http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Affair-ebook/dp/B00A627TU6/ref=pd_sim_kinc_5
An extract from The Affair By Gill Paul
Ernesto explained that Cinecittà studios recommended him because he had worked on dozens of films there. He was good at finding locations, sourcing unusual items or materials that were needed, and striking deals with local businesses for supplies. ‘I am a businessman, and I know a lot of people. That’s all you require to do my job.’ ‘Your English is excellent. That must help.’ ‘I make deals with lots of English people and I need to be sure they are not cheating me,’ he grinned. ‘Many have tried.’ ‘What other films have you worked on?’ ‘Dozens! You know the opening shot of La Dolce Vita when a helicopter carries a plaster Christ over the rooftops? Who do you think hired the helicopter and oversaw the making of the statue?’ ‘I’m sorry, I haven’t seen it.’ ‘But you must! I will take you some time. There must be a cinema somewhere that is still showing it and we will go together.’ Diana began to search her mind for an excuse, but he preempted her, holding up his hand. ‘Don’t worry. I know you are married. I am not a Casanova type. You and I are going to be good friends, that’s all.’ She smiled. ‘Excellent. I need some friends out here. I’m going back to my pensione now as I’m getting rather tired, but I’ll see you tomorrow.’ ‘How are you getting home? Let me give you a lift.’ He stood up and pulled a bunch of keys from his pocket.
‘I was going to get a taxi. Don’t worry. It’s not far. I’m only in Piazza Repubblica.’ ‘I wouldn’t dream of letting you take a taxi alone at night. Nice girls would never travel unaccompanied.’ ‘Oh my gosh!’ Diana exclaimed. ‘Well, in that case . . .’ She said her goodbyes to Helen and the other girls, then followed Ernesto out to the street. She’d been expecting a car and was taken aback when he climbed onto a Vespa motor scooter and gestured for her to get on behind. What option did she have, though? ‘I don’t know what to do. I’ve never been on one of these.’ ‘You just climb on and put your arms round my waist. It’s easy.’
She gathered up her full skirts and straddled the scooter, wondering how on earth other girls managed in those tight short dresses. She placed her hands loosely on the sides of Ernesto’s jacket, but when the scooter started to move, she gripped more firmly. Her skirt billowed out on one side and she tucked it under her thighs. The breeze blew her hair back off her face and she closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation. When she opened them, they were going past a beautiful church. She was in Rome, in 1961, riding home on the back of a Vespa. The life she had been waiting to lead felt as though it had finally begun.