Ups and downs

Paolo was devastated. The plans he'd had for a future with Livia were shattered. He'd been nursing unrealistic ideas. He hadn't seen the signs. The trouble was that he'd ruined his chances with Sofia too and wasn't sure how that might pan out. Nonetheless, he determined to move on, to convince himself he would be better off with younger women. Onwards and downwards.

On the other hand... regular sex with Marcia was still on the cards, so, provided he was prepared to share her with Franco... and maybe others... then he would keep a bit more than his spirits up.