The man gave a smile that immediately made his face grow from okay to handsome. “I am your tour guide, signora. My name is Enzo, and I’ll be your main contact these next three weeks. I’m very sorry about the mix-up at the airport and hope you can forgive me. I have your rooms all ready, and if you’d like to take a seat, I can explain the schedule.”

I was impressed with his English and the way he apologized so nicely. It also seemed to take away Mom’s anger at being forgotten, ’cause she nodded and he led us over to the cozy sitting area. He handed us each a bottle of water and I immediately guzzled mine down. I felt like a dried-out raisin.

“Now, we have Francesca, Sophia, and Allegra.” His dark eyes filled with amusement. “Are you all Irish?”

I smiled, liking him immediately. I hated the idea of getting stuck with a tour guide who spouted off dry information and made me want to stab myself in the eyeball from boredom. Mom answered. “My grandparents are from Naples. This is my mother, Sophia, and my daughter, Allegra. I’m Francesca.”

He directed his next question at me. “Are you excited about this trip, signorina? Not many get to experience visiting their family’s roots.”

I felt the pressure of my mother’s gaze, as if mocking me. I ignored the twinge inside that I was getting used to burying, wondering about my genetic father and his family. “Yes. How many people will be on this tour with us?”

“Fifteen, including your family,” he said. “We’ll be having a welcome dinner right here at the hotel at six p.m. You can meet everyone and get to know one another. The rest of the day is free, so you can get something to eat, or rest. I’m here for anything you need. I’ll get you folders that explain every detail of our itinerary. Tomorrow morning we’ll meet in the lobby at nine a.m. to board the bus for our first site. There will be a simple breakfast of cappuccino and pastries provided in the restaurant. Do you have any questions for me before I get your room keys?”

“Is the restaurant open for lunch now? Or can we get room delivery?” Mom asked.

“Yes, either one. Let me get your keys.”

He walked away and Mom leaned over. Her face still held a crease from the line of the pillow she’d laid her cheek on during the flight. “What do you want to do? Room service or grab something now?”

“Room service,” Nonni and I said together.

“Okay. I think we all need a nap and a shower to feel human again. Mom, how are you feeling?”

Nonni smiled. “Good. Tired, but excited.”