Joy slowed down but didn’t turn to face Edith. Her skin became hot even in the cool evening air.

“I’m just trying to understand everything.” Edith tried to get into Joy’s sight, but Joy avoided her. “When you talk about Alessandro, your whole face lights up.”

Joy blinked back tears just thinking about him. “That’s because I like him. He’s a very kind man.”

“I know. I like him, too, and I just met him.” Edith gently touched Joy’s shoulder. “It’s just that I don’t see that light in your eyes when you talk about Tony.”

Finally facing her, Joy pursed her lips. “That’s because we’re working things out. I like Tony. He was my first love. Look, I came to Venice for adventure, not romance.”

“I understand that.”

“And God brought Tony to me. I don’t believe in coincidences. I believe it’s a God-incidence.” Joy looked for Tony and Martin. She smiled with confidence when she spotted them approaching.

“God brought Tony here?” Edith raised a skeptic eyebrow.

“Yes. I believe God wants us to reconcile. You should have seen how repentant Tony was. He was crushed about how badly he hurt me and Jaime.”

“I get it. I do.” Edith glanced at Tony in mid-conversation with Martin.

“Does Tony know about the flower shop idea?”

Joy furrowed her brow. “What? No.”

“Well?”

“Well, what?”

“Aren’t you going to tell him about it?”

Joy shrugged. “Sure. I guess.”

Edith pursed her lips like a disapproving school teacher. “When?”

“I don’t know.”

“Have you told him about any of your hopes and dreams for the future?”

Joy vented air between her lips. “No. We’re just enjoying the here and now.”

“All right.” Edith stared at her.

“Look, I know it’s hard to comprehend all this after what he did to me, but you should see us now. When we toured Murano and Burano, we held hands and laughed together like we did when we were younger. I haven’t laughed like that in years. We have so much in common, Edith. Our history goes all the way back to high school.” Joy clasped her hands together and laughed with happiness.

Edith’s face softened, and a warm smile formed on her lips. “I believe you, I do. I’m just concerned, that’s all.”

“Don’t be. I’m fine. I know what I’m doing.” Joy nodded. “This is for Jaime more than anything.” Yes. For Jaime.

“For Jaime.” Edith studied Joy’s face. “Just for Jaime?”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, a good-looking man like Tony wanting to be with you must make you feel pretty good about yourself.” Edith crossed her arms. “It must be good for your ego.”

Joy scoffed. “No. Not at all. It’s all for Jaime. She deserves a family again. Tony and I want to give that to her.” Joy walked toward Tony, but Edith stopped her.

“Joy.” Edith’s eyes grew shiny. “Love needs to be for you, not Jaime. I know people. I’ve been observing people from all over the world for many years as a writer. I’ve met people from all walks of life. I can sense things in people. Call it a gift or a curse, doesn’t matter.”

Joy rolled her eyes.

“So please believe me when I say this—and I know I’m risking our new friendship. A friendship I cherish.” Edith quickly brushed away a tear. “But I don’t get a peaceful feeling from Tony. There’s just something about him I don’t trust.” Edith swiped her hands. “There. I said it.”

Taking in those words from a wise friend stabbed Joy in the chest. The sting hurt Joy more than she thought it would. Mostly because she knew it was the truth.

But she had to trust her gut. And her gut told her it was best to reconcile with Tony and try to start a new life back home.

“Joy?” Edith stroked her forearm.

“I’m okay.” Joy’s glance settled on Tony listening to Martin as they stood on the bridge. By Martin’s pointing and gesturing, she sensed he was explaining the history of the bridge and Venice. “I appreciate you, Edith.” She smiled. “I really do. But I have to trust my instincts.” Joy walked

On the walk back to the piazza, Tony held Joy’s hand, and a thrill ran over her body. She squeezed it tightly, allowing herself to imagine a future with him.

Edith and Martin walked behind them, chatting and laughing.

“Tonight was great. Your friends are very kind. I told Martin he didn’t have to pay for the meal, but he insisted. Class act.” Tony thumbed to Martin behind them.

“He is a very kind man.”

“What were you and Edith talking about?”

His stare weighed heavily on her. “Oh, just about what to see along the Amalfi Coast. Her descriptions were so vivid. You can tell she’s a writer, that’s for sure.”

They walked in silence for a moment.

“We should FaceTime with Jaime later. What do you think?” He checked the time on his phone. “She’ll be getting up soon.”

“Sounds like a great idea.” Joy’s stomach turned inside her. She hated lying to him, but feared he’d be hurt if she told him what Edith had really said.

“Well, you two, we need to head back to Rome by train.” Martin glanced at his watch. “Our time here in Venice has been magical, thanks to you both.” He held out his hand, and Tony shook it.

“Mille grazie, Martin, for dinner. The food, the wine, the conversation . . .” Tony did the chef’s kiss with his fingers. “Perfetto.”

“I agree. Prego. Piacere mio.” Martin touched his chest and smiled widely.

“It’s so nice to meet you, Tony. We’ll see you in New Rochelle for the wedding,” Edith said.