Under The Tartosan Sun
Table of contents: [ Spoiler ] Since this story has grown so much bigger than I ever imagined I feel like its time to borrow a page from some of my favorite SimLit writers and offer you a syn...
Forum Discussion
*Trigger Warning*
This episode does include language, thoughts, and ideas of the character Leonardo that are of a sexist nature. They are under the first spoiler tag. I apologize to any who may be offended. Their inclusion is intended to show what he’s like and make his downfall later sweeter. I also apologize that this story has been up for several hours now without this warning. I pulled his dialogue from conversations I have overheard where men have been talking without realizing there were women within earshot.
Chapter Twenty Two
For Liberty and Matteo the last few months have been full of discovery, passion, and the coming together of two hearts. Their meeting at the bay in Tartosa on that beautiful spring day had been an accident. Summer and Danielle had known Matteo for a while but were still a little unsure about what to think of him. His seemingly close friendship with Leonardo wasn't exactly flattering to his image. Summer did feel a small spark of romantic attraction for Leonardo, but she wasn't completely convinced he was someone she could trust with her heart. He had an undeniable sex appeal, but he didn't inspire trust. Summer wasn't sure, but there were one or two times out of the corner of her eye she thought she saw a dismissive and condescending look from Leonardo. Those feelings were carried over to Matteo, a guilt by association thing. To Summer it felt like Matteo was trying really hard to keep up with, and impress, his friend. At the same time Danielle was telling her there was something about Matteo that she couldn't put her finger on. She told Summer that she sensed Matteo was a lost soul. That he was looking for something or someone to give him purpose. She wasn't convinced after talking with him on a few occasions that Matteo was the player he was trying to make himself out to be. Under the shallow bro cover, there was a deep thinker, a compassionate and sensitive soul.
https://i.imgur.com/p7e4qKY.png
Danielle invited the guys to join them for a swim in the bay. She never thought that Matteo, or Liberty for that matter, would find such chemistry. It never occurred to her that either one was looking for love right then. Her conversations with Liberty since her arrival in Tartosa had barely touched on the subject of Liberty's love life. But Danielle saw the spark when they met face to face. From there, she knew she had to make sure those two got together again so that they could explore that connection further and see if something might come from it. It did, and soon their relationship became committed. Everything Danielle thought she sensed in Matteo early on was being proven true, and that she hadn't truly comprehended how right she had been. Matteo was showing himself to be someone very special, a unicorn even. Unlike the bro cover, this didn't have even the slightest hint that it was an act. The 'love 'em and leave 'em' Matteo, that was an act. Now the world was seeing the real Matteo Rossi, the one his family knows and loves. Liberty's love was the bump he needed to get his life back on track. She filled that empty space in his soul so perfectly you could imagine it was shaped exactly like her.
With his life on track, and Liberty to thank for it, Matteo knew in his heart it was time to really and truly show Liberty how much she means to him. Liberty is his muse, his confidante, his rock, his soulmate. It's the perfect time to propose and he wanted to make it as memorable as possible. He needed help though, and he knew exactly who to ask. The romance novelist who was the cupid that brought his angel into his life. Even better she lives next door so they can get together and plan this properly.
"You're not going to believe the phone call I just got", Danielle said to her friends, barely able to contain her happiness.
"I'm sure it was something big judging by that squeal I just heard you let out" Summer said as the smile bloomed on her face. "I caught a couple of words too. Is it what I think it is?"
"Matteo's on his way over" Danielle deadpanned.
Londyn knows her bae well, and she knows when Danielle is setting them up. "That's all?" she asked slyly, playing into Danielle's hands
"No. He's coming over to discuss his proposal to Liberty!"
https://i.imgur.com/WkmM8Rq.png
The rest of the week flew by and before they knew it the day was here. Earlier they got together for a little fun on the beach before they started to get ready for the evening. Danielle even brought along her new guitar to entertain everybody...and serenade Londyn.https://i.imgur.com/jelO12f.png
The couples arrived at La Cucina Toscana and were seated quickly, the moment drawing nearer and nearer. The romantic vibes the restaurant puts out were already working. Danielle and Londyn couldn't help making eyes at each other over their menus. Summer sitting there trying not to laugh at what was going on next to her.
https://i.imgur.com/ilUZTM4.png
And then it was time. Matteo turned to Liberty and asked her to join him by the fireplace. Meanwhile things were heating up with Londyn. It seems the fireplace wasn't the only thing on fire. Truth be told, things were heating up all around that table. La Cucina Toscana is a powerful love charm.
https://i.imgur.com/eT5vCV3.png
Thank you for hanging in there when it takes me forever to do an episode. As always, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading.? I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did creating it.
