Panic set in and I stood so fast that the album landed on the floor with a hard thud. Perspiration dampened my brow and my vision blurred. I began to hyperventilate. Both Ettore and Giada were by my side in a flash. I paced, shaking a hand out while panting, “I can’t breathe.”

“It’s okay,” Giada said, placing a hand around my waist and holding me upright. “I’ve got you.” I couldn’t see much of anything when she ordered my husband, “Tor, would you get Vittoria a cold glass of water?” To me, she spoke softly, “Okay, honey. Come with me. You need some fresh air and some quiet.”

She led me away to a room that connected with the back area, sat me down on a lounge and moved to open all of the windows. The moment the cool breeze fanned over my face, I felt I could breathe again. I didn’t see Ettore, but he must have delivered the water because Giada held it up and helped curled my fingers around it. She ordered firmly, “Drink.”

I lifted the glass with shaking hands and tipped it back unsteadily, gulping down water so fast that it dribbled down my chin and onto my lap. My stomach recoiled as the icy water settled, but after a minute, it did seem to help.

Something touched my forehead. My eyes fluttered open and Giada mopped at my moist brow with a cloth. I was embarrassed but grateful. My lips stuck together as I whispered, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” She smiled sadly. A few minutes passed and I felt a little better. When I sat up without shaking, she said, “You know, this might sound strange seeing as I appear to be somebody you just met, but I know you. In fact, I’ve known you a while. I don’t know if you remember, but I used to come to your house with my dad. I would play with you and your sister while they talked business.”

What?

Confusion swept over my features. “I’m sorry. I don’t remember.”

Giada’s smile turned sheepish as she sighed through the words, “You used to braid my hair, but, bless you, you weren’t very good at it. I always left with fat, matted locks of fuzz, but in spite of that, I always left with a smile. One time, I gave you something of mine. An Italian charm bracelet.”

Recognition dawned and I gasped slowly. “Oh my God.” I blinked at her. “I do remember you.”

I still had that bracelet, but up until now, I had no memory of receiving it.