The crushing truth punched me like an uppercut. All this time, Mom had been right. Begging me to give more of myself while I insisted Allegra needed less of me to become her own person. I’d been directing my anger toward Mom for being the chosen one, but maybe it had been crucial to make Allegra feel seen.

My phone rang.

I froze. Casually glanced down at the screen to see Kate’s name. The insistent ring practically screamed urgency. It was almost a physical need to pick it up, excuse myself, and make apologies later. But as my daughter didn’t even bother to look up at me, I realized she had no expectations that I would keep my word about work. She expected me to break my promises, because I’d believed doing that was less important than losing control over a new account or averting a disaster.

Wasn’t it time I really tried to change?

I dropped the ringing phone into my purse and finished my lunch. No one commented, but I caught Allegra’s surprised jerk, though she tried to hide it.

It wasn’t the time for a big truth talk. Not yet. But a chat was overdue, and I needed to connect with Allegra so we could return home on better footing.

“Okay,” I said, catching her gaze. “You can go with Ian. You’re right. I have to start trusting you again. I don’t expect you to be perfect, sweetheart. God knows, I’m not. But I’m going to talk to his parents so they know you’re out with him. And you need to be home by eleven. That’s plenty of time for you to hang.”

She didn’t give me a forgiving smile, but her muscles relaxed. “Cool. Thanks.”

“Welcome. Mom, that means it’s you and me tonight? How about we go wild together?”

She laughed, but I noticed the deeper lines around her face hinting at a weariness that worried me. She’d been such a trooper and rarely complained, but I knew how difficult these tours were. Was I so wrapped up in my own world I hadn’t even noticed she needed more downtime? “I’m not sure I’m up to that tonight. I was actually thinking about going to bed early, but I can rally.”

“You know, Mom, I think you’re right. We should all take another early night. We have the next two days to explore Venice. Let’s grab something at the hotel later on and be asleep by eight. Doesn’t that sound good?”

Relief skittered across her features. “Yes, that sounds wonderful. Are you sure?”

“Positive. If I feel beat-up, I can’t imagine how this schedule is for you.” I reached over and squeezed her hand. “You’re amazing, Mom. I’m glad I got my toughness from you.”