“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.
“You’ll be there?” Joy clasped her hands together.
“Of course we will. Why, we wouldn’t miss it for the world. They are such an adorable couple. What a story they have too.” Edith playfully shoved Tony. “You should have seen Jaime and Michael traipsing around in Rome. I knew they were meant for each other. I can sense these things about people.”
Joy averted her eyes.
“When they fell in love,” Edith continued, “we were so thrilled for them. All of us!”
“You’re so right. It was the perfect setting for a romance.” Joy hugged herself. “Ah, Rome.”
“We were saddened to hear about Ben.” Edith frowned.
Joy nodded. “Yes. So sad. But we know he is proud of Michael and Jaime. He’ll be there in spirit.”
“Ben who?” Tony tilted his head in confusion.
Edith shot Joy a look.
“Tony.” Joy held out her hands. “Seriously? Ben was Michael’s father. He passed shortly after they returned to New York, just a few weeks ago. Jaime and I told you all about this.”
