“Stop fidgeting and relax. This will be fun.” Angelina slipped her arm into Joy’s. “Ready?”

Joy swallowed, then nodded. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

Tony appeared in the back and waved his hand.

There he is. Joy smiled and waved back.

But when Alessandro stood before them, her heart skipped a beat and the blood rushed to her head.

Tony lowered his hand and frowned.

“Buona notte,” Alessandro said with both hands over his heart. “You look . . . bellissima.”

“Doesn’t she though?” Angelina squeezed Joy’s arm. “Let’s get some wine.”

“Grazie. And you look very handsome tonight, Alex.” Joy batted her eyes.

Dressed smartly in a white button-down shirt with a dark jacket and slacks, he looked like a different man to her.

“Come this way. I have a table for all of us in the back.” He gently touched her arm and guided her through the crowd.

Angelina made her way to the bar and ordered two glasses of wine. When she returned, a man bumped into her and spilled some wine. “Stupido.” She scowled.

“I don’t think any wine got on your jumpsuit,” Joy said.

Angelina's classic beauty captivated her and everyone in the place. With her long dark hair cascading around her shoulders, brown eyes accentuated by false eyelashes and black kohl eyeliner, and full lips painted a red that perfectly complemented her red Versace jumpsuit—complete with plunging neckline—she bore a striking resemblance to the renowned actress sharing her name, Angelina Jolie. Joy observed how heads turned as Angelina glided through the bar area, effortlessly drawing the attention of the men—and women—around her.

Filled with envy, Joy followed closely behind her. Not envious of her beauty or youth, but of Angelina’s confidence.

Be confident, Joy. She straightened her posture. You can do this.

“Here we are,” she said when they arrived at the back room filled with Alessandro’s family and friends. “Ciao!”

“Ciao, bella,” her friends replied.

“Joy,” Tony said from behind her.

“Hello.” She turned. “Isn’t this a lovely restaurant?”

“Wow. You look . . .” Tony held out his arms. “Amazing. I love this dress.”

“Thank you . . . uh, mille grazie. Angelina and I went shopping today.” Joy laughed. “It’s the most expensive dress I’ve ever worn aside from my wedding dress.”

“Well, I, for one, am glad you went shopping.” He whistled slightly. “Gorgeous.”

“Oh, stop.” Joy playfully nudged him.

Music played, and Alessandro approached. He pointed to the musicians.

“Joy, that is my nephew I was telling you about. Over there playing the saxophone.” He waved to the young man. He took her arm and guided Joy closer to the band.

“He’s very talented,” she said above the music.

“Yes, he is,” Tony replied from behind them.

Alessandro smiled a weak smile at him. “Grazie. We ordered some food for everyone to share. Come sit and enjoy.”

Dina appeared, holding Joy’s purse. Her tight lips and raised eyebrow revealed her disapproval. She held it out in front of her as if it were a snake.

“Oh, thank you, Dina. I appreciate you remembering my purse.” Joy pecked her on the left cheek and then the right. “Mille grazie.”

“Prego.” Dina smirked at Tony, then turned on her heel and sat at the table by some friends and immediately began gossiping.

Joy smiled.

Tony leaned in. “She doesn’t like me much, does she?”

“Don’t worry about it.” She chuckled.

Tony motioned toward couples heading to the dance floor. “Care to join me?” He held out his hand.

“I’d love to.” Joy handed Angelina her purse and headed to the dance floor with Tony.

They did the rumba and then a mambo. The live music reached down to her soul, making her feel young again. He twirled her around the dance floor, and her head lightened. They danced until Joy’s feet ached and she needed to sit down.

“Whoo.” She fanned herself. “That was fun, but now I’m warm.”

Tony waved the waiter over and asked for sparkling water.

“Try the antipasto.” Alessandro held out a small platter of an arrangement of delicious small bites of cured meats, olives, and cheeses.

“I will.” The meat and cheeses melted in her mouth. “Delicious indeed.”

“Here’s some cold sparkling water.” Tony offered the beverage to Joy.

“Thank you.” The cool water refreshed her.

“Want more wine?” Alessandro suggested. “It’s our family label.”

Tony cleared his throat, and Joy could sense his frustration.

“If you’re warm, we could sit on the patio over there.” Tony pointed.

“Maybe in a minute.” Joy drank more water. Angelina giggled at her. “Help,” Joy mouthed to her, but Angelina simply raised her glass in a toast and winked.

On and on it went all night. Tony would ask her to dance, followed by Alessandro, and then they’d eat more food followed by more wine.

The crowded restaurant came to life. Joy heard many accents from people all over the world. The music energized her, but three hours later, Joy’s head throbbed along with her feet.