This episode does include language, thoughts, and ideas of the character Leonardo that are of a sexist nature. They are under the first spoiler tag. I apologize to any who may be offended. Their inclusion is intended to show what he’s like and make his downfall later sweeter. I also apologize that this story has been up for several hours now without this warning. I pulled his dialogue from conversations I have overheard where men have been talking without realizing there were women within earshot.
Chapter Twenty Two
For Liberty and Matteo the last few months have been full of discovery, passion, and the coming together of two hearts. Their meeting at the bay in Tartosa on that beautiful spring day had been an accident. Summer and Danielle had known Matteo for a while but were still a little unsure about what to think of him. His seemingly close friendship with Leonardo wasn't exactly flattering to his image. Summer did feel a small spark of romantic attraction for Leonardo, but she wasn't completely convinced he was someone she could trust with her heart. He had an undeniable sex appeal, but he didn't inspire trust. Summer wasn't sure, but there were one or two times out of the corner of her eye she thought she saw a dismissive and condescending look from Leonardo. Those feelings were carried over to Matteo, a guilt by association thing. To Summer it felt like Matteo was trying really hard to keep up with, and impress, his friend. At the same time Danielle was telling her there was something about Matteo that she couldn't put her finger on. She told Summer that she sensed Matteo was a lost soul. That he was looking for something or someone to give him purpose. She wasn't convinced after talking with him on a few occasions that Matteo was the player he was trying to make himself out to be. Under the shallow bro cover, there was a deep thinker, a compassionate and sensitive soul.
https://i.imgur.com/p7e4qKY.png
Danielle invited the guys to join them for a swim in the bay. She never thought that Matteo, or Liberty for that matter, would find such chemistry. It never occurred to her that either one was looking for love right then. Her conversations with Liberty since her arrival in Tartosa had barely touched on the subject of Liberty's love life. But Danielle saw the spark when they met face to face. From there, she knew she had to make sure those two got together again so that they could explore that connection further and see if something might come from it. It did, and soon their relationship became committed. Everything Danielle thought she sensed in Matteo early on was being proven true, and that she hadn't truly comprehended how right she had been. Matteo was showing himself to be someone very special, a unicorn even. Unlike the bro cover, this didn't have even the slightest hint that it was an act. The 'love 'em and leave 'em' Matteo, that was an act. Now the world was seeing the real Matteo Rossi, the one his family knows and loves. Liberty's love was the bump he needed to get his life back on track. She filled that empty space in his soul so perfectly you could imagine it was shaped exactly like her.
Spoiler
Liberty soon moved in and Leonardo was out the door. That was fine by him. He didn't need all this nonsense, and his 'friend' was turning out to be a real flake. He gave them both his best fake smile as he was packing up to leave. " Just like he was back in school. He was soft then and he's as girly as that Liberty chick" Leonardo thought as he was walking away, all the while mocking the lovers talk he'd heard Matteo and Liberty share since they met. He should have known Matteo wasn't man enough to hang in the real world. "Good riddance" he added out loud even though by that time Matteo and Liberty were well out of earshot. "I'm getting tired of her friend too. When is she going to get the hint? If she doesn't break things off, and soon, I'll boot her out myself" Leonardo fumed. "She isn't very bright but I thought she was smarter than this. Dumb women are the best but only if you get the right one Leonardo! Remember that the next time" he added as he drove on towards another friends home where he could crash for a few days. That would work while he found his own place. Even better, someone else he could leach off of. Then it hit him, Izabella. In Leonardo's mind she had everything a woman needed to be perfect. She was rich, like super rich. She was gorgeous, and in his mind dumb as a rock. "Time to start thinking about a move to San Myshuno Leo" his reptilian brain was working overtime. "San My is the perfect place for me, and it'll be even better with Izabella's bank account to play with! Thank you Matteo, loser."
Liberty settled in quickly and got busy renovating.
https://i.imgur.com/NqdkOsU.png
Matteo meanwhile had rediscovered his magic. A career that was falling apart has found new life.
https://i.imgur.com/tuu1ovn.png
https://i.imgur.com/IOIqgnS.png
They both feed off the love they share, and they aren't shy about showing each other just how much they're loved.
https://i.imgur.com/tHMnKYN.png
https://i.imgur.com/ZvlnLJl.png
https://i.imgur.com/oHBgrCL.png
Liberty settled in quickly and got busy renovating.
https://i.imgur.com/NqdkOsU.png
Matteo meanwhile had rediscovered his magic. A career that was falling apart has found new life.
https://i.imgur.com/tuu1ovn.png
https://i.imgur.com/IOIqgnS.png
They both feed off the love they share, and they aren't shy about showing each other just how much they're loved.
https://i.imgur.com/tHMnKYN.png
https://i.imgur.com/ZvlnLJl.png
https://i.imgur.com/oHBgrCL.png
With his life on track, and Liberty to thank for it, Matteo knew in his heart it was time to really and truly show Liberty how much she means to him. Liberty is his muse, his confidante, his rock, his soulmate. It's the perfect time to propose and he wanted to make it as memorable as possible. He needed help though, and he knew exactly who to ask. The romance novelist who was the cupid that brought his angel into his life. Even better she lives next door so they can get together and plan this properly.
