“Yes. He started yelling at me and it felt really good to tell him to walk.” A half giggle escaped and she slapped her hand over her mouth. “Unprofessional, I know, but he wanted to use sex to sell gym clothes. Talk about icky.”

Enzo laughed and hugged her. “Such work is beneath you, cara. We’re glad you’re back and you didn’t miss a thing. You are okay?”

Something passed between them, a connection and understanding I’d never seen before. Mom gave a deep sigh. “Well, I had another panic attack, but I was able to stop this one before it became full-fledged.”

My jaw dropped. “What are you talking about? I didn’t know you were having panic attacks!”

Nonni grabbed her arm in a worried gesture. “You should have called us—we would have come right back. You must lean on your family, Frannie.”

Mom looked directly at me and explained. “I suffered from a panic attack right before we left for Italy. With you being in trouble and my body falling apart, I thought the trip would help. But every time I handled a work crisis, I seemed to have another breakdown. I just didn’t want to tell anyone or admit it.”

Nonni dragged in a breath. “Frannie, I should have told you before in the hospital, but you seemed determined to ignore it. Your father suffered from the same type of attacks. They got worse over time, and though I begged him to slow down, he just couldn’t.”

Mom gasped. “Dad had panic attacks?”

Nonni nodded. “It was awful, but he was so stubborn, he kept thinking they’d go away. If I’d known you were having more in Italy, I would have told you sooner.”

Mom sighed. “I had no idea. And I’m noticing my attacks also revolve around work. Stress used to give me a killer edge, but lately—well, lately it’s having the opposite effect.”

“Please, Frannie. I couldn’t help your dad, but Allegra and I need you. You have to learn how to balance better.” Nonni’s face was carved out in stress and worry.

“I’m finally realizing that.” She pulled me and Nonni into a quick embrace. “I meant it when I said I wanted things to change. How about we enjoy the day, and I’ll try not to keep any more secrets from both of you. Deal?”

Joy leapt inside along with a steady flare of hope. She’d come back. She’d lost a client. Maybe there was a chance for our relationship to be different. God knows, I only had my mom and Nonni. I was beginning to realize how important family really is, since they’re the people who know you the best—good and bad—and love you anyway.

I hugged her hard. “Deal. Thanks for coming back, Mom.”