We’d just finished the main course—a branzino with crisp green beans and roasted potatoes—when Enzo returned and stood at the front of the room. The chatter died down and everyone looked expectantly at the man who held their entire vacation within his grasp. He paused, letting the anticipation build, and finally spoke in his deep, lyrical voice.

“You are about to embark on the vacation of a lifetime.”

Oh, he was good.

Low murmurs of approval rose in the room. I shifted in my seat and gave him my full attention. “Destino Tours is committed to showing you not only the beauty of Italy, but the hidden treasures most tour groups would never experience. We begin tomorrow with seeing the Vatican and the momentous Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo. There will be plenty of free time within our schedule to explore on your own, but before booking any extra excursions, come see me first. As in every big city, you must be aware of pickpockets and frauds.”

A woman chimed in. “Should we carry our passports with us?”

“No, you should keep important travel papers locked in the hotel safe or secured in your luggage. Be careful of your wallets and purses within easy reach. You don’t need to be afraid—just aware. From now on, I am at your disposal. I will be giving you all my cell phone number, and I’m on call twenty-four hours a day.”

Okay, that was impressive. The poor man’s phone was probably blowing up on a regular basis, and I’d say he didn’t mean it, but there was a ring of sincerity laced in his tone.

“I’ve given everyone a detailed itinerary, so let me know if there are any questions. We meet at nine a.m. in the lobby to take the bus to the Vatican. Shoulders and knees must be covered, so bring a jacket with you if you’re wearing a tank top.”

“Why?” another woman called out.

“The churches are strict about proper clothing in a religious setting. We must respect the rules.”

His tone brooked no disagreement. I was more impressed with each minute of his speech. He spoke excellent English. I’d never thought about how hard it would be to contain and please a large group of people with so many different views on what they wanted or needed.

He continued. “A breakfast buffet will be served in the restaurant. Now, I will be around if you have any private questions or concerns. If you will take out your phones, I will give you my number.”

We all took them out and I added him as a contact. I didn’t remember his last name, so I saved it under Enzo Tour Guide. Dana and Steve stood up. “We’re going to head up early to catch up on sleep. It was so nice to meet you,” Dana said.

“Same,” I responded. “See you in the morning.”