"Good morning, Miss Gemma," said a man who was sitting at a large desk.
Gemma assumed that this man was David Rossi. Had to be, as this was where, Mina the housekeeper, had led her. She had been told that Mr. Rossi wanted to see her after she ate breakfast. It was after 9 o'clock so Gemma wasn't surprised that Mr. Rossi had apparently already eaten.
"Good morning, Mr. Rossi," Gemma responded politely, sitting down in front of his massive desk in one of the very comfortable chairs one Dave had indicated for her too. "Thank you for your hospitality."
"It was the right thing to do," Dave said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Now Mina said that you are an artist and that you were sketching when the storm came out of nowhere."
"That's right," Gemma confirmed. "I checked the weather before I even thought about going out onto the water in a speedboat. The boat I rented however, failed to start when I tried to engage the motor. I'm not sure if I was panicked or it just didn't start because there was something wrong with it. I'm not exactly an expert on boats of any kind, so I have no idea what could have gone wrong."
"It could've been a lot of things," Dave said.
"I was lucky I didn't drown, I know that," Gemma said seriusly.
"I'm so glad you didn't drown as that would have been a tragic waste of a young life," Dave said.
Gemma said nothing seeming deep in thought. Dave saw the flicker of sadness come over her face quickly only to be gone just a moment later. This young lady seemed to be carrying a great deal of stress.
"You're welcome to stay for as long as you like Miss Gemma, or I can have someone take you home," Dave said.
"That's very generous of you Mr. Rossi," Gemma said finally seeming to come out of wherever her thoughts had gone. "You have been very kind to someone that just washed up on your shore."
"It's not like it was your fault that the storm came up suddenly. You certainly weren't expecting it or I'm sure you never would have rented that speedboat," Dave offered.
"No, because while I know how to drive one, I would never risk driving one in bad weather like that. I'm not an expert on the sea by any means. I'm okay when the sea is calm, but not when the waves are so big that they could swallow you whole," Gemma said with a half smile at her rather vivid description.
Dave was nodded sympathetically. "I'm sorry you lost all your sketches."
"So am I," Gemma sighed. "While I enjoy sketching it's such a waste. I was going to paint from those sketches."
"So you're a painter then?" Dave asked.
"Yes, I am, though I'm hardly famous," Gemma said. "I might get there one day if I'm very lucky. I'm sure you're busy Mr. Rossi so I'll try to stay out of your way."
"You could never be in the way Miss Birdwhistle," Dave said firmly, using her last name instead of her first to make sure his words were understood and taken seriously. "I meant what I said when you can stay if long as you like. I've already talked to Miss Mina and she is willing to take you shopping for some of your own things. You can consider whatever you buy on me."
"As I told Miss Mina I have plenty of clothes at my apartment," Gemma said. "Paying for new clothes for me is unnecessary."
Mostly what she had to wear was stuff she had bought cheaply. She has left most of her clothes at home, except for her pants outfits, which she hadn't had very many of, as her parents had to preferred her to wear dresses or at least a skirt and a blouse.
Gemma thought her parents very old fashioned and unenlightened.
"I would love to see some of your paintings, Miss Gemma," Dave said. "I'm always looking for something from all different kinds of artists. If you're any good I could get you started on becoming more well known."
"That's very kind of you," Gemma said softly. "And if we had met three years ago when you had made such an offer I would've jumped at it..."
"But not now. Why?" Dave asked.
"Because I'm dying," Gemma explained. "Cancer. The treatment is so expensive and my insurance doesn't cover them. I just don't have the money. My insurance is very basic. While I've been in this country ever since I was 18 and I've done quite well, considering how expensive New York is I'm barely making a living. I have enough food, basic insurance and a roof over my head and whatever art supplies I need."
"What about your parents? Surely they would give you the money for treatments? I mean you're not even 30."
"I will never ask them. I'd rather just die then ask them," Gemma said with stubborn tilt of her chin, her tone mulish. Gemma's tone was angry and bitter.
"I take it you don't have a good relationship with them?" Dave said sympathetically.
"They cut me off when I told them I wanted to make my life as an artist and when I actually packed up to come to America that was the last straw. They are very high society in England. If they had their way I would be married and have at least three children by now."
Dave winced at that. That was very, very old fashioned in this modern time. Despite the reach of technology and opportunities to better yourself, especially if you were a woman that was ridiculous, but Dave was also well aware that there were still people like that, especially in very traditional England, though it could happen anywhere as a lot of men shared the same views about women no matter their nationality.
