Renzo Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 6:35:42 PM)
(This user has entered The Estate of the Matron Giovanni) (IP = 68.62.169.190)

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 6:40:32 PM)
(This user has entered The Estate of the Matron Giovanni) (IP = 71.92.152.252)

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 6:50:59 PM)
The home of Gia Giovanni was a refurbished plantation house. New white paint had covered the scars of the home as they did the sins of its previous owners. At least that is what Granny Gia might say. Before the house was an expanse of marshy grass, mostly dead now thanks to the bitter cold of the winter. Spanish moss hung like wispy drapes from the boughs of great oak trees. Inside the plantation house it was spacious, almost too much room. The foyer housed a vaulted ceiling and a curving bannister leading up. Dinner would be set for three, though not in the haughty dining room as one might expect. Places had been set on the French-styled balcony chamber. It was reserved for small gatherings of family with its cozy cluster of chairs.

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 6:57:37 PM)
*Chiara had been quietly awed, leaning in (or out) to gaze at the gardens and the rows of trees that lined the 'driveway'. She could see the beauty that would come with spring, even if this was bet the bare bones of it. The house had been inspected with equal pleasure, as much attention played to the details as time allowed. She was quiet, both due to awe and nerves.*

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:01:56 PM)
From atop the balcony a voice came. Thee was a delighted tone but the faux southern drawl that issued from his lips could not cover up all of his native new yorker accent. "Why hello there, madam, mighty fine evening don't you think?" The light on the balcony was flipped on, revealing Renzo in a modest evening suit as much chosen for its warm crimson shade as its comfort. He looked down at her with a smile.

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:02:39 PM)
(oh, did they travel separately or did he just go upstairs to annouce them?)

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:03:31 PM)
(I was thinking separately, Renzo would suggest that out of propriety, unless Chiara would have objected.)

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:05:35 PM)
one sec)

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:06:07 PM)
(np)

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:06:19 PM)
cat was getting me)

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:07:03 PM)
she wouldn't have objected, especially if it was out of propriety.)

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:08:38 PM)
*Definitely nerves then. There'd been nothing silence to offset it, which had been counter productive. Her gaze was torn from the inspect of the graceful architecture and up. A smile, slowly taking shape despite the butterflies that had take up residence in her stomach.* Isn't it Juliet that has the balcony? And it -is- a fine evening, Signore.

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:09:42 PM)
*Chiara currently had on the velvet, dark green trench coat to ward enough off the chilly dampness of a Louisiana winter evening. Her hair had been swept back in a simple chignon, Chiara having at least decided to go with the classics.*

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:14:39 PM)
"Juliet never looked as good as I do in a suit, darling." A wink. Renzo lifted a wine glass with a touch of what should have been red vintage. He took just enough of a sip to wet his dry lips. "Besides, they both died. I think I like you quite warm, heart racing, cheeks flushed. Breathless." Renzo couldn't help it, he was trying to embarrass her, perhaps just enough to get blush. A playful grin at the corners of his lips when he spoke.

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:15:52 PM)
"Please come in my sweet. The door is open. Take the stairs and it's the third room on your right." He motions towards the front door so she can come to join him, to be closer.

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:16:57 PM)
*That surprised a laugh out of her, the mental image of Juliet in a suit or vice versa was striking. It sounded 'loud' enough in the silence that it soon faded, but she did smile up at him. It froze, then faded somewhat as cheeks predictably went pink. A quick reply failed her and she setled for coming in instead!*

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:20:14 PM)
The foyer was wide open, an oblong room with a white bannister running at a gentle curve up to the second floor. The furniture in the lobby: a bureau, a round redwood table with fresh Carnations in a glass vase. The lighting was dim, a soft yellow-orange glow that held the room in long shadows.

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:21:59 PM)
*She would now look at the architecture, slowing her steps just a little to gaze at the curve of the banister, the paintings and the beauty reborn of the place. Despite the make over, the sense of age, of history was here. She'd reach the room soon enough, stepping quietly in.*

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:23:51 PM)
Renzo was waiting at the table. As she entered he curled his fingers around the chair nearest to the door. "I find this one has the best view, darling. You might even catch sight of an owl out the window." He pulled the chair out for her and guestured for her to sit. "I do believe this is how the gentlemen do it?

