A gondola passed by them, and the tourists waved. Their bright smiles were contagious. Joy grinned widely and waved back.

“Buonasera, signora e signore,” the gondolier said as they passed.

“Buonasera,” Alessandro said.

“I know I’ve only been here a short while, but I love this city.” Joy continued walking.

“It is the heart of Italy.” Alessandro followed her.

“I’m beginning to understand this more and more.”

“Venice consists of hundreds of islands connected by over four hundred bridges. You must see the most famous bridge of them all,” he explained.

“The Rialto Bridge?”

“Yes. It has many steps but a fantastic view from the top.”

“I’ll be sure to see it tomorrow. My hotel is right there.” Joy faced him and shoved her poncho into her purse. “Well, Alex, thank you for such a pleasant evening. I can’t wait to tell my daughter about the meal, meeting Carla, and our walk.”

He bowed. “It is my pleasure. Please say hello to your daughter for me.” He reached for her hand, then gently pecked it. “Will I see you at the florist shop tomorrow?”

She shook her head. “No. I have the day off. I’m going to be a tourist.”

“Sounds wonderful.”

“Well . . .” Joy hesitated. “Buonasera.”

“Buonasera.” He smiled, then turned to leave.

“Um, Alex?”

He turned toward her. “Yes?”

“Was it my imagination, or does Angelina not like me much?” Joy crinkled her nose.

He glanced aside as if thinking about it. “Ah. Angelina. Well, she is a bit . . .” He gestured in circles. “Intimidating at times.”

Joy’s eyes widened. “Yes. Just a bit.”

“Don’t worry about her.” He shrugged. “For some reason, she thinks only women interested in romance befriend me.”

“Well, I think she wants you all for herself.” Joy waved her hands. “Is she really famous in Italy?”

He nodded. “Yes, she is famous for some films she starred in and as a model.”

“She’s beautiful.”

“She knows it,” he quipped.

“I told her I’m not in Venice for romance, but adventure.”

Alessandro’s smile weakened.

“I’m done with romance, you know?” She laughed, but Alessandro didn’t laugh with her. He simply smiled and waved.

“Pleasant dreams,” he said before walking away.

“Thanks—erm . . . grazie.” Joy waved, then spun on her heel. She entered the hotel lobby as tourists rushed past her. “Where is everyone headed?” she asked the hotel manager.

“The rain has stopped, so tourists are excited to continue their adventures in Venice. What about you?” He glanced up and down at her.

“I’m in for the night.” Joy headed toward the elevator.

“Nonsense.” He frowned. “Sunset is the perfect time for a gondola right along the main canal.” He attempted to turn her around, but Joy resisted.

“Not tonight. Maybe tomorrow?” She moved past him.

He lowered his head in sorrow. “But what if there is no opportunity tomorrow?” He wagged a finger at her. “Never put things off that you could easily do today.”

As the elevator doors closed, a tinge of regret saddened her. Should I head out for a gondola ride? I don’t have much planned for tomorrow. Her heart raced inside her as her friend Millie’s face appeared in her mind. Millie didn’t put off her adventures. She met them head on. I’m not too old for adventure, right?

Joy pushed the button, and the elevator doors opened.

“You are so right,” she said to the hotel manager. “Why put it off?”

He clapped his hands together, then waved to one hotel worker behind the front desk. He spoke to her in Italian, and she tapped away on the computer keyboard.

“Janelle here is making a reservation for you at the gondola right outside Saint Marco’s Piazza. You know the place?” he asked.

Joy nodded. “Yes. I was there earlier today.”

Janelle nodded to her. “I emailed the voucher to you. Show it to the gondolier. Prego.”

“Tell him Ricardo at the hotel sent you.” He winked.

“I sure will.”

With her phone in hand, Joy set out for her evening adventure.

As she stood in line waiting for the gondola, Joy thought more about Angelina and Alessandro. She’s so lovely. Tall and statuesque. She chortled. And I’m short and over the hill. She’s much better for Alessandro than I could ever be.

The boat approached and settled at the dock. One by one, three other passengers stepped into the gondola. Joy sat next to an elderly woman. They nodded at one another.

Making its way through the water, slicing through it like a cutlass, the gondola passed by buildings, boats, and sidewalks busy with tourists.

Other gondolas passed, and tourists waved to Joy and the others. Their gondolier sang to them in Italian like something out of a movie.

How could Joy compete with Angelina, a famous model and actress? She shook the silly notion out of her head. I’m not here for romance, just adventure.