Before answering, she checked if it was Tony. A smile came to her face when Jaime’s name appeared.

“Hi, sweetie.”

“Mom, please don’t be mad.”

“I’m not mad, honey.” She rubbed her forehead. “A little shocked, but not mad.”

“He called me and told me he needed to see you, that he was already in Italy, so I just . . . I didn’t think there’d be any harm in you two talking about things.”

Joy sensed stress in her daughter’s voice. Familiar stress.

Jaime had been inadvertently placed in the middle during the divorce. Joy had no issue with Tony marrying Tiffany, but Jaime did. She resented her father’s actions. But Joy also knew Jaime projected her anger toward Carl, her ex-fiancé who had jilted her, onto her father.

Still, as an only child, the divorce left Jaime shattered and afraid.

Afraid she’d lose her family.

“Honey, don’t worry. I’ll talk with him tomorrow, okay? It feels strange seeing him here, I’ll admit that.”

“I’m sorry. He said he wanted to surprise you. He begged me not to tell you.”

“It’s okay, honey.” Joy exhaled. I hate it when he uses Jaime as a pawn in his game.

“Mom, he’s hurting. Tiffany left him and is now suing him for half his business and everything.”

“I see.”

“He could lose everything.”

“I’m sure there was a prenuptial agreement, hon.”

“He just needs to see you and forget all that for a few days, that’s all.”

Of course he does. Joy shook her head. It’s all about him.

“Maybe you could show him around and introduce him to your friends.”

“Sure thing. I can do that. No problem. Rest your mind, okay, honey? Everything’s going to be okay. How’s Michael?”

For the next thirty minutes, she and Jaime discussed Michael, the wedding planning, Jaime’s photography, and Alessandro’s family farm in Caorle.

“And you really cooked authentic Italian food?” Jaime laughed. “I wish I could have seen that.”

“I wish you could have too. I didn’t do all that much. Gianna, Alessandro’s daughter, did most of the cooking. She was delightful. Both of his children are so remarkable. And his family and friends embraced me, making me feel welcome.”

“I’m so glad, Mom. Truly.”

“Thank you, honey.” Joy looked at the digital clock on the nightstand. “I guess it’s time to say goodbye.”

“Love you, Mom. Please talk to Dad. Okay?”

“I will. Buona notte.”

In bed, the tension in her neck eased. Joy reflected on her day with Alessandro. The warmth and hospitality of Alessandro’s family washed over her like a tide of happiness. The memory of his smile held her like a comforting embrace. Tony couldn’t ruin her day with Alessandro. Nothing could.

Joy turned out the light and relaxed to the gentle lullaby of seagulls’ calls and the soothing whisper of the breeze drifting through the open window as she surrendered into slumber.

And not one image of Tony came to her mind.

Sunlight streamed between the buildings surrounding the piazza.

Because there was no sight of Tony at the hotel, Joy had a skip in her step as she made her way to the waiting boats at the port where Dina and Vito loaded boxes of flowers set in smaller lavender vases.

“Buongiorno.” Joy waved as she approached. “Need help?”

“Buongiorno!” Dina approached with open arms and gave Joy a big hug. “Did you have a good time yesterday?”

“Si. I really enjoyed meeting Alessandro’s children and visiting the farmhouse. It was the perfect afternoon.”

Vito handed her a box from the cart. “We are happy you enjoyed yourself. Here, take this. We prepare for a wedding reception at the terrace by the St. Regis Hotel.”

Joy took the box and set it inside the waiting boat. “Terrific!” Her wide eyes revealed her excitement. “I love weddings.”

Dina smiled at her and handed her another box. Joy arranged the boxes in the boat, then disembarked to help unload more from the metal cart Vito had set out.

“Who is getting married?” Joy asked Dina.

“A friend of—” Dina stared at someone behind Joy.

When Joy spun around, her smile disappeared. “Oh, hello, Tony.”

Wearing a tan jacket over a white collared shirt and his usual creased pants, Tony looked the part of a wealthy world traveler. “Good morning, Joy.” He pouted. “The hotel manager said I’d find you here.”

Dina and Vito stood by with shocked faces, wringing their hands. They whispered to one another in Italian.

The concern on their faces worried Joy. She pulled Tony aside. “What are you doing here?” she whispered to him. “I’m working.”

“Can we talk? Maybe go for a walk?”

She shook her head. “No. I said I’m working. They need me to help set up for a wedding reception at a nearby hotel.”

“So you are working while you’re here in Italy.” He chortled.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing. Jaime told me about your part-time job. I didn’t believe her, but now . . .”