My explanation sounded solid. Casual. I figured she’d say she was thrilled and wave off the whole thing. Instead, her brows slammed into a frown and she leaned closer to me. “I didn’t realize you two had struck up a friendship,” she said, her gaze shredding mine.

My mouth went dry. I shifted in my seat. “We didn’t. I mean, we kind of did, but I figured it was such a coincidence, it’d be silly not to offer.”

“So, did you ask him to come over? Or vice versa?”

My palms sweat. “I don’t remember. Why is that important? Why are you grilling me like I’m sixteen?”

She sat back and, unbelievably, began to giggle. “I’m sorry, honey, I just couldn’t resist teasing you a bit. You look so uncomfortable! I know.”

“Know what?”

“I know the two of you are together. I left my room to get some ice and saw you in the hallway.”

Oh. My. God. The idea that my mother had watched our passionate kiss unraveled me. I groaned. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Why should I? You have a right to your privacy. I just got silly tonight. Too much wine, and when you mentioned he’d be stopping by, I couldn’t resist.”

I relaxed. “Wait till you start seeing someone, Mom. I’ll get my revenge.”

“Well, I did meet a very nice man in St. Mark’s Square that night. He gave me his email address.”

My mouth dropped open. “Good for you! Give me all the details.”

“Later. For now, I just want to know something important. Does he make you happy?”

The question startled me, but my answer came from deep down. “Yeah. When I’m with him, I’m very happy. But it’s a mess. I’m leaving; he lives in Italy; there’s no way anything can work.”

“You have a week left. Enjoy each other. Push the worry aside and live in the moment.” Her eyes darkened and she turned slightly away. “It all goes too fast,” she said faintly. “Love is fleeting sometimes, but even for the short time it’s here, everything can change.”

The words stirred something inside me, but then Allegra bounced over and hugged me from behind. “Mom, you’re not dancing!”

I stretched my hands over my head and held her tight. “I’m having too much fun watching you.”

“Weren’t you the one who said onlookers don’t get the prize, you have to be brave enough to participate?”

I twisted my head around so I could gaze at her beautiful, laughing face. “I said that?”

“Someone did, and it fits. We might never see these people again. We should all at least dance together.”

“I’m seeing you in Tuscany,” I pointed out.

“Mom!”