Enzo smiled. “Whatever she decides to do, she’s smart and works hard. She will be okay, cara.”

Allegra popped back in. “He said yes! Either day is fine—he’ll be staying for two nights, Mom. That’s okay, right?”

“Yep, perfect.”

“Then I’ll make the call,” Enzo said.

He set up the appointment for the next day. “Eleven a.m. I can take you there.”

Allegra jumped up and down with rare girlish excitement. “This is going to be sick.”

Enzo lifted a brow. “I hope not. That doesn’t sound too good for a cooking class.”

We all laughed and decided to head out. “Let me just grab my purse,” I said, going into my bedroom. My phone vibrated insistently and I grabbed it.

Kate. I hesitated. I’d pulled way back these past two weeks, even though it’d been hard. Now there was a slight distaste at the idea of spending even a second on work when I had a perfect day planned with Enzo and my family.

I ignored it. Kate was smart. She didn’t really need me—she probably just wanted to check in. I tucked my phone in my purse, slicked on some lip gloss, slapped on more deodorant, and met them outside. “Ready.”

My phone vibrated again. And again.

Frowning, I fished it back out and checked the screen.

911. Emergency. You need to call me NOW.

Ah, shit.

I bit back a groan, torn. This didn’t seem like something I should ignore. Kate didn’t panic.

“Guys, I’m so sorry. I just need a few minutes to take care of this, and then I promise we’ll go.”

Allegra stiffened but shrugged. “Sure. We can hang for a few. Enzo, do you want to see the gardens?”

“Yes, we’ll give you some privacy,” he said to me with a smile. “Take care of your work so you have no worries for this afternoon.”

Relaxing, I nodded. He was right. I’d handle the problem, then enjoy a leisurely trip to Lucca.

I quickly dialed Kate. “It’s me. What’s going on?”

“Fuck, Frannie. We’ve got a huge problem here. Our long-term client Anthony Capelli is threatening to walk.”

My heart began to race. I gripped the phone with sweaty fingers. “Impossible. He’s been satisfied with the results of his campaign—I haven’t heard a complaint!”

“I know! But he showed up at the office, demanding to see you, telling us he wants a fresh angle and more punch.”

“Sarah said the research numbers were good, though, right?”

“Yes, but he doesn’t care. He wants you to call and get a whole new pitch together by Wednesday at five.”

“That’s tomorrow!”