His hearty laugh made me smile. Most men I encountered were so serious, I rarely felt comfortable being silly. It was fun to be lighthearted. “This is true. Now, tell me what you want to see this afternoon. Can I be of any help?”

“My mother mentioned the Spanish Steps. Is there a nice place for lunch and some light shopping?”

“Ah, sì, I can text you a few suggestions. I advise you to avoid any restaurants where you cannot see the kitchen—this means the food is not fresh but frozen. And a few shop owners will give you good price if you pop in. May I text you?”

“Oh, that’d be great.” I recited my number and he plugged it into his phone and began typing a short list. “Will we have time if we go a bit later? I wanted to work a few hours.”

A frown furrowed his brow. “I’d say wait no more than an hour or you shall miss your afternoon. Free time is precious on such a busy tour. Many people tell me that is their favorite part of Rome.”

“What?”

“Getting lost. You must get lost in each city to experience the true flavor. You agree?”

“No, I like to know where I’m going. That’s why GPS was invented.”

He sighed and gave a shake of his head. “Then there are no side-road adventures. I know your job is important, but take at least one detour today and let me know how it went tonight.”

I hesitated. My first instinct fell to defensiveness. To explain that as a business owner I had responsibilities, and that detours usually ended up being a waste of precious time. But I bit back the words, not wanting to ruin the easy camaraderie, and nodded. “Maybe.”

“Good.” He stood up and walked up the aisle, chatting with the various groups about their upcoming afternoon. By the time we got back to the hotel, Mom and Allegra were in an upbeat mood. “Mom, I found a cool café on Yelp we can go to for lunch, and then Nonni wants to do the Spanish Steps and gelato. We’ll have enough time, right?”

I thought my mother would be tired, but she looked animated. “I just need to change my shoes and I’m ready. We can shower before dinner.”

I bit my lip just as my phone buzzed. I knew it was Layla or Kate, needing some input on a few items. “Umm, listen, I have to do a few quick things for work. I’m really sorry—I promise it won’t take long. How about I meet you?”

Allegra’s face fell. My mother’s expression pleaded with me to change my mind. “Honey, it’s only our first full day here! Can’t you get back to them tonight after dinner?”