I stood up, hobbled a bit, but soon was able to walk at a regular pace. “See? I’m fine. I had a good enough cushion,” I said, patting my rear. I noticed Enzo’s gaze paused on my ass before quickly jerking back up. Was that a flush on his cheekbones or my imagination? Was it wrong to hope for the former?

Mom still looked doubtful, but I refused to baby myself over a few bumps and bruises. “If I start feeling strange, I’ll tell you right away. Now, can we go do some shopping? I want to get away from this crowd, who’s still staring at me.”

“Mom, you freaked us all out,” Allegra said. “You pretty much bounced all the way down the Spanish Steps.”

“At least we’ll always remember the landmark,” I quipped.

Enzo shook his head, but a grin tugged at his lips. “If there is any problem, call me and I’ll come get you. I will check on you before dinner tonight.”

“Grazie,” I said. His gaze probed mine for a few moments, and then he nodded and turned his head. “Enjoy your shopping, ladies.”

I watched him walk away and disappear into the square. Mom was still frowning. “I know what our first stop should be,” she said.

“What?” I asked.

“New shoes for you. That’s why you fell. You need a pair like mine.” She stuck out her foot with the god-awful thick sole and ugly leather, and instead of getting mad at her usual “I told you so,” I began to laugh. Allegra looked surprised, but then she began to laugh too, and Mom joined in, and we stood by the Spanish Steps, bent over in hysterics, and I realized I hadn’t felt this good in a long time. The fall was worth it if Allegra had forgotten all about being mad at me.

“Fine. You win.” I linked my arm through my mom’s, and we headed to the shops, a pleasant warmth washing through my veins at the physical contact. I’d forgotten how strong her grip was, and the light scent of the lavender soap she still loved, and the scratchy sound of her laugh that erupted from deep in her chest. This time, I noticed the fragility of her arm squeezed through mine and the slowness of her steps, and I swore to do better, because no matter the history between us, there was a love that beat like thread woven in fabric that was part of my very soul. I needed to figure out where the deep well of resentment toward her began, and try to heal the wounds.

But not today. Today was for shopping and fun before dinner.

We had plenty of time during the trip for raw honesty.

Later.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Allegra

I couldn’t believe I was eating in a real Roman palace.