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:26:26 PM)
Usually. *Chiara had collected herself enough to give him a composed smile. She walked quietly over and sank into the chair, obediently glancign to the window.*

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:33:04 PM)
I wonder if Deli forgot. ;_; )

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:33:09 PM)
Renzo's leaned close to Chiara after she sat, his fingers gently tugging the green trenchcoat from her arms. He would be the gentleman and keep his hands in respectable places safe for a light drag of his fingertips up the length of her arm after helping her to scoot in her chair. "Forgive Grandmother Gia. She has been around awhile so she tends to sleep in. I'm sure she'll join us shortly."

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:33:21 PM)
(safe = save)

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:36:07 PM)
(Hmm, she might have. We scheduled 7pm est?)

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:36:10 PM)
*Chiara slipped out of it belatedly at the prompt, having not thought to surrender her coat earlier. She'd glanced down, watching the grace with which his strong and pale hands moved. A light nod to that, Chiara attempting to gather her distracted thoughts.* Of course, whenever is convenient for her.

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:40:38 PM)
"If you are famished I'll have Ron bring out an appetizer for you. Just say the word." He returned to the table. His face was clean shaven, not that it could be otherwise but it was obvious now that he broached the subject. "I thought about you while shaving tonight. Curious isn't it? Something about the feel of a razor against the skin is so enthralling."

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:43:23 PM)
No, thank you. *A faint, but firm shake of her head. The thought of eating just now? No and no. Despite that, Chiara was able to flash him a warm smile, her attention shifting back to him.* About me while shaving a beard? *Head canting faintly*

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:45:41 PM)
"I just wondered about your rituals. What you do to get ready for something, for an evening. Though I bet it's easy for you, no? I bet beauty finds you the moment you open your eyes."

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:47:38 PM)
He reached out and plucked up the bottle of dry red, carefully tilting the neck into her wine glass. Renzo filled her cup to half full, his attention flickering between what he was doing and Chiara.

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:48:49 PM)
*Chiara laughed again, the sound soft and sweet. She'd lean over enough to give his hand a faint squeeze.* I don't know about that, but I try not to put much time into it beyond looking nice. There's better things to focus on.

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:51:05 PM)
ack. missed second post!)

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:51:20 PM)
(all good he has two hands! :)

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:51:45 PM)
*Chiara would, when he offered it, take the glass with a murmured thank you. The idea of something to soothe her nerves was not unwelcome, despite the outward poise.*

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:56:04 PM)
"Like the church and those fantastic languages." Renzo offered. "I really should get out of the country one year. Visit Venice and Rome. I'm curious what the people there are like. It looks adorable on a post card though."

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:57:46 PM)
..You -must- go to Venice or at Italy. There's so much to see, to do... the countryside, the beaches and the mountains. No place like it, as lovely as this is.

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 7:57:54 PM)
*Firmly, with the pride of a born Italian.*

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 8:02:33 PM)
Renzo laughs at Chiara's vigor. He might have attributed to the wine were it any other person but Chiara. "Oh you are splendid. So full of life at the mention of our homeland. While I was shopping Bibiana said the same thing." A brief aside, his chocolate brown eyes fixing on her as he spoke.

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 8:04:37 PM)
She's right about that much. *Chiara caught herself somewhat, but some of the firmness was still there. Though she'd no intention of mentioning it on such a happy occasion, there were moments when missing Italy was almost painful. That thought wasn't allowed to take shape, Chiara shrugging a little.* Being raised Giovanni doesn't hurt either. Don't you have some affection for New York?

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 8:11:44 PM)
"Yeah, I suppose I do. Things are different there. In New York you don't get a second chance." A vague smile, the memory could practically be seen passing through his eyes. "I'm proof of that. " He looks down at his hands before glancing back up at her. Realizing perhaps he had said too much the topic was changed into something that might suit her palate. "Have you heard of Melissa Scott? Beautiful young thing, smart as a whip. Translates straight out of a greek bible. It's lovely to watch her. Though I'd bet you'd give her a run for her money."

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 8:15:56 PM)
..*Chiara's smile faded, but she decided it was more tactful to give his hand a faint squeeze (or a hand rested briefly on his arm) rather than attempting clumsy words.* No, I'll have to look her up.

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 8:17:06 PM)
I'm impressed that you looked up the topic though.

