The car came to a stop at the packing lot of l'arena Nera.
Valentina thought they would never find space due to the plethora of cars that were trooping in, but not only had they found space, it was in an area where no other cars surrounded.
"How did you manage to find this spot," she asked Elio as they alighted from the car.
"Special privileges." He threw her a wink.
She took a picture immediately.
"You and that camera of yours," he laughed.
"Okay, I have to take pictures of you two again. You can capture it, moments before victory."
"Sì Bella!" They chorused in sync.
Click!
"There you have it," Valentina smiled.
"Okay Val baby, you have to lower your hat as we go in, okay? Don't speak to anybody. Please."
"Aye captain!" She saluted.
"You're even hot doing that," Marcello whistled
She rolled her eyes.
"Sorry," he quickly apologized.
"No hard feelings. Let's go watch you both win some money!" She pumped her fist in the air.
They all laughed in unison, and shortly after, began to walk towards the arena.
"Wow," Valentina gasped as they entered the main arena, which was already packed to the brim.
But for a second time, she was surprised to see they quickly found a place to sit.
And in that spot, there were not many people around.
She loved that position too because she could see every single spot, and take pictures of everything happening.
The arena roared with life.
Hundreds of voices chanted and cheered in accord. Lights poured from the open roof, casting golden hues all around.
The air was thick with the smell of hay and leather.
Valentina's eyes moved around, and stopped when it stumbled on the stables.
Click!
She began to take pictures again.
"Is it too loud, Val baby?" Elio leaned in to ask.
"No, it's perfect." She said through the lens of her camera.
A voice projected from a mic stole her attention, and she lowered her camera.
"Good afternoon Signoresignori, and welcome to the greatest battle of horses!"
The crowd roared following the introduction of the man wearing a rainbow-like mixture suit.
"Who is he?" Valentina questioned Elio.
"Hector Lobos. A charismatic man." He smiled.
"Indeed," Valentina whispered in agreement.
The odd looking man did make her want to pay attention to him.
"Today, we battle for honour. We battle for prestige. But most importantly, we battle to enrich our greedy pockets!"
Everyone burst out laughing. He had really hit the nail in the hammer with that one.
That was indeed why they were there.
"So for the next five minutes, place and lock in your bets. Because after that, all bets are off–no pun intended!"
Cracking laughter sizzled from every corner in response to his corny jokes.
"Okay, it's time," Elio said immediately.
Valentina's gaze swept towards him, watching the moment he leaned to the side to discuss with Marcello who was seated after him.
The crowd cheered, as the horses were led out by their riders, one after the other.
"That's it!" Elio pointed.
Valentina followed the direction of his fingers.
Vento!
The crowd roared the name of the first horse.
She understood why when she saw the dark haired stallion. Ideally, that was a winner.
Other horses were led out, and then one more.
No one cheered for the smaller redhead chestnut who pawed nervously at the dirt filled ground.
But her eyes remained glued to it. She lifted her camera, and took a picture of it.
"Elio?" She turned to see he was rising to his feet.
"SìBella?"
"Pick her." She pointed to the chestnut.
"What?! Are you insane? That's the worst horse in the lineup. She's slow and just there to fill up the quota."
"No," she shook her head. "She's not slow, just shy. The noise makes her shy. But when she gets into the rhythm of things, none of those other horses will beat her. Trust me."
He chortled. "You're gorgeous Val, and I adore you. But I'm betting a fortune on this. I cannot just take your word for it."
The implied insult burned her chest, and her gaze sharpened. "I'm more than just a pretty face, okay? If you don't want to take my word for it, then don't. But don't insult me. I know horses. I trained horses since I could walk. This pretty face has hands that have played in manure and dirt before. Do whatever you like, but you'll regret it if you don't pick her." She picked up her camera, and began to capture the crowd again.
Elio looked at the odds of the chestnut on the screen, and then at Marcello.
"His odds are small. Practically nothing. You're not thinking of listening to her, are you?" Marcello questioned.
"What if–"
"There are no what if's, fratello? This is practically our life savings. Go up there, and bet on the stallion."
He sighed. "Okay fine. Keep an eye on her." He rose to his feet, and headed straight for the betting stand.
The speaker returned with a huge smile on his face.
"I see you all have decided to spend your life savings today. The more the merrier!"
He gave room for the crowd to roar in response, before he continued.
"The LuceNera hasn't arrived just yet. I can see your wandering gazes, so don't fret. But we have here, Signor Vittorio!"
Everyone cheered again, as Vittorio stepped forward.
Hector moved the mic towards him, knowing if he hesitated, the opportunity would pass.
"LuceNera sends his love. He'll be here as soon as he can. Until then, have fun!"
"Signor Vittorio!" The crowd chanted as he returned the mic, and disappeared to a different stand.
Valentina's camera continued to shuttle, as she took pictures and videos of everyone and everything.
"I just got an announcement now. Luce's girls are also present. Please welcome Bella Daniela, and Bella Aurora!"
Valentina switched to video mode, capturing the moment Daniela and Aurora rolled into the arena in an open carriage, waving in the air like royalties.
But her heart jammed when she saw two other girls at the back seat of the carriage.
One of the girls had her face covered with a cap too.
"Natalia," she whispered, as her camera captured her.
They too went to sit at the spot Vittorio was seated.
"Bella?" Marcello called out to her.
She turned her head to him. "Yes?"
"Here's a bottle of water if you're thirsty."
She smiled. "Thanks a lot."
Elio returned shortly after, and took his seat.
"Hey?" He called Valentina's attention.
"What? You're going to call me Dumbo this time?" She rolled her eyes.
"I'm sorry, Val. I didn't mean—"
"Signoresignori! Betting is closed!" Hector's voice interrupted his apology. "News just reaching me, only two people placed a bet on our beautiful flore!"
The crowd broke into mocking laughter, whilst the other half booed.
"Wait until you hear that the two are both, Elio who is a repeat loser, and Marcello who is on his first bet. Where is Elio?"
Valentina quickly lowered her head, as eyes began to trail towards their end.
"There he is! Maybe his luck will finally shine through today. Although, no one sees that happening!"
They all laughed, as Elio waved from his position, whilst Marcello lowered his head to the other side in annoyance.
"He believed me." Valentina thought, shocked to her bones.
Elio tried to reach out to Marcello, but he flung his hand away.
"This better be worth it," he whispered under his breath.
Valentina caught the whole thing, as she lifted her head in that moment.
She extended her hand, and held Elio's.
Stunned, he looked up at her. "Sorry for putting you in a difficult position."
He smiled. "You're not dumb Valentina. Far from it. Besides, it's just money. I'll get it back. You heard– I'm the repeat loser." He forced a smile.
"And you tried to recruit Natalia?"
That made him chuckle.
"It's fine. You'll be fine," she promised, squeezing his hands reassuringly.
She moved them away just as the man took the mic again.
But Elio's eyes lingered lightly on her, as he questioned in his heart what kind of hold she had on him.
"Signoresignori! Let the race commence!"
The starting bell rang, and hooves began to thunder.