A New Life Read Online Free PDF Page B

appreciated that Roberto was protective of her.
                  They entered the Lygon Street cafe and got a seat close to the window. A waiter approached and Valeria ordered a baked cheesecake and a cappuccino, while the others ordered espresso coffee and the same dessert. Roberto looked at Valeria with some curiosity.
                  “So, how was your first class?”
                  She was suddenly aware of Roberto's closeness. “Not too bad. I learned some phrases and the alphabet. I plan to listen to some tapes so I can learn the language really fast.”
                  Roberto nodded. “I really want to do an apprenticeship in carpentry. I've always loved working with my hands—making things out of wood. It's a passion of mine.”
    Valeria nodded too.
                  “He made quite a few little knick-knacks back in Italy. Didn't you, Roberto?” Angela said.
                  Roberto's eyes seemed to be looking far off into the distance. When he returned, he said, “Well, it's time to get back to it. I just hate my job.”
                  Marco changed the subject “So, what are your plans, Valeria?”
                  She turned to Marco. “I love sewing, so I was thinking I might get into dressmaking.”
                  “I can help,” Angela said. “I'm not particularly fond of my job at the factory, so maybe we can do something together.”
                  Valeria nodded. “Well I'd like to get a start on setting up my own business.”This would be her dream come true.
                  “I can get you in touch with the Italian women's community. Spread the word, you know.”
                  Valeria's heart warmed. “I'd like to look at doing casual wear first, and then work towards custom-made designs when I have more experience.”
                  “Okay,” Angela said. “I'll talk to my friends.”
    As the baked cheesecakes were brought to their table, Valeria stopped dead in her tracks. She saw a menacing figure. It was Luca.
                  “Well hello there, guys. Fancy meeting you here.”
    Valeria felt herself shake and had suddenly lost her appetite, unable to start on her dessert.
                  “Luca, man, what are you doing here?” Marco asked.
                  “Just here out on the town with my mates— in good old Little Italy.”
    Valeria noticed Luca staring at her. He stood close to Roberto with two other men who were shabbily dressed.
                  “Anyway, thanks for your help at the wedding. You were a lifesaver,” Angela said.
                  “No worries, man.” He smiled at Angela. “So, what are you guys doing here anyway? You don't usually go out on a weeknight.”
                  “We just had our English class. Thought we'd come out and show Valeria a bit of Melbourne,” Angela said.
    Valeria noticed Roberto continuing to eat his dessert, and had only looked at Luca when he first entered. She realised how quiet Roberto was, not addressing Luca in any way. Was he beginning to wonder about Luca? Was Roberto finally seeing her side?
                  Luca nodded, his constant stares unnerving Valeria. “Why not? Anyway, I'll catch you guys later.”
                  Luca seated himself and his friends at a table at the other end of the cafe. She turned away and felt sick to her stomach. She needed some quiet time. She excused herself to the ladies room and discovered it was in the upstairs part of the cafe. She noticed how quiet it was upstairs with empty tables that could seat a large number of customers. After leaving the cubicle, she washed her hands and stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her face looked flushed and her eyes were droopy from lack of sleep. She didn't know what to do about her situation with