make good money, but there is a much more dangerous and dirty side that I...can't manage anymore. Women have it hard enough in this man's world, but it's going to be even harder from a chair."

She took a sip of her coffee, realizing the decision had been made, and that she was ready to accept it.

"Papa Marco and I have been talking. He's the caretaker of the estate and the winery, not the owner. Sofia was the owner, but hadn't named a successor. Legally, Papa Marco can sell it, but he wants it to stay in the family. I'm considering buying a controlling interest in the business- staying here in Sicily and running things. I love this place. I don't want to see it lost."

Marco looked at her curiously.

"You are thinking about staying here in Sicily?"

He was surprised; it showed in his face.

"Do you suppose you could still use an assistant who picks pockets on the weekend? Someone to push your chair- for a while, until you are better?"

He smirked, emphasizing the last part.

His answer truly made her happy. 

"I suppose I would like that very much."

She sat quietly a moment, raising her cup to her lips, then burst out laughing.

"I know exactly how much you've been paid so far, and exactly what you're going to get as a bonus for assisting in the attack...and you still like picking pockets."

Shaking her head with a smirk, she took a drink of the coffee.

"You are a man who knows what he likes."

Marco shrugged.

"I admit it. I also have to say that most men in my situation would storm off in a huff. I know you chose Mr. Bang Bang over me. I think you are wrong, obviously, for choosing this way. But I don't have so much pride that I'll throw away something- or someone- I enjoy very much. Perhaps, over time, you will see things my way."

Stella looked thoughtful for a while. 

"Everything has changed now. Life is unpredictable and a surprise. I hope that I can find a way to take everything in stride, and learn to appreciate what I have. Everything I have."

-----

Later that evening, Stella sat up in bed with a pillow and a wooden tray, which she was using to write letters on. The first would be to Rosaleen. 

Dear friend, 

I write to you with good news. Vincent Carlito is dead, and so are the remaining members of his group. You were right, there was a mole- Gavin dispatched him fiercely and justly.

As you know, with all good news, there must come some bad news. During the attack, I was hit with a bullet at close range. It caused significant damage to nerves in my spine, rendering me unable to move my legs. Because of this, it will be both impossible and impractical for me to try to make the journey back to the States. I've had to make the choice to remain in Catania, with greatest hopes that I may heal and one day return.

Thank you so much for all the help that you and your family provided. We wouldn't have seen success without you. I will be eternally grateful.

Next time you visit Sicily, I do hope you'll visit the estate. It would be lovely to see you on a happier occasion than our last. 

Be well, my friend -

Stella DiVasio 

The second letter was addressed to Uncle Joe. Stella stated the letter four times, each time crumpling up the paper and starting over. This was harder than she thought it would be.

My Dearest Uncle Joe, 

I'm sorry it's taken me so long to write. I assume that, by now, you've gotten word that the Carlito problem has been resolved. The victory came with a terrible price, and good men lost their lives; including one of my trusted guards, Donny Rocca. Unfortunately, I did not escape unscathed. A bullet wound has left me paralyzed from the waist down. At this point, there is no way of knowing whether I will regain use of my legs or not. Whatever the case, I cannot see a way to return to Las Vegas now and continue life as it was. Not yet, anyway. 

I do not intend to end my work for you or the family which I so dearly love. I would like to make a proposition. In a few days, I will be buying a controlling interest in the Viacelli Winery and Vineyards. This is a multi-national, luxury brand that has won generations of awards. I believe that a discreet partnership with us on your part could be profitable, and create a safe space for any funds you'd like sheltered off-shore. 

You have the number for the estate, so if you wish to discuss this, please don't hesitate to call.

On a more personal note, I need to thank you for everything you've done to support me since we met. I never dreamed I'd see such success, and I have you to thank for that. You are the father I never had, and I love you so very much. Thank you for believing in me.

If you ever want to visit, you have only to call. The estate is more beautiful than words can describe. You simply must see it for yourself.

Love, always, 

Stella 

Sealing the envelopes, Stella laid back against the pillow and exhaled slowly. So much had changed in so little time. Stella knew she had made the best decision, but couldn't help but wonder if she would be able to rise to the challenges. 

Gavin hadn't been around all day, but Stella assumed he was packing for his flight home tomorrow. She looked out the window over the vineyards, wishing that the day wasn't so near. But, Gavin had a life there that he needed to get back to. A life that wouldn't include her. Before the tears could come, she took a deep breath and shook her head, disallowing any further thoughts down that path. Gavin was and would always be a dear friend to her, as would Tara.

She reached over to the night stand and picked up a small, polished wooden box. She ran her fingers over the initials carved into the top, then replaced it on the stand. 