"I'm so sorry for you that your parents weren't as loving as they should be, that they couldn't see that you weren't happy," Dave said.
"They don't care about anyone except themselves and their reputation. While I can understand wanting grandchildren trying to force me to get married too someone in my class just to get them is ridiculous. If I ever had the chance to get married it would be to someone that would treat me with respect and not see me as only a baby maker and a glorified housekeeper, but now, with this cancer well, I'm not even dating anymore," Gemma said.
"I can understand why you're not. As you wouldn't want to lead any guy on when there is no chance the cancer is going to just disappear. It's not the kind of disease that disappears without treatment," Dave said.
"Believe me, I've already been through the stages of anger, denial, grief and finally acceptance. If I asked my parents for the money they would demand that I come back home, that I settle down, have a family. Of course, that's only if the cancer treatment worked. They would never give me the money without strings attached," Gemma explained her tone neutral.
"They don't sound like very good parents," Dave winced. "I'm sorry, that was rude. I shouldn't of said that considering we've just met."
"Don't worry about that. I happen to agree with you, which is one of the reason I left in the first place. If I had stayed in London they just would've found where I was and hounded me. The only problem with them disowning me is I lost access to my trust fund. That trust fund would've allowed me to live a lot better and pay for those cancer treatments, but on the other hand I'm happy. I've certainly been happier living here then I ever was at home. Here I have freedom. I don't have to dress a certain way, which is all fancied up, even when I was sitting at home no pants or casual shirts, just dresses or skirts and blouses."
"Believe me, I understand, as a parents expectations for their children can be rather heavy and that doesn't necessarily coincide with what that child wants. So any siblings?" Dave asked deliberately changing the subject.
"No, I'm afraid I'm an only child. Perhaps if I'd had a brother they wouldn't have been so persistent, as all that expectation would likely have fallen on him. It would've been rather nice to have a sibling If only because they could've taken the brunt of my parents expectations, particularly if it was a boy," Gemma admitted. "I know that's rather mean of me to think, as I wouldn't want my hypothetical brother to have to put up with my parents either but I can't help it really, as it would've taken the pressure off me."
The two of them chatted for a few more minutes, before Dave made his offer.
"I know this is going to sound like an unusual offer, considering that we really don't know each other, but if you would like to stay here and let the apartment go..." Dave suggested just a little uncomfortably.
"While that's very nice of you what's the catch?" Gemma asked, suspiciously.
"No catch," Dave promised her with a warm chuckle. "I don't blame you for being suspicious, but I have no ill intentions towards, you I promise. It's just that it's been awhile since I've had such beautiful female company. I just want your companionship for however long you are willing to stay here. Most women I date already know that I'm very wealthy and their goal is to become the next Mr. David Rossi. They don't care about me at all just my portfolio."
"So you stopped dating," Gemma said in understanding.
"Well not completely, if I find someone intelligent who is more interested in me then my money then I'm more then willing to give it a try," Dave shrugged causally.
"But that doesn't happen very often as a lot of people are greedy," Gemma said.
Dave nodded. "It's also, because I don't get off this island very often, except for business and I'm very unlikely to meet a woman, other then those already married or ones I'm not interested in. I also have a staff that can do most things for me. Besides, I don't poach another man's woman, as unlike a lot of men I have manners. Going after someone else's wife or girlfriend can cause serious repercussions."
"I never dated a married man either. Of course, to be completely truthful, I really didn't date much at all," Gemma said. "I'll think about it for the next day at least. This is certainly a lovely setting to do a few paintings."
"Yeah, this place is rather spectacular," Dave said. "My family has lived here for generations. My family own the island and we had this place built sometime in the 16th century I believe."
"So why is it called Devil's Island?" Gemma asked.
"Well, back when this place was built, people were very superstitious. They claimed this place was haunted because they heard weird sounds, particularly during stormy nights. Sounds could drift all the way to the New York shore if the wind was going in that direction and the storm was fierce enough. Most people back then thought that my family was crazy for wanting to live on this island instead of closer to other people. The truth of the matter is though, that my family just liked their privacy and also people couldn't come and poke their nose into matters that didn't concern them just because of suspicions or curiosity. Because of peoples superstitions well my family could've been burned alive, because we were considered weird and in some cases cursed."
"But why?" Gemma asked genuinely curious.
