There were stores here, as well, and Keira noticed several selling masquerade masks. She remembered the Halloween event she and Bryn had attended at Gino’s restaurant and realized now that it had been Venetian inspired.

It was only then that she remembered Halloween was today. So blown away by Italy was she that her favorite holiday had completely slipped her mind. That she’d be spending it in Venice of all places really did blow her mind.

“Are there any Halloween parties in the city?” she asked Cristiano, suddenly enthused.

He looked surprised at the sudden outburst of enthusiasm from her and Keira realized, guiltily, that she’d been difficult company for the last few hours. She felt very bad for him. It must be extremely confusing in comparison to the way Italian women usually behaved.

“We don’t celebrate Halloween in the same way as you do,” he explained. “Though I’m sure there’ll be an American-style club night happening somewhere in the city. Here, it is tomorrow, November first, that is more important to us. All Saints’ Day. It is a national holiday where we celebrate the Catholic saints. In Italy it was once as important as Christmas. Then November second is All Souls’ day, where we celebrate and remember our dead. There are many events to celebrate these three days, with people in masks, food, flowers, and processions.”

Keira perked up with excitement. “People wear costumes?”

“Yes,” Cristiano confirmed. “There is a big costume ball tomorrow night that many people will go to. Is that what you want to do?”

Keira thought of the ball at Gino’s. That night had been a disaster, but only because she’d been on a date with Glen. On Cristiano’s arm the masquerade ball would have been the most thrilling experience of her life. To get a second chance at it—in Venice, of all places—was like a dream come true.

Keira clearly failed to keep her expression neutral because Cristiano raised an eyebrow then.

“I can see that is very much what you would like to do.”

Keira felt a thrill of excitement rush through her. She could barely contain herself and bit her lip. “If it doesn’t affect our schedule too much,” she said hopefully.

“Not at all,” Cristiano said. “We can take our gondola ride today instead, that way you’ll be able to be on dry land for all the festivities.”

Keira leapt up in the air. “Really? We can go to the ball?” she cried, grabbing Cristiano’s hand.

He laughed. “Of course. If it will make you this happy. Anything for that smile of yours.”

Keira suddenly remembered herself and, blushing, dropped Cristiano’s hand. But as they walked down the street, heading toward the costume store, Keira felt as though Cristiano was starting to relax again for the first time in a while. She, too, could feel herself shedding the gloom that had followed her around since the evening before, feeling more able to let herself get swept away by romance.

They headed into a store together and tried on different costumes before finally purchasing black masks with gold trim. They laughed with abandon, and Keira couldn’t help but feel like they were on a date. She wondered if the people around them assumed as much. The thought made her giddy.