"You're not going to believe the phone call I just got", Danielle said to her friends, barely able to contain her happiness.
"I'm sure it was something big judging by that squeal I just heard you let out" Summer said as the smile bloomed on her face. "I caught a couple of words too. Is it what I think it is?"
"Matteo's on his way over" Danielle deadpanned.
Londyn knows her bae well, and she knows when Danielle is setting them up. "That's all?" she asked slyly, playing into Danielle's hands
"No. He's coming over to discuss his proposal to Liberty!"
https://i.imgur.com/WkmM8Rq.png
Spoiler
"Your kidding? Your not kidding! OMG!!!" Summer screamed, totally unable to stop herself.
"I don't know her like you two do", Londyn said, "but she is so sweet, and I'm so happy for her! Matteo is such a wonderful man and they are good for one another."
A few minutes later Matteo arrived and they got down to business. Matteo told them that he wanted to make the night as special as he could. "Who better than you Danielle to help me plan the perfect surprise?" he asked in his charming way.
"I watched you with Liberty and you're really good with affairs of the heart yourself. But I would love to help you anyway I can" Danielle added. "Liberty is very dear to us too and we're all very happy for both of you."
"I can't believe Liberty is getting engaged! Oh my god, she is such a lucky girl for finding you!" Summer said still feeling as giddy as if she was the one getting engaged.
https://i.imgur.com/3UvB87U.png
Matteo mentioned a few ideas and quickly hit one that the ladies really liked. He told them about this wonderful little family owned restaurant right there in Tartosa. His father Davide used to take the family there once a month. His dad often slipped away with his mom Francesca so they could enjoy a romantic dinner without the kids, which did wonders to keep their romance alive.
"What's the name of this restaurant?" Danielle asked.
"La Cucina Toscana" he said.
Matteo had barely finished talking when Danielle said it was a lovely idea. She and Londyn had been there once not long ago and thought the atmosphere was prefect for the occasion. Also that ravioli was to die for! Summer added that she and Darian visit often, it's not far from their love nest, to enjoy how the place gets them in the mood. That little tidbit was met with three sets of raised eyebrows and knowing smiles. Summer quickly blushed a shade of red that most doctors would say was impossible.
"I've got their website up" Londyn said. "Do you have a day in mind? I'd be happy to make a reservation for you two if you want?"
"Actually I have an idea, if Matteo is willing?" Summer said, excitement all over her face.
"I'd love to hear it!" he said
"How about we make this a couples night out. It will make it even more of a surprise for her."
Danielle was already getting into this. "We could start the night with drinks and dancing at Celebrazioni, and then head over for a late night dinner." "We were there", she said reaching to touch Londyn's hand, "around 11pm the night we went. It was quiet which would better. I do get a little squeamish when men pop the question in crowds. It can feel very awkward for the woman with all those eyes on her. And feeling pressured to say yes. I feel like having us there, as her lifelong friends wouldn't be awkward for her."
Summer said, "Liberty would love to have us there. I know that for a fact!"
"It's settled then. Would you like me to make the reservation Matteo? I see here, we can book the entire main dining area after 11pm! That would make it just the six of us." Londyn asked hopefully.
"Yes. If we can get the reservation for Friday...
"We can." Londyn beamed.
"Perfect"
"Alright, it's done."
"I don't know how to thank you ladies for all you've done for Liberty and I"
"You can thank us by just being you and making Liberty very happy" Danielle said before giving him a friendly kiss on the cheek.
https://i.imgur.com/Na0ppYC.png
"I don't know her like you two do", Londyn said, "but she is so sweet, and I'm so happy for her! Matteo is such a wonderful man and they are good for one another."
A few minutes later Matteo arrived and they got down to business. Matteo told them that he wanted to make the night as special as he could. "Who better than you Danielle to help me plan the perfect surprise?" he asked in his charming way.
"I watched you with Liberty and you're really good with affairs of the heart yourself. But I would love to help you anyway I can" Danielle added. "Liberty is very dear to us too and we're all very happy for both of you."
