“Thanks for not cursing me out or sulking. Now, let’s have some fun.” I almost gasped when Enzo leaned over and kissed her right in front of us, and Mom didn’t flinch. In fact, she glowed.

He snagged her hand and they walked ahead, leading the way.

I shared a glance with Nonni. She grinned and gave me a thumbs-up signal, and I smothered a laugh.

Yeah. Looks like we both fully approved of Mom’s summer romance.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Francesca

“How do you really feel about losing the account?” Enzo asked, his voice low in my ear. I leaned against his chest, with his arms wrapped around my waist. We stood outside in the gardens by the vineyard, enjoying the quiet of the evening and the spill of the shadowy hills in the distance. A firefly lit up and floated around us, then disappeared into the woods.

“It wasn’t easy,” I admitted, resting into his strength. “It’s a habit for me to jump in and fix things. More than a habit. I love feeling like I’m the only one who has the answers—it gives me a rush of power. This was the first time in my life I dropped a client because I couldn’t give him what he needed. I’ve built my reputation on being able to deliver whatever a client asks, no matter what time of day. Twenty-four-hour customer service.”

“It’s scary to change a habit. Do you regret coming to Lucca and not working?”

“No. Once I made the decision, a weight lifted off my chest, and my panic attack eased. Thank you for the breathing techniques, by the way. They helped a lot.”

“I’m glad. But I have no doubt you can tackle the attacks as long as your mind is clear and you remember not to fight your body. You were brave to share the truth with your family. It’s hard to open up.”

“I feel like we’ve all been keeping secrets from one another. Mom told me some truths last night that made me realize I never knew her as a woman—just as a parent. And I had no idea Dad suffered from panic attacks too. It’s time I stopped blaming her for things that I misunderstood when I was growing up. And after Allegra got busted for pot, I figured she was just spinning out of control with her whole future at risk. Now I think she desperately needed my attention.”

He rocked me gently back and forth. “It’s good to share our secrets. Allegra looked so happy when you came back.”