Max closed his eyes for a brief second, ‘My condolences, that must have been a terrible shock. Is that where …’ He indicated her crutches.

She nodded. ‘I’m meant to be recuperating, but I feel I made a mistake coming. Getting around is a lot harder than I thought, and I’m bored of sitting around feeling useless.’

To her horror, Olivia felt tears welling in her eyes. She blinked hard to keep them in check.

‘What am I thinking?’ Max said. ‘Let me get you something to drink.’

Olivia asked for a glass of water, and in moments a waiter had brought it to the table, along with a pot of English tea for Max.

Max was the perfect gentleman. Entertaining, and seemingly interested in her as well, rather than just being kind – Olivia couldn’t have borne that. She found herself opening up to him, telling him all about her long stay in hospital, and the months of recovery she’d undergone. The one thing she didn’t mention was the painful loneliness she had endured since Simon’s death, the torment that was worse than her injuries.

Max told her all about himself, too, and about his daughters, one of whom was at university in New England and the other who was training to be a doctor. He explained that he travelled a lot, while his wife ran her own high-end interiors business in London.

Olivia felt as if they had known each other for years, and was surprised when Gina hurried over to join them, a concerned look on her face.

‘Olivia, I’ve been looking for you everywhere. You’ve been missing for over an hour.’

‘I’m sorry,’ Olivia said, ‘I didn’t realize it had been that long—’

‘Ah Gina, you’re just the person I need,’ Max interrupted. Gina knew Max well, as he always stayed in the White Palace whenever he was in Venice. He proceeded to explain to Gina that he wanted her to get hold of a wheelchair for Olivia. ‘The best you can find in Venice,’ he grinned. ‘After all, we can’t have you sitting around twiddling your thumbs and getting under Gina’s feet, can we?’ Max told Olivia, his eyes full of mischief.

And for the first time in many months, Olivia felt her smile reach all the way down to her toes …

Five minutes later, the four of them were sitting in the White Palace restaurant, a bowl of ice cream in front of each of them as they chatted in a mixture of English and Italian. Gina had chosen pistachio gelato, Issy had gone for strawberry, while Daniela had opted for stracciatella – chocolate chip.

‘Just fruit for me,’ Olivia said. ‘I can’t even put on a gram before the big day.’

‘When is that?’ asked Issy.

‘In one week,’ Olivia beamed. ‘I feel like a teenager again in all the excitement. After I get married, I promise we’ll have all the gelato I can eat. I can’t wait for the day.’

Gina grinned. ‘Your wedding is going to be amazing,’ she told Olivia. ‘I’ve got a few surprises up my sleeve.’

‘Don’t tease me, Gina,’ Olivia gave a mock sigh, ‘you know I can’t bear surprises.’

‘You love surprises!’ Gina laughed.

‘Well, all I know is that we have left everything in the very best hands … Now, I’d better find Max, we’re supposed to be getting married, but all he can think about is Bellini’s San Zaccaria altarpiece! Goodbye, Daniela,’ Olivia said, and waved goodbye as she headed towards the lobby.

Daniela waved back sweetly and then went back to her gelato.

‘Mmm, this is delicious,’ Daniela beamed happily. ‘I think it’s the best I’ve ever eaten.’

‘I’m very pleased to hear that,’ Gina smiled. ‘I’ll pass on your compliments to our chef.’ She watched as Daniela stared all around her, fascinated by the glamorous guests who were visiting the hotel from around the globe, before turning to Issy. Daniela seemed to be working up the courage to ask her something.

‘Issy,’ she began. ‘What’s Brad Redford really like?’

Issy grinned. ‘Well, you’ve met him now. What do you think?’

‘Um …’ Daniela bit her lip, her cheeks flushing. ‘He’s always jumping around!’

‘You’re right,’ Issy told her. ‘I have to try and stop him doing that sometimes, but he’s a very nice boss, and a great guy. He never shouts at me, or gets cross.’

‘I’m glad,’ Daniela said, digging into her ice cream.

‘You know who else is a great guy?’ Issy said quietly to Gina.

Gina looked at her curiously, shaking her head.

‘Marco. Look, don’t be too hard on him,’ she murmured, making sure Daniela’s attention was elsewhere – she was currently engrossed in staring hard at a famous footballer and his lingerie model girlfriend who were strolling through the restaurant.

Issy continued. ‘I know Brad respects him a lot, he’s the best. I’m sure he wasn’t trying to undermine you earlier – he just wants to make sure everything’s perfect.’

Gina swallowed. She knew that Issy meant the advice kindly. ‘Thank you. I’ll bear that in mind.’

She wondered if she had been a little hot-headed earlier. She was usually entirely professional, never losing her cool or letting her façade slip. She needed to get control over her edginess.

‘Did you see who that was?’ Daniela hissed excitedly as she turned back to them. ‘It was Fabio Totti and Virginie Lenoir! I can’t wait to tell my dad.’ She scraped the last of the ice cream from her bowl, sighing with satisfaction, before asking, ‘Issy, have you ever met Lexi Parker?’

A tight expression flickered across Issy’s face, but seconds later it was gone, and Gina wondered if she’d imagined it. ‘Of course,’ Issy said brightly. ‘Loads of times.’

‘She’s so beautiful!’ Daniela sighed. ‘Does she look the same in real life? I watched the movie Lady Liberty and she was so cool in it. I want to be just like her when I’m older.’

Issy’s smile never wavered; if anything, it was fixed rigidly in place. ‘Yes, she really is beautiful,’ Issy sighed. ‘But it’s not outward appearances that matter, is it? It’s what’s inside that counts.’

‘Issy’s right,’ Gina agreed, feeling that she was teaching Daniela a valuable life lesson.

‘Maybe,’ Daniela giggled. ‘But I’d still rather look like Lexi Parker.’

Issy didn’t laugh. Gina pushed her bowl away and caught Issy’s eye. ‘Everything OK?’ she mouthed, not wanting Daniela to hear.

Issy blinked twice; Gina could almost see her making the effort to push away whatever thoughts were running through her head.

‘Sure,’ Issy nodded, with a smile. ‘Everything’s fine.’

Gina wasn’t convinced, but knew that now wasn’t the time to pry. Instead, she turned to Daniela.

‘Your dad should be done with his meeting soon. Let’s finish up here, then go and see if we can find them.’

‘Already?’ Daniela looked disappointed. ‘Why do grown-ups like working so much? It’s much better to do painting and reading and dancing instead.’

‘I’m sure you’re right,’ Gina laughed. ‘But here’s the thing – I’m actually working right now. My job means I get to hang out with you and eat gelato. What could be better than that?’

Daniela looked thoughtful, then broke into a smile. ‘I guess you’re right, but I wish I could stay here a bit longer. Can I come and see you again, next time my dad has to come here?’

Gina felt a surge of affection towards Daniela. She found herself thinking that perhaps Issy was right – perhaps Marco was a good guy. Anyone with a daughter this sweet couldn’t be all bad. ‘Of course you can,’ Gina promised. ‘I need help eating more of this delicious gelato.’

Chapter 10