Gina strode off towards her office without looking back, not wanting to see the expression on his face.
She had done the right thing, Gina assured herself. So why did she feel as though she’d made a huge mistake?
Chapter 23
The island of Murano, famed for centuries for its glass-making, was a short boat ride north of Venice. It was less grand than Venice, but it was certainly charming – quaint and colourful, with brightly coloured houses lining the canals. On a sunny February day, its understated beauty would almost be a relief from the headiness of Venice during Carnevale.
Issy had asked for her advice in planning the trip, and Gina had been happy to take the reins from her – it was the kind of trip she’d organized hundreds of times before. Her extensive book of contacts came in useful, but this time there were a few extra-special touches to impress Brad and, she admitted to herself, Marco too.
The day was to start with a private transfer from the White Palace in a sleek wooden speedboat, and then the party would follow Gina’s itinerary, which mixed leisurely exploration with organized events. In the morning, she’d made sure the group would be free to look around the island at their own pace. She imagined meandering by the canals, getting lost amidst the painted houses and magnificent churches, crossing the bridges that connected the seven islands that made up Murano. She was sure that Marco would have seen some of this before, but never as intimately as she’d planned.
Gina, snap out of it.
She had to keep reminding herself that she was doing this for her guests, for the White Palace, and not because she got any sort of kick out of it, or that she wanted to see Marco.
At lunchtime, they would visit the house of world-renowned chef Giorgio Bartolini, who owned a Michelin-star restaurant in Cannaregio. He had agreed to cook a tasting menu for them at his own home on Murano. She smiled to herself. His cooking would blow their minds – his ‘lobster three ways’ was world-famous.
Then, in the afternoon, Gina had arranged a private tour of the oldest glass factory on the island, established in the thirteenth century. The guests would even have a chance to try it themselves, and Gina had a feeling that Brad would love it. He had an almost childlike curiosity about the world, which was part of what made him so charming – he was genuinely interested in everything and everyone.
Gina stood on the jetty, waiting for her guests, and couldn’t help breaking into a wide grin as Daniela raced towards her, her long hair streaming out behind her, before throwing herself at Gina in a hug. Marco followed in her wake, while Daniela went to look at the launch.
Gina was also helpless to stop the excited churn of her stomach as Marco greeted her with a slow grin. He looked relaxed in light chinos and a cosy parka that emphasized his broad, muscular frame. Gina couldn’t help the crazy feeling that he held her gaze for just a little too long, and that there was a special something in his smile that was just for her.
Focus on work!
‘So, Gina, we get to spend the whole day together?’
‘Strictly business, Marco.’
‘Ah that’s true, but you can’t back out on this like you have with our dinner?’ He raised his eyebrows laconically.
‘Dinner?’
Gina hadn’t realized that Edoardo had slipped up behind his brother-in-law, and was looking from one to the other of them with a dark expression.
Marco turned around. ‘Something wrong, Edoardo?’
Gina thought Edoardo looked as if he was trying not to explode. ‘There isn’t a single thing that you won’t try and muscle in on, Marco, is there? Isn’t the entire company and my family enough for you?’
Marco frowned. ‘I have no idea what you are talking about.’
‘Sure, you don’t,’ Edoardo answered through gritted teeth.
The awkward moment was interrupted by Daniela. ‘What’s the matter, Uncle Edoardo, you look so grumpy today. Are you coming to Murano too?’
‘Nothing’s the matter, bambina. I’m always happy when I’m around you, la mia gioa,’ he said, ruffling her hair so that she ducked away from his hand. ‘But you know what, maybe I won’t come today. Maybe I’m not wanted around here by everyone.’
‘Edoardo,’ Marco sighed, ‘come on …’
But Edoardo was gone, storming back towards the hotel, still wearing a moody expression.
‘That was awkward,’ Gina said quietly.
‘There isn’t much that won’t upset my brother-in-law,’ Marco sighed, then looked down at his daughter and pulled her to him in a brief hug. ‘Let’s forget about it,’ he said, gazing at the approaching figures. ‘Come on, here’s Brad and Issy. I’ve been looking forward to this.’ His irresistible smile was back.
They had chosen the perfect day to visit. On Murano, no one was wearing a Carnival costume, and the island was an ocean of peace compared to the city throng, just the sound of church bells ringing out on a Sunday morning.
‘This is awesome,’ Brad grinned, staring in delight from behind his dark glasses, as Issy looked around anxiously. Once again, Brad had insisted on going out without a bodyguard, donning an inconspicuous outfit along with a baseball cap, but Issy was still nervous that he might be recognized and cause a stampede.
‘Hey, Daniela,’ Brad smiled at her. ‘Do you like hot chocolate?’ The group were walking past a picturesque café, advertising its wares on a chalkboard outside, its front open for passers-by wanting to grab a takeaway. It was mid-morning – not long since breakfast, and too early for lunch – but the enticing smell of rich coffee and freshly baked sugary pastries drifted out from inside.
‘Yum,’ Daniela beamed. ‘It’s one of my favourite things in the world.’
‘Leave it to me,’ Brad grinned, as he strolled up to the counter and said with a flourish, ‘Cinque cioccolate calde, per favore.’
The woman behind the counter stared at him for a long moment. Despite his attempts to go incognito, his muscular figure, deep gravelly voice and American-accented Italian all made him stand out.
‘Sì, subito,’ she said eventually with a blush, turning to get his order.
‘You’re not supposed to be drawing attention to yourself,’ Issy warned him.
Brad shrugged, looking genuinely confused. ‘I thought I was blending right in. Wouldn’t I pass for an Italian?’
Gina caught Marco’s eye and the two of them burst into laughter.
‘Sorry, Brad, you won’t be winning an Oscar for this role,’ Marco grinned, as Brad pretended to look offended.
They got their creamy hot chocolate in takeaway cups so they could stroll along the canal. Dozens of brightly coloured boats were moored on either side, bobbing gently on the undulating water, while a sleek tabby cat lazed in a doorway, luxuriating in a patch of sunlight.