"Because the Rossis were considered outsiders," Dave explained calmly. "My family had only been here, in New York, a few years as they originally came from Italy, many centuries ago now. People back then were suspicious of anyone that hadn't lived there for generations like they had. It was just a different time when suspicion could fall on you just because you hadn't lived there for as long as others. People back then didn't want to blame their neighbors if something bad happened like murder. While it's hardly logical, suspicion often fell on strangers or who the people in the area considered an outsider."
Gemma thought about that for a few moments and though she didn't know much about that time, she did know that it was a lot different so far back. There had been no electricity for one thing and people either used candles or oil lanterns, but only if they didn't go to bed at sundown.
"History isn't my thing," Gemma admitted. "So I don't know much about that time, other then they didn't have electricity and most of them went to bed at sundown."
"My father and grandfather told me stories," Dave explained, not being entirely truthful, as it had been himself that had moved from his home. He was basically immortal and had been around for a very long time. He had never been married, though he'd had relationships. He'd never had children of his blood.
"I wish I'd had that kind of relationship with my parents," Gemma sighed sounding melancholy. "I've taken up enough of your time," Gemma added. "I don't suppose you have a sketchpad I can have? I'd love to do a few sketches to put onto canvas later. This is such a beautiful old house from what little I've seen of it."
"I'll be happy to give you a tour if you like," Dave offered. "I love my home and don't often get to show it off. I'm quite proud of it. It might have it's faults but it's home."
"If you have the time that would be splendid," Gemma beamed and the brightness of her smile caused Dave's heart to pound. Dave doubted very much that his guest had any idea what kind of reaction she had wrung out of him. It seemed that Gemma Birdwistle was usually a cheerful person, but Dave had no doubt that cheerfulness had been shredded when she had learned about the cancer. He could offer to pay for those treatments but it was much too soon to make that kind of suggestion because he knew while Gemma would want to live she would also say no because of pride and also because he was a stranger to her. She was used to taking care of herself and from what he had been told he wasn't surprised she was so independent. Gemma had taken a huge step coming so far from home, but he also could understand why she had. Her parents had refused to let her develop her own personality, her own interests. To them, it seemed, she was just marriage bait. He was surprised that her parents hadn't had another child. It was possible the mother, had had trouble giving birth so Gemma was left to be 'it' as that still happened even in this time and a lot of times there was nothing a doctor could do.
"I'll also have Miss Mina get you a new sketchbook and colored pencil set since yours were lost," Dave added.
"Thank you, I'm grateful," Gemma said, though really she wanted to protest Dave's generosity, but since the sketchbook and colored pencils were only a few dollars she didn't. Besides, her fingers were itching to draw and she couldn't because her supplies had been lost overboard during an unexpected storm.
"It's nothing," Dave said, waving away her thanks with a smile. "Believe me, I have more money than I'll ever spend. We can share lunch in a few hours and get to know each other better. I'll give you that tour after lunch."
~~~Dave and Gemma~~~
Gemma was thoughtful, as she went back to her room. She had paid careful attention to where it was and since she had a good memory she found it easily. She sat in a little sitting area that was at one end of the room and simply looked out the window. The storm that had marooned her here had passed overnight and the sky was a blue with no sign of clouds, the sunlight sparkling off the water. It was a really such a pretty day that Gemma would love to draw it, but with no supplies that wasn't possible at present.
Her first meeting with David Rossi had been very surprising. He was intelligent and pleasant man, obviously very well educated, not to mention very, very handsome. Just thinking about him made Gemma blush, as he sent her hormones humming. She had been nearly starstruck, but thought she had handled herself well despite her sudden and unexpected crush on him. If not for the cancer she might've flirted with him a little, as from what she knew he wasn't married, had never been married so he was free for her to pursue if she cared too. She could more than understand that however, considering that it was rumored he was as rich as King Midas from mythology supposedly was. It would be hard to find a partner as Dave had explained.
There was suddenly a knock on her door. "Come in!" Gemma called.
When the door opened Miss Mina stood there. "Ready to go shopping Miss Gemma?"
"I told Mr. Rossi that I didn't need any new clothes," Gemma told Mina politely.
"Mr. Rossi is insisting I take you shopping for new things," Mina said. "I always follow orders."
"I thought I made it clear, I didn't need anything," Gemma sighed in resignation. "Why do I have a feeling that Mr. Rossi is very stubborn?"
"Because he is," Mina chuckled good-naturedly. "He's one of the most stubborn people you'll ever meet, though that doesn't mean he's not a good man, because he is."
"I know you need a new sketchpad and colored pencils at least," Mina added.
