“Sounds wonderful.” Joy unwrapped some long-stem roses from paper and spread them out onto the workbench.
“And my nephew will play in the band. Would you like to come see?” He leaned on the counter.
“Buongiorno.” A man’s voice startled them. Tony entered the shop carrying a bakery bag. “I brought croissants.”
“Giorno.” Joy smiled. “Thank you. I mean, grazie. I mean . . .” She shook her confused head.
Alessandro straightened and slid to the side.
“Buongiorno,” Dina replied, carefully removing her glasses.
Joy took the bag and opened it. “Oooh. Smells delicious.”
“I wasn’t sure if you’d had breakfast yet or not.” Tony pressed his lips together as if embarrassed.
“I haven’t, so this is a treat.” Joy removed a croissant and bit into it. Her eyes closed as the sweet buttery flavor hit her tongue. “Wow.”
Tony smiled, then glanced at Alessandro.
“Oh, this is my friend, Alessandro. He brings flowers for the shop here. Flowers from his family farm.” Joy waved at him. “And this is my hus—ex-hus—Jaime’s dad, Tony. He’s visiting from Milan.”
Alessandro nodded, then scooted past.
“Nice to meet you.” Tony held out his hand and Alessandro shook it in awkward silence.
“Guess what? Alessandro invited me to a friend’s ristorante tonight. Would you like to come along?” Joy nudged Tony. “Excellent food and live music.”
“Sure. That sounds amazing.” His wide grin revealed his surprise at the invitation and enthusiasm in Joy’s voice.
“Great. What time, Alex?” Joy faced him.
“Uh, seven-thirty.” He glanced down at his feet.
“Wonderful. I can’t wait to hear your nephew play. Alex took me to his family farm in Caorle a couple of days ago. It’s so beautiful there.” Joy set down the croissant. “Dina and Vito were there too.”
“That’s a lovely town. I’ve been to Caorle Beach before,” Tony said. “On a business trip years ago.”
Alessandro raised his eyebrows. “Very beautiful. Well, I have more deliveries. I will see you tonight?”
“Yes.” Joy smiled warmly.
“Bene.” Alessandro reached over and took Joy’s hand and raised it to his lips to kiss it but changed his mind. “I’ll see you tonight.” He hastily walked through the door to his waiting cart.
Tony watched him, then returned his attention to Joy. “You’re blushing.”
She reached up and touched her warm face. “Am I?”
“Si.” Dina raised an eyebrow.
“Oh, well . . .” Joy shrugged. “It’s warm in here.”
“It’s cold in here from the coolers for the flowers.” Tony chuckled and leaned on the counter. “Looks like I’ve got some competition?”
“What?” Joy crinkled her nose. “Nonsense. He’s just a friend.”
“Uh-huh. A friend who invited you to his family farm . . .” Tony playfully nudged her.
“Dina and Vito too.” Joy bit into her croissant.
“That’s all right. I like a little competition.” He winked at Dina. “I have a few errands to run, and then I’ll swing by your hotel at seven-ish? Sound good?”
“Yes. This will be fun.” Joy pointed to the croissant. “Thanks for breakfast.”
“Enjoy.” Tony pecked her cheek, then walked off. He paused at the doorway. “And thanks for the dinner invite tonight. This will be great.”
“You’re welcome.” Joy watched him saunter off into the piazza, disappearing among the tourists.
Angelina appeared in the doorway, lowering her sunglasses to watch Tony walk off. “Who is that?” she asked when she entered.
Dina replied in Italian and shook her head as if disappointed.
“Ah. Capisco.” Angelina sat on a stool by the counter.
“What? What did Dina tell you?” Joy glanced at Angelina, then at Dina, who disappeared into the back of the shop.
“She said that was your ex-husband?” Angelina was dressed impeccably in striped wide pants, black Italian leather loafers, and a black off-the-shoulder peasant blouse. She raised her eyebrows. “Ooh la la.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Joy gathered her croissant and bag, sweeping the crumbs into her palm. “He just happens to be here in Venice until Friday.”
