They laughed and we headed to the lounge on the first floor. Comfortable cream leather chairs and sofas were arranged around a beautiful mahogany bar. Leafy plants and glass tables accented the room, and the patio doors were flung open to a terrace. Most of the tour was already there and held drinks in their hands, gathering in small groups to chat.

I got Allegra a Coca-Cola in a glass bottle, and Mom and I had white wine. Bites of bruschetta and prosciutto-wrapped melon were passed around on platters, along with a selection of cheese and fruit with a variety of crackers. I grabbed a handful of grapes and greeted Dana and Steve.

“Darlin’, I didn’t know you had to climb Everest to enjoy the island,” Dana drawled in her thick accent. “Sophia, how did you end up getting to the top before me?”

“I practiced my Jane Fonda every day,” she said proudly. “Fran made fun of me, but it’s come in handy.”

“I declare, I’m saving money on my gym membership—send me the link to buy one.” She fussed over Allegra’s outfit and I admired her purple sleeveless jumpsuit and Steve’s matching shirt. He was wearing a Stetson again, but this one was white. I wondered how many bags they’d had to pack in order to fit all the hats and jewelry they’d brought. “We’re headed to a darling little restaurant that Enzo recommended for dinner. Come with us.”

I hesitated, but Allegra and Mom seemed excited, so we agreed. Before long, Cherry and Laura asked to join us, and we all headed out after Enzo called in and managed to get us a revised reservation.

The evening was bright and lively, with crowds of tourists overflowing the shops and restaurants, soaking up the last of the sun. Our table was outside under a bright red awning, the spill of scarlet and fuchsia flowers bursting around us. I breathed in the scents of citrus, ordered a glass of champagne to celebrate my new resolve, and actually enjoyed the light chatter at the table.

We feasted on succulent prawns simmered in a seafood broth and on tender artichokes, and indulged in crusty bread with a light smear of real butter. Cherry entertained us with stories of their rescue farm and animal antics, and Dana battled back with tales of fashionable celebrities gone terribly wrong. Even though Steve was the only male, his droll comments made me laugh out loud. I was just about to order cappuccino when my phone began to vibrate. I ignored it for a while, but my purse kept letting out a low hum, and I began to get nervous.

With an easy smile, I stood up. “Be right back. Restroom.”