Just ask and it will be supplied, but are you sure you want it?

aperol and bruschetta on the Terrace of the "Foreigners' club-a great place for free tourist information and to watch the sunset

open for lunch, drink and dinner, just around the corner from Piazza Tasso the main square

views from every look out

There is no photo, but he was drop dead gorgeous, looked younger than his 40 years and could easily have been a male model. He struck up a conversation with me while I waited for a train and when he invited me to join him at a nearby local beach I only hesitated briefly, because I thought he was gay. Turned out he wasn’t.

It was only later that I mused about the synchronicity of the timing and just how many coincidences there were in that encounter.

We sat on the rocks overlooking the bay and he told me of his dreams and disappointments. Behind his words was a steely sadness and hunger. I felt the warmth of the sun and rocks seep into my body as we talked.

Later, back in Sorrento, I watch the sun go down from the terrace of the “Foreigner’s club”. There is finally a sense and feel of summer in the balmy evening air. Below me cruise ships sit waiting for their cargo, probably some of the tourists who I can hear chatting amiably around me.

I sip on an Aperol spritzer and relish the fresh flavours of the “Bruschetta alla Sorrentina” that Matteo, a surprisingly attentive young waiter brings me.

I think about Gianni and wonder whether I misjudged him but sadly it felt too much like a cliché. For a moment I remember his vulnerability and his touch, but then I see him with his English phrase book and hear his polished compliments and imagine him in uniform, working his charm.

The waiters are busy preparing tables for the evening trade, so I pack up my computer and ask for the bill.

“You don’t have to leave”, says Matteo, “and can I say what a lovely lady you are”

I smile and realise they just can’t help it.

“Thank you Matteo, sei molto gentile, ritornero' un altra volta”

“Ti aspetto” he replies.

I leave him a good tip.

Nor can I.

A presto

Mon x