"Well, yes, I agreed to let him pay for those," Gemma said. "But then those aren't very expensive. My fingers have been itching to draw this beautiful scenery, but since I lost my sketchpad in that sudden storm I haven't been able to. Even if I hadn't lost my pad my drawings would've been ruined because they were soaked."
"I can see how that would be very distressing," Mina said.
"Yeah it is, but I also know there's nothing I can do about it," Gemma said with a sad expression. "My pad was almost full you see, so I just didn't lose the drawing I was working on but everything. However, there's no point of pitching a fit and stomping my feet like a child as what's done is done."
"So let's go buy you a new sketchpad. You can pick out whichever one you want along with some new colored pencils," Mina suggested
"So long that's all we buy, then okay. Maybe we can stop by my apartment and pick me up a few changes of clothes," Gemma suggested. "It's such a beautiful setting here on this island that I don't mind staying for a few days, since Mr. Rossi was so kind enough to offer."
Mina said nothing, but was still going to buy some clothes for Gemma as that had been Dave's orders.
"I need to be home around lunchtime as I'm supposed to share lunch with Mr. Rossi," said Gemma.
"That gives us some time," Mina said, "but maybe we better go after lunch."
"Why? We're only going to buy me some art supplies and go by my apartment to get some of my things," Gemma said.
"Because we don't want to be rushed," Mina answered calmly. "We want to be able to take our time."
What Mina said while the truth was not the complete truth, but she wasn't about to tell Gemma that, as it would likely just cause an argument. Mr. Rossi guest was just too proud to allow somebody else to pay for some new things for her. While Mina understood that as most people were to proud to accept what they saw as charity, unless they were really desperate Mr. Rossi had insisted. Gemma seemed like a very well raised young lady, so of course, she objected to what she saw as charity.
Gemma accepted the explanation, though she knew in the back of her mind that Mr. Rossi was determined so she doubted she'd get out of having him buy a few outfits.
"Well okay," Gemma said.
"Very good," Mina said pleased. "We'll go directly after lunch, which is at 1 o'clock."
"Sounds good," Gemma agreed. "By the way, I'm sorry I used the soaps in the shower. Surely they belong to someone. I know how expensive that particular brand is as I've wanted to buy some more than once. I didn't see any other choice though, as it was all that was there."
"Don't worry about that. Everything in the shower was there for guests unexpected or otherwise," Mina told her. "They aren't anyone's personal products."
"I see Dave believes in treating his guests well," Gemma said in astonishment. "I mean, I know how expensive the soap alone is, as I've been in stores that sell them and have gazed longingly at the shelves that contain them. I so wanted to buy, some but I could never afford to. I was barely make it by as it is and $50 for just one little bar of soap was way beyond my range."
"One of Mr. Rossi's companies produces it," Mina told her. "I'm sure you could get a lifetime supply at no charge if you asked him nicely."
"I didn't know that," Gemma said in surprise.
Gemma knew that if you owned the company of whatever the product was then you didn't have to pay the outrageous prices that somethings cost. Essentially Dave was paying nothing for having such expensive soaps and shampoos in the shower. They would likely in all the showers in his home as it wasn't like they ever went bad. They were basically good forever and they would likely be used long before the products expired, if such thing as soap could expire.
"Mr. Rossi has many, many businesses and produces numerous products in a lot of different fields. Technology, beauty products, pharmaceuticals, clothing, furniture, video gaming systems and the games that go with them the list is endless," Man told her.
"He sounds like he's a very good businessman," Gemma said. "I had heard that he was as rich as King Midas from mythology. That was the rumor anyway and even though I don't usually pay attention to that kind of thing I still heard a lot about him from the rumor mill. He was also always in the paper or on the news on the vid screen from making some kind of business deal."
"His family has always been good in business and as far as I know not a single one of them lost any of the family fortune," Mina said vaguely.
This was not completely truthful as Dave's family was only himself as he never been married or had children but Gemma didn't need to know that at least not right now. That might very well be changing in the new future because Mina had seen the avid interest on Dave's face when he had rescued Gemma from the beach.
Gemma Birdwhistle was indeed a beautiful woman and Mina had never seen her employer so fascinated and interested in a woman before this and she's been working here for years. She had taken over for the old housekeeper when she had retired.
Oh, to have children running around the halls, Mina thought wistfully.
"Mr. Rossi family had certainly managed to maintain their fortune and probably even increase it through, some bad economic times," Gemma said.
"Yes the family has quite a talent for business," Mina agreed before she left Gemma to her own devices.
~~~Dave and Gemma~~~