"I can't believe Liberty is getting engaged! Oh my god, she is such a lucky girl for finding you!" Summer said still feeling as giddy as if she was the one getting engaged.
https://i.imgur.com/3UvB87U.png
Matteo mentioned a few ideas and quickly hit one that the ladies really liked. He told them about this wonderful little family owned restaurant right there in Tartosa. His father Davide used to take the family there once a month. His dad often slipped away with his mom Francesca so they could enjoy a romantic dinner without the kids, which did wonders to keep their romance alive.
"What's the name of this restaurant?" Danielle asked.
"La Cucina Toscana" he said.
Matteo had barely finished talking when Danielle said it was a lovely idea. She and Londyn had been there once not long ago and thought the atmosphere was prefect for the occasion. Also that ravioli was to die for! Summer added that she and Darian visit often, it's not far from their love nest, to enjoy how the place gets them in the mood. That little tidbit was met with three sets of raised eyebrows and knowing smiles. Summer quickly blushed a shade of red that most doctors would say was impossible.
"I've got their website up" Londyn said. "Do you have a day in mind? I'd be happy to make a reservation for you two if you want?"
"Actually I have an idea, if Matteo is willing?" Summer said, excitement all over her face.
"I'd love to hear it!" he said
"How about we make this a couples night out. It will make it even more of a surprise for her."
Danielle was already getting into this. "We could start the night with drinks and dancing at Celebrazioni, and then head over for a late night dinner." "We were there", she said reaching to touch Londyn's hand, "around 11pm the night we went. It was quiet which would better. I do get a little squeamish when men pop the question in crowds. It can feel very awkward for the woman with all those eyes on her. And feeling pressured to say yes. I feel like having us there, as her lifelong friends wouldn't be awkward for her."
Summer said, "Liberty would love to have us there. I know that for a fact!"
"It's settled then. Would you like me to make the reservation Matteo? I see here, we can book the entire main dining area after 11pm! That would make it just the six of us." Londyn asked hopefully.
"Yes. If we can get the reservation for Friday...
"We can." Londyn beamed.
"Perfect"
"Alright, it's done."
"I don't know how to thank you ladies for all you've done for Liberty and I"
"You can thank us by just being you and making Liberty very happy" Danielle said before giving him a friendly kiss on the cheek.
https://i.imgur.com/Na0ppYC.png
The rest of the week flew by and before they knew it the day was here. Earlier they got together for a little fun on the beach before they started to get ready for the evening. Danielle even brought along her new guitar to entertain everybody...and serenade Londyn.https://i.imgur.com/jelO12f.png
Spoiler
They met up again later that evening at Celebrazioni. The dancing soon commenced.
https://i.imgur.com/vNyZXPU.png
And so did the romance.
https://i.imgur.com/jNXT8jX.png
The group gave Liberty and Matteo space to be together. They couldn't resist the temptation to have a couple of slow dances.https://i.imgur.com/L2j3BjW.png
"Dear sweet Liberty, you have no idea what's in store for you. You are going to be so happy." Summer thought while watching her friend dance.
https://i.imgur.com/kfDlaSV.png
It's just about time to leave for La Cucina Toscana. A quick moment alone to calm the nerves. Matteo wanted to be sure he didn't mess this up. He had no worries about Liberty's answer, he knew it was going to be yes, but he was still a bundle of nerves.
https://i.imgur.com/bL2nac0.png
https://i.imgur.com/vNyZXPU.png
And so did the romance.
https://i.imgur.com/jNXT8jX.png
The group gave Liberty and Matteo space to be together. They couldn't resist the temptation to have a couple of slow dances.https://i.imgur.com/L2j3BjW.png
"Dear sweet Liberty, you have no idea what's in store for you. You are going to be so happy." Summer thought while watching her friend dance.
https://i.imgur.com/kfDlaSV.png
It's just about time to leave for La Cucina Toscana. A quick moment alone to calm the nerves. Matteo wanted to be sure he didn't mess this up. He had no worries about Liberty's answer, he knew it was going to be yes, but he was still a bundle of nerves.
https://i.imgur.com/bL2nac0.png
The couples arrived at La Cucina Toscana and were seated quickly, the moment drawing nearer and nearer. The romantic vibes the restaurant puts out were already working. Danielle and Londyn couldn't help making eyes at each other over their menus. Summer sitting there trying not to laugh at what was going on next to her.
https://i.imgur.com/ilUZTM4.png
Spoiler
With their orders placed head chef Caleb Vatore and his staff swung into action. They are a marvelous crew of professionals that make some of the most wonderful meals inspired by the founding owner's home of Tuscany.
