“Together they walked to mile twenty-five, then ran across the finish line, where we met her with roses.” Edith playfully shoved Joy. “And all of you were so upset with me until I explained my reasons. Millie was upset too.”

“I bet she was, after all that.” Tony laughed. “But I’m glad you were able to meet her there at the end.”

“It was so special. Such a magical time in Rome.” Joy sighed.

“And now . . . Venice. What all have you seen so far?” Martin asked.

“What haven’t we seen?” Joy laughed. “All the bridges, the Piazza di San Marco, of course. The bell tower, the basilica. Oh, and the museums. I also went to the Islo di San Michele for a funeral, and although it was sad, the cemetery was beautiful.”

“That’s wonderful. What did you think of the island, Tony?”

He opened his mouth to answer, but Joy interrupted.

“Oh, he wasn’t with me at that time. I went with Alessandro,” Joy explained. “And then we went to Caorle Beach.”

“I bet that was lovely.” Edith smiled.

“That is a most beautiful coastal town.” Martin nodded. “My family would visit each year when I was a boy.”

“It really was perfect.” Joy sighed. “And then we took a van ride to Alessandro’s family farm. I couldn’t believe how huge it is. The flowers go on and on into the horizon. Flowers of all sorts. Sunflowers, roses, geraniums.”

“Sounds wonderful.” Edith leaned her elbows on the table.

“It was like something out of a movie. In the kitchen, the women cooked a fantastic meal, and the men sat on the patio and smoked cigars.”

“Hilarious.” Edith chuckled and ate some bruschetta.

“They also have a vineyard and their own wine label that’s been around for—”

“Excuse me.” Tony scoffed, then scooted his chair out, making a loud noise. Many patrons seated nearby turned their heads. Tony stood and threw his linen napkin onto his chair, then headed to the restroom.

Joy frowned and lowered her head.

“Oops.” Edith shrugged. “I guess someone feels left out.”

“I should have talked about the places Tony and I have been to. What was I thinking? Now I’ve hurt his feelings. We went to the glass factory in Murano and Burano to—”

Edith touched her hand. “You don’t have to explain to us.” She slid the plate of bruschetta over. “Here. Have some of this. It’s delicious.”

Martin poured them more wine. “It’s all right. His ego was bruised. He’ll be fine. Have more wine, huh?”

“Thank you.” Joy stood. “I’ll go check on him.”

“Joy. He just went to the restroom. He’ll be right back.” She tugged on Joy’s blouse. “Sit and relax with us.”

Joy sat down again and scooted her chair closer to the table.

“It sounds like you had a really nice time with Alessandro and his family though.” Edith winked.

“I did. But I also had fun with Tony.” Joy rested her folded arms on the table, staring down at the ring on her finger.

“Here. Look at our photos of the wedding.” Edith scrolled on her phone.

Joy perked up. “Look at you two.” Her heart glowed with happiness for her friends. “Oh, and that background. The water is such a deep blue. You both look so happy.”

Would she and Tony ever look that happy? Joy didn’t know, but one thing she did know was that with Alessandro at his family farm, she was happy.

Perfectly happy.

CHAPTER 11

The sun lowered behind the Piazza di San Marco, and the bells in the bell tower echoed. The ornate street lanterns turned on and illumined the walkway where the two couples meandered along walkways and over bridges. At the hotel restaurants along the piazza, musicians played classical music and famous show tunes.

“I love the live music, don’t you?’ Joy watched the musicians play their instruments as she walked by. The accordion, grand piano, violins, and guitar played together beautifully.

“It feels good to walk off that meal. Uh, I’m so full.” Edith rubbed her belly as she walked with Joy. Behind them were the men, talking business.

“It was a fantastic meal though. Isn’t it interesting how we don’t tip here in Italy?” Joy shook her head. “I still have trouble remembering not to tip.”

“Hey.” Edith waved her over to the Bridge of Spiers, where tourists were taking photos and selfies as the sun set.

“What is it?” Joy stood by her, leaning over the bridge.

“What are you doing?” Edith squinted.

“Beg your pardon?” Joy straightened.

“With Tony. What are you doing?” Edith blew air between her lips. “I really want to know what’s going on.”

“I told you. We’re trying to work things out. We’re getting back together for—”

“Jaime.”

Joy smiled. “Well, yes, but also for us.”

Edith cringed and scratched the back of her neck. “Because you spoke more about Alessandro than you did about Tony.”

Joy rolled her eyes. “I know I did at first, but then I did tell stories about what Tony and I did, remember? The Murano glass factory and the walks through Burano, then when we got lost and just kept walking around Venice. It was so romantic.”

“Joy, he left you for another woman after thirty-four years of marriage,” Edith said.

“Thirty-five years, actually.” Joy’s heart sank as she stared into the dark water below.

“Exactly. And you’ve just forgotten all about that?”

“Of course I haven’t.” Joy huffed and stormed off.

“Joy, wait.” Edith rushed after her. “Please wait.”