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 8:26:45 PM)
"I like to know about the people I spend time with. Lately I've been pleased to be in your company so I've been doing a touch of studying. If you knew me longer you'd understand why studying is such a rigorous undertaking for me. Despite that quaint old book smell and the exquisite silence, my library trip was less than exciting." A smile to Chiara. His phone rang. Renzo held up a finger to Chiara as if to politely request her silence while he listened. "Mmhmm." Renzo nodded and a smile turned into laughter. "Did he really? Oh, how could I blame you, that's not something you get to see every day." Renzo nodded again as if the person on the other end of the line could hear him. "Yes, I'll tell her. Kisses." He hangs up the phone. "Something has come up, family business. Granny Gia gives her apologies. She said she promises to see you sometime at the Manor." Renzo laughed again to himself, clearly whatever Granny Gia had said was humorous to him.

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 8:29:27 PM)
back, sorry about brief lag.)

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 8:30:29 PM)
I have a vague idea and I'm suitably honored. *Chiara's tone had turned lightly teasing, a trace of subtle mischief in the sideways glance. She blinked and nodded, not sure whether to feel relieved or disappointed.* ..Of course.

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 8:40:28 PM)
"So the night is yours my dear. Saved by the bell, or the ring in this case. By the way did you like the ring tone? It's Chopin. His only flaw was being born Polish instead of Italian." A wink to Chiara. As she had rested her hand on his arm he turned his palm up and took her fingers in his hand, giving them a reassuring squeeze. "Have any exciting encounters with our family?"

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 8:41:35 PM)
No, it's been rather quiet as of late. Even Bibiana has been scarce. I need to track her down.

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 8:44:14 PM)
"You might find her at the mall." He laughed and rolled his eyes. "I can't believe I allowed myself to be dragged about. I'm glad I went though, her fashion sense is quite distressed, poor thing."

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 8:45:06 PM)
*Chiara blinked and laughed and laughed before managing to rein herself in, though amusement threatened to spill over still. Her eyes had crinkled at the corners, smile bright as she gazed at him.*

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 8:48:35 PM)
Renzo smiled broadly. "It's good to hear you laugh. No matter what language we speak the laughter always sounds the same, isn't that curious?" His thumb was caressing her skin as they held hands and talked. "Really though. Do you always keep your emotions so muted?"

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 8:51:45 PM)
I'm sorry. Just the image of you and Bibiana in the mall for any length of time? It's a comedy waiting to happen. *Chiara had mostly caught her breath, eyes still dancing despite the location.* It speaks to the common humanity we all share. *A blink, that answer requiring a little consideration.* Habit, I guess. And nature. I'm not a loud person.

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 9:00:13 PM)
"It was entertaining. She bought a hot pink dress. Hot pink! It was all I could do to get her to buy the style that didn't show off her goods." A laugh. "I don't think she understands the concept of imagination, at least when it comes to attraction." Then he raised her hand up and kissed her fingers. He did this as casually as if he were taking a sip of wine. His eyes closed a moment as he savored the sensation of her skin on his lips. Before he continued speaking, lowering her hand and giving it a squeeze. "I like your nature."

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 9:05:15 PM)
I'm surprised you manage that. I attribute it to your silver tongue. And no, no she does not. She likes flash and bang. *Chiara gave an amused shake of her head, green eyes flicking back to his face. She grew more serious, but a soft seriousness as if half in a daze.* I'm glad. I don't think I could change it.

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 9:11:46 PM)
Renzo nods and leans back, releasing her fingers. "I should go make sure Granny Gia hasn't gotten into too much trouble. For as old as she looks she can be like a teenager sometimes." A good-natured smile. He stands up. "Please stay and enjoy. Ronaldo will serve you. Dinner was a lovely Pasta Gorgonzola with Noci. You should try it. Make this as your home, Chiara. Should you be about when I return we will continue our discussion. If not, then accept my blessing for sweet dreams." He pauses if only for a brief moment beside her. His attention lingers upon her lips, flickering between her ruby reds and those green eyes. Apparently he had decided against a kiss. Perhaps he didn't think the time was right. "Good night darling."

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 9:12:21 PM)
With that Renzo departed.

Renzo Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 9:12:23 PM)
(This user has moved to OOC Room) (IP = 68.62.169.190)

Chiara Giovanni (Jan 17, 2011 9:15:34 PM)
(This user has moved to OOC Room) (IP = 71.92.152.252)