Morning came far too quickly. Papa Marco, Julia, Nona Carlotta, and Sienna were all up and came to the foyer to say goodbye to Gavin and wish him well. Papa Marco shook his hand.

"Thank you for your help, Signore Byrne. Please come and visit any time you like. You always have a place here."

Paul had pulled the car around to the front, and Stella was in the back seat to accompany Gavin on the two hour drive to the airport. She felt a bit refreshed, as this was the first time in more than a week that she was up and dressed. She wore a crimson dress with tiny cream colored dots. Her hair was pulled back in a sleek bun, the same way she always wore it back home. The small, wooden box was hidden under the blanket over her lap. 

She smiled softly as he climbed into the car.

"You're not going to need any food on the plane. Nona packed you an entire box of pizzicati and anisette cookies. You'll be the most popular man on the plane. But personally, I wouldn't share."

Gavin nodded as he shook Papa Marco's hand and waved goodbye to the rest. To be honest, he didn't know them well, but he was glad that they were here for Stella. They'd provide her support in the coming months- support that she needed. He smiled at the mention of the cookies, and he took her hand as the car pulled away.

The car ride was mostly quiet. With her hand in his, Stella made a conscious effort to take in every moment. She glanced over to him periodically, snapping pictures of his face in her mind. For a moment, this thoughts she tried so hard to banish came welling up in the corners of her eyes. This wasn't the way it was supposed to go. Carlito was gone, she was safe. She should be getting on the plane with him, going back to her businesses, Uncle Joe, and whirlwind adventures and intimate daliances with Gavin. 

As the car turned onto the airport property, she cleared her throat and fought back the tears. He didn't need to see that. She reached under the blanket and retrieved the small wooden box. 

"I have something for you. I hope you like it."

Inside the box, which bore his initials, was a silver pocket watch. The cover was etched with his initials, which were surrounded by ornately engraved grape vines. When the cover was opened, there was one more engraving on the inside, which simply read "Always, S.D." The face of the watch was ivory, with delicate ebony hands.

Gavin released Stella's hand to lift the silver pocket watch from its box. It twirled in the sun, glistening for several moments as he read it, then slipped it into his pocket. He took her hand again and looked at her steadily.

"Thank you, Stella. For everything. I'm sorry things worked out the way they did. This isn't goodbye... well, at least I hope it isn't. I'll come back someday, if I can. We'll go for a walk through the vineyards- together."

Realizing he didn't have a gift for her, Gavin reached down and removed the knife strapped to his calf. He'd had it for over a decade: the grip was beat up, fading leather, but the blade was still gleaming, still sharp. He handed her the knife in it's worn leather sheath.

With nothing else to say, Gavin leaned forward and kissed her.

Stella closed her eyes and kissed him as a thousand memories flew through her mind. This couldn't be goodbye, no matter what the future held for them. 

​​​​​​Paul opened the door for Gavin, and only then did she open her eyes and look at him once more. As he slid toward the door to step out, Stella grabbed his hand once more. 

"Be safe. I'll see you soon."

​​​​​​

Gavin released Stella's hand as he flashed his old trademark grin, looking down at her inside the car.

"Yea. Definitely."

Holding the grin, he turned and made his way toward the docks and the ship that would take him back to America. As soon as he'd turned, the grin fled from his face as he forced himself to move briskly through the crowd.

Rosaleen tries to contain her sadness as she writes Stella a letter.  She knew the last thing Stella would want is for people to feel sorry for her or pity her.  In her heart, she knew Stella would overcome this and just wanted to reflex that in her letter.

My dearest Stella,

I am so sorry to hear about everything that has transpired. Remember the saying “She rises like a Phoenix after betrayal and damn she lights up the sky”.

 You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.

The news of Vincent Carlito's death arrived in the states before his body was even cold.  One of Johnny Carlito confidants has taken over the organization and has assured us he has no problem with you whatsoever.  And Stella it seems that the men Vincent hired are the same men that tried to take Don Zalapi out.  He is very grateful to you handling them.   He wants to make sure you receive the best medical care there is in Sicily and has offered to pay any expense to help you to a full recovery. A specialist in the field has already been handsomely paid to take you under his care and will be in touch with you.

 We are still working with the Feds here and we are  very confident that things will go our way and your name cleared.

You take care, my precious friend. I have no doubt in my mind that you will beat this Stella and have a full recovery but it will take time.

I have 3 new cases that have come across my desk that will tie me up for a while.   I am hoping to get some help from  GavinAndTaraByrne once he is back and settled in.  As soon as we get them resolved  I will head back that way to visit you.  I miss you, Stella.

I remain your friend always,         

Rosaleen