He nodded. “Oh, yes. Many years.”
Wondering if they knew each other from school or through family, Joy thought up more questions to ask.
“They introduced me to my wife a long time ago.” He grinned as if remembering.
“Oh. I see.” Joy’s shoulders slumped slightly. “So you’re married. What’s your wife’s name?”
He walked a bit in silence with hands in his pockets. “I am a widower. My wife died several years ago.”
Joy swallowed the lump in her throat. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.” She cringed.
“How could you know?” He shook his head and gently touched her arm. “It is all right.”
They continued on down a narrow street. Many couples passed them, arm in arm, laughing.
“Her name was Anna,” he said in a quiet voice.
“What a lovely name.”
“Dina and Vito are very good friends.” Alessandro stopped by the water. “I am thankful for your help. They are getting too old to run their shop, but they will never admit it.”
Joy chuckled. “I suppose I won’t admit it either when I’m too old for anything.”
“I care for them very deeply. Vito is like my brother.” Alessandro stopped and faced Joy. “I do not want them to get hurt.”
Her eyebrows rose, and she pointed to her chest. “You mean by me?” She laughed and shook her head. “Oh, no. Don’t worry about me. I have no nefarious plans or anything. I came to Venice for adventure, and I just happen to love flowers. I’ll help them out for a little while, but then I need to return to New York.”
“Ah.” He nodded. “I see. Good.” They continued along the waterway.
A calm feeling ran over her body. Alessandro was so concerned about his friends. Such an admirable quality.
“Is that where your family is? New York?” he asked.
Joy nodded. “Yes. My daughter is there. She’s getting married soon, so I must return to help her.”
He raised a finger into the air. “La famiglia . . . is everything.”
“I agree.” Joy smiled widely. “So, is your family here in Venice?”
“No.” He leaned against a railing and watched the water flow. “My family is in Caorle.”
Joy tilted her head. “Oh? Where’s that?”
Alessandro smiled. “It is north of Venice. A pleasant coastal town.”
“Sounds lovely.” Joy’s eyes sparkled just thinking about it.
“It is.” He waved his hands. “We have long sandy beaches that stretch for miles and miles. Oh, and we have a cathedral, and a bell tower. Very beautiful. And a lighthouse that many tourists come to photograph. On the beach, we have a festival each year. Very fun.”
“I can imagine.” Joy closed her eyes for a moment, trying to picture the town.
“My family has a farm there where we grow flowers for Venice merchants.” He shrugged. “And we have a vineyard too.”
Joy shook her head. “I’m shocked.”
“Really?”
“Here I thought I was going to walk around Venice, then return to my hotel. But I have met Dina and Vito and you . . . and you are fascinating.”
“What can I say?” He playfully shrugged, took her hand, and gently kissed it. “Shall we continue to your hotel?”
Joy’s face turned red. “Yes.”
After traipsing through the Venetian alleyways and over bridges, they finally arrived at the hotel.
In the lobby, Alessandro nodded, then waved to Joy. “Buona notte, Joy.”
“Ciao.” Joy waved back. “See you tomorrow?”
“I’m not sure. I have many deliveries to make for my family farm and then for Dina and Vito.” He winked. “But I hope we see each other soon.”
“Thanks for the walk and for the talk tonight.” Joy turned to leave.
“Perhaps one day before you return to America, I can show you our farm and introduce you to my family?” He placed his palms together.
“That would be nice. We’ll see. Good night.” Joy headed to the elevator and watched as Alessandro exited through the front doors.
Her phone vibrated, interrupting her. It was a text from Millie, her friend from Rome.
