Confusion clouded his eyes. “No, I actually like my parents. They’re cool.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks. “Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean it like that.”

He laughed and touched my upper arm. “No, it’s fine. I know a lot of people would agree with you. I don’t know, maybe ’cause I’m an only child? I kind of grew up comfortable in their company. You have any brothers or sisters?”

I shook my head. “I wish.”

“Yeah, me too. They say onlies are spoiled, but I think it’s a crock. They were tougher on me ’cause I was the only one to practice parenting on.”

I smiled at that, liking the way he said crock in his Irish accent. He might not be sexy or cool, but he was nice to talk to. God knows, I needed someone to hang with other than my mom and grandmother. “Truth. What did you study in school?”

“Psychology. You know, the degree similar to English literature? The one where every person you speak to gives you a look and says you’ll never get a real job?”

“I think psych would be really interesting. And, yeah, I know what you mean. Why does everyone feel like they need to give an opinion on someone else’s life?”

“Because they think age equals wisdom.” He made a face. “Unfortunately, it usually does.”

“Then you’ll have to prove them wrong.”

Surprise flickered over his features, and warmth infused his blue eyes. “Thanks, Allegra. Can I say how damn happy I am that there’s someone else on this tour I can talk to? I love my parents, but even I can’t do three weeks in their constant company.”

Pleasure shimmered through me. “We’ll rescue each other.” I caught my mom waving at me from the corner of my eye and stifled a groan. “My mom needs me. I’ll be right back.”

“Take your time. I’m going to pray for a while near the altar.”

I nodded. He was probably Catholic. It was nice he had beliefs and took the time to worship without anyone telling him to. I’d heard from my friends how they were guilted or pushed to go to church and how much they hated it. I watched him head down the massive aisle, his head bowed, his movements graceful and humble as he dropped to a knee before sliding into the pew and clasping his hands together.

A weird type of longing rose inside me, but I didn’t know what to do with it, so I just walked over to my mother. Her brow creased in a frown that immediately prickled my annoyance. “I couldn’t find you—I got nervous.”

“Mom, we’re in St. Peter’s. I’m not going to get kidnapped. And I can’t be expected to stay by your side this whole time. I’ll go nuts.”