“Francesca, you’re the best. I’ve always told you that and I want to stay, but if you don’t give me what I want, I have to take my business elsewhere. Times are changing and I want to be ahead of the curve, not behind. I’m willing to work right now, all night if we have to, until we come up with a new concept that we like. Are you on board?”

Shock barreled through me. “Tony, I’m in Italy. Can we wait just a few days? That will give me enough time to brainstorm and get you the initial prospectus.”

“No. Today. I’ve got my own vacation to Turks and Caicos, and the wife will kill me if I bother her with this shit. You in?”

I bit my lip hard, trying to contain the slight shakes beginning to seize my body. Crap. This was a nightmare. I couldn’t lose this account. It was huge. I couldn’t fail. Not like this.

“Sure. Give me a bit to call you back and get my team on conference call.”

“Always a pleasure to work with you. I knew you’d never let me down.”

I clicked off and bent over. Sweat broke out on my skin. I had to get myself under control and deal with this. Enzo and my family were waiting for me, and somehow I had to find a way to get them to understand how critical this emergency was.

Gritting my teeth, I tried to remain calm even though panic teased my nerve endings. I couldn’t have an attack—not now. I’d make Allegra understand. I’d make it up to her. This time, I really meant it.

They were just coming from the gardens when I met them outside. “I didn’t realize Enzo loved flowers so much. He knew all the names,” Allegra said teasingly.

Enzo shook his head. “It’s important that real men know how to cook, clean, and make flowers grow. Or maybe this is because I have four sisters who convinced me of this while I did all their chores.”

Allegra giggled. “You ready, Mom?”

I tried to speak but my voice got clogged in my throat. Why were my lungs so tight? “I’m so sorry, honey, I’ve got a big problem. The office called, and I’m about to lose an important client if I don’t revise his campaign. I’ll need a few hours, but I’m sure I can do it fast and then meet you in town? Enzo, maybe you can take Mom and Allegra and give them the tour, and I’ll knock this out quickly. You’ll never even realize I was gone.” The words babbled from my mouth, but I knew by her expression that nothing I said mattered. The betrayal was already carved out on her face.