We reached the marina and climbed onto the boat for our tour around the island. I’d hoped Ian would ask to sit with me again, but he spent the morning with his parents. I heard them laughing and joking around. Must be cool to feel so close to both parents. I’d never know.

When the boat cut its way through the water to head toward the Blue Grotto, I was struck by the vivid colors of blue ocean and sky, giant white yachts and earthy rocks spurting out in various twisted shapes. Droplets of water misted my face as we made our way around the island. In my peripheral vision, I spotted Ian whispering something to his mother, and then he was walking over to me with a smile. Dressed in white shorts, a blue polo shirt, and old sneakers, he looked comfortable yet confident. As if he was happy in his own body. His ginger hair was mussed from the wind and his blue eyes sparkled as bright as the sea. The freckles didn’t bother me as much anymore. I was getting used to them and they seemed to fit with his face.

He leaned against the rail next to me. “Hey. How was your night? What’d you do?”

“Just went to dinner. How about you?”

“Same, but we stopped at the bakery afterward for some torta caprese.”

“What’s that?”

“Think dark chocolate tart with almonds. I think Mom cried.”

I laughed. “It may make me cry too. I’ll have to try it.”

“After the grotto I heard we’re doing the death drive. Mom swore to sit by me and hold my hand with a barf bag. I think I may skip it and go back to the hotel.”

I stared at him in surprise. “Ian, you can’t! We’re going to the top of the mountain and it’s supposed to be spectacular. You’ll regret skipping it.”

He wrinkled his nose. “I know. I’m afraid I’ll freak out on the bus, though. I was okay on the plane ride and even the funicular, but the idea of hugging the edge of a cliff terrifies me.”

“I promise I can get you through it. I’ll distract you.”

He looked into my face and I caught a flare of emotion that made my stomach clench in a good way. “You don’t need to babysit me, Allegra. I don’t want to ruin the experience for you.”

“You won’t.” I crossed my arms in front of my chest with determination. “Just trust me. Okay?”

We stared at each other for a while, and then he grinned, reaching out to tug my ponytail. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but okay. I trust you.”