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.”
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.”
