“Oh, yeah. I guess I forgot.”
“Anyway, we should head back to our hotels.” Joy stood next to Tony, giggling nervously.
“Buona sera.” Edith hugged Joy close to her. “Be careful. Be wise,” she whispered in her ear.
“Buona sera.” Joy pulled away. “See you soon.”
Together she and Tony watched Edith and Martin walk off toward the docks to catch their boat back to the train station.
A light breeze cooled Joy’s warm skin, chilling her. She rubbed her arms. Watching Edith and Martin stroll off together arm in arm comforted her but also sent envy racing through her.
They’re so in love. She sighed. Is that sort of love possible for me?
Tony pulled out his phone and called Jaime. He held it up as she answered the FaceTime call.
“Hey, you two. You look great together, like you had a great day,” Jaime said with hope in each word. Her smile was pure happiness.
“Hi, honey.” Joy waved.
“Mom and I just had dinner with your friends from Rome. Edith and Martin,” Tony said.
Jaime’s mouth dropped open. “Wow. That’s terrific. You both look relaxed. I guess the food was good? I know the company was good. Edith texted me, so I let her know where to find you, Mom.”
“Thanks, honey.”
“Excellent food, wine, and company.” Tony winked.
As he and Jaime chatted, Joy’s mind wandered off to her talk with Edith. She couldn’t help but be a little concerned. What Edith said struck her hard in the gut. The concern grew within her like an alien creature. Yes, she and Tony had a lot in common, but the foundation of their relationship remained damaged. Or was it sinking like the foundations of the buildings of Venice?
Could their relationship be repaired? Could they rebuild it better than before? Or was their foundation made of sand?
“Mom? Did you hear me?” Jaime asked.
“No, I’m sorry. Can you repeat that?” Joy chuckled.
“I said I have to get going to work and will text you later about the wedding plans. Everything’s coming together except the photographer. He had to cancel, but I have another in mind. She’s very good and available, so . . .”
“That’s great, honey. I look forward to our chat.” Joy waved goodbye.
Tony placed his phone in his pocket and hugged Joy. “She looks so happy, doesn’t she? So excited. It’s really helping her to see us together again.”
“Yes.” Joy closed her eyes and relaxed into Tony’s embrace. “And that’s what matters most.”
“How about a gondola ride back to your hotel?” Tony pulled her along toward the docks.
“Sounds good to me.” Joy giggled.
They tracked one down and handed him the Euros. Inside the gondola, Tony leaned back in the comfortable seat with his arm around Joy’s waist. He pulled her toward himself and kissed her cheek. “This is nice, isn’t it? Too bad we didn’t come here for our honeymoon.”
Joy tossed her head back and laughed. “What are you talking about? We had a lovely honeymoon in Bermuda, remember?”
“I know. It was great. But Venice . . .” He sighed. “This has really been an amazing time. So relaxing.”
“I agree.” She leaned against Tony and listened to the gondolier talk about the history of Venice as they passed by various buildings. The windows above them, each with balconies filled with flowers, were lit from within as families settled in for the night. Each window has its own story, Joy thought. Each window provided a glimpse into the lives of those who resided within. She wondered who those people were and if they loved living in Venice.
But some windows were darkened. She frowned.
Are we lit from within? She glanced up at Tony.
Millie’s face appeared in her mind. She remembered how her friend Millie had photographed the doors in Rome for the photography contest. But Joy loved the windows she’d seen in Venice. The various architectural styles and balconies inspired her imagination.
“Have you enjoyed working at the florist shop?” Tony asked, startling her out of her deep thoughts.
“What?”
“Here in Venice. Have you enjoyed working in the florist shop?”
“Sure. I mean, I haven’t had to work much, but I do enjoy it when Dina has things for me to do. The locals have been so kind, and I love the flowers. I love arranging the flowers.”
“It’s a nice shop.”
“It is. And Dina and Vito are so sweet.” Joy turned to Tony. “They’ve inspired me to look into opening up a shop in New Rochelle. In fact, I wanted to ask you your thoughts on that.”
“Here we are.” The gondolier stopped the boat at the bridge. “Your hotel is right over there, Madam.”
Tony hopped out first, then assisted Joy. The two made their way across the bridge, where tourists relaxed and took photos and the locals passed by on their way home.
Joy’s hotel lobby was busy with people coming and going. She nodded to the concierge at the desk. “Buona notte,” she said.