https://i.imgur.com/MSI58S6.png
https://i.imgur.com/GWyBbmq.png
Liberty ordered Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Oil and a glass of Monte Vista Reserve Renoit. Matteo had Ravioli Pomodoro and Old Yorkshire Classic 16 which he didn't touch until after the proposal, he was so nervous. Danielle chose Linguine Al Pesto instead of the ravioli and a Soft Shadow Avornalino. Londyn's choice was Butternut Gnocchi and a glass Soft Shadow Avornalino too. Summer couldn't pass up her regular order, Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe paired Soft Shadow Avornalino, combination guaranteed to please. Last but not least Darian ordered the Volcano Pasta which seemed to hold his attention. So much so he missed Matteo's lovely proposal. Darian chose to pair his pasta with a Ridgeport.
https://i.imgur.com/MSI58S6.png
https://i.imgur.com/GWyBbmq.png
Liberty ordered Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Oil and a glass of Monte Vista Reserve Renoit. Matteo had Ravioli Pomodoro and Old Yorkshire Classic 16 which he didn't touch until after the proposal, he was so nervous. Danielle chose Linguine Al Pesto instead of the ravioli and a Soft Shadow Avornalino. Londyn's choice was Butternut Gnocchi and a glass Soft Shadow Avornalino too. Summer couldn't pass up her regular order, Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe paired Soft Shadow Avornalino, combination guaranteed to please. Last but not least Darian ordered the Volcano Pasta which seemed to hold his attention. So much so he missed Matteo's lovely proposal. Darian chose to pair his pasta with a Ridgeport.
And then it was time. Matteo turned to Liberty and asked her to join him by the fireplace. Meanwhile things were heating up with Londyn. It seems the fireplace wasn't the only thing on fire. Truth be told, things were heating up all around that table. La Cucina Toscana is a powerful love charm.
https://i.imgur.com/eT5vCV3.png
Spoiler
"Liberty, when you came into my life I was lost and alone. I had become someone even I didn't recognize. I was living from one party to the next. I had no direction, no purpose, and life had no meaning. Then that day on the beach. I met you, we talked, and I knew I didn't want that moment to end. I wanted to stay right there and keep talking to you. It hurt when you had to leave for home. But I knew when you left that I would see you again."
https://i.imgur.com/2uWhDTJ.png
"I knew the miles were not going to keep us apart. And so I came to you, and you welcomed me into your life. Little by little our love grew until you came back to Tartosa, and that night by the sea, we both knew there was no staying apart any longer. I knew I wanted you in my life from that day on. I know you felt the same, you packed up your world and joined me here. And now I want to take the next step, the step that will bind us together forever."
https://i.imgur.com/dvN3JMr.png
"Liberty Lee, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
https://i.imgur.com/wDTBVSA.png
"There is nothing in the world that would make me happier!"
https://i.imgur.com/BQ2w692.png
"Yes, baby I will marry you!"
https://i.imgur.com/rb1xFgO.png
https://i.imgur.com/vt4G5ZM.png
https://i.imgur.com/J1pNwmg.png
https://i.imgur.com/7aE5VWB.png
https://i.imgur.com/8nKPsrq.png
Yes!!!!
https://i.imgur.com/FIghWoQ.png
Allow me to show you just how happy I am..big boy!
https://i.imgur.com/cp2qmJw.png
https://i.imgur.com/fJIMWc3.png
https://i.imgur.com/2uWhDTJ.png
"I knew the miles were not going to keep us apart. And so I came to you, and you welcomed me into your life. Little by little our love grew until you came back to Tartosa, and that night by the sea, we both knew there was no staying apart any longer. I knew I wanted you in my life from that day on. I know you felt the same, you packed up your world and joined me here. And now I want to take the next step, the step that will bind us together forever."
https://i.imgur.com/dvN3JMr.png
"Liberty Lee, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
https://i.imgur.com/wDTBVSA.png
"There is nothing in the world that would make me happier!"
https://i.imgur.com/BQ2w692.png
"Yes, baby I will marry you!"
https://i.imgur.com/rb1xFgO.png
https://i.imgur.com/vt4G5ZM.png
https://i.imgur.com/J1pNwmg.png
https://i.imgur.com/7aE5VWB.png
https://i.imgur.com/8nKPsrq.png
Yes!!!!
https://i.imgur.com/FIghWoQ.png
Allow me to show you just how happy I am..big boy!
https://i.imgur.com/cp2qmJw.png
https://i.imgur.com/fJIMWc3.png
Thank you for hanging in there when it takes me forever to do an episode. As always, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading.? I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did creating it.
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