I’d managed to please Perry with my changes to the campaign during my all-nighter, so I was hoping the next few weeks would be low-key and I’d hit the ground running when I returned. I hadn’t addressed my mother’s barbed speech, but I think it was because I sensed she was right. We’d been getting along lately and I didn’t want to dredge up any issues. I just wanted Italy to work its magic on us.

Enzo called us to attention. “You have the rest of the afternoon on your own. I’d recommend checking out Giubbe Rosse café—it was the meeting place for famous writers and artists. If you want to indulge in designer shopping, cross the Arno to Piazza della Repubblica. There is plenty to do there. I’d recommend staying away from the Uffizi Gallery today since the lines are quite long, but tomorrow you will have enough time after we see David at the Galleria dell’Accademia. Tonight, we shall dine at Buca Mario and you will have the most delicious food. Please be ready at seven p.m. I am here for any questions.”

His fans immediately swarmed him, and I couldn’t help the smile that curved my lips. Everyone adored him, and somehow, I felt pride at his talent and obvious love of his job. I turned to Allegra and Mom. “Okay, ladies, what shall it be? Shopping, culture, or strolling around to see what catches our eye? We can always get lost again.”

Allegra groaned. “No, thanks, that was enough stress for the whole trip. I’m fine to explore. Nonni?”

“I’d love to see the Santa Maria del Fiore,” she said. “It has that gorgeous dome and we can shop along the way. As long as you’re up for seeing another church.”

“I’d love to see that,” Allegra said excitedly.

I quirked a brow. “Before we left, you said you’d die before you’d be dragged into lots of boring churches. Have you had an epiphany?”

Did her cheeks turn red or was it just the sun? Or was Ian becoming a bit more important than I’d thought? “I just think we should see all the landmarks while we’re here,” she said with a primness that was a direct contradiction to the spark in her eyes.

“The church it is.”

“I have to use the bathroom first,” Mom said. “Enzo said there was a public toilet down the block.”

“I have to go too. I know where it is. Mom, we’ll meet you back here? We have to head this way to get to the church.”

“Sounds good.” I quickly checked my phone, sent a few texts, then stuck it back into my pocket.

“Francesca?”