We finished our salads, and Mom returned. I noted she wore a bright smile but her eyes looked stressed, like she was trying to deal with a problem back at the office. She murmured an apology and introduced herself to Hana, Dan, and Kai.

“You missed the first two courses,” I said, trying not to make my tone accusatory.

“The time difference is killing me. I needed to be patched into this conference meeting.”

Hana looked sympathetic. “It’s hard juggling it all, isn’t it? Dan’s been pulled away a few times also. They can’t seem to run any projects without him.”

“I used to think it was a good thing, but I’m beginning to want a break,” my mom said. I didn’t believe her. She thrived on work like people did on food. “I’m free now and looking forward to the main course. Isn’t it beautiful here?”

My mother began to chat with Hana and Kai, and I felt my presence being leeched away under the power of her personality. She always knew what to say, even to strangers. It was a miracle I could come up with a few things, and then I usually got nervous and shut down. A rush of envy swept me as I watched her. She wore an apple green dress that flared around the knees and nude designer heels. Her dark blond hair was just a little messy, giving her a sexy type of look. My mother was dynamic, but not classically beautiful. Tonight, though, she came close.

A wave of love washed over me and I wished I was more like her.

And then I hoped I’d never be like her.

“I’m going to check out the balcony,” I said. Nonni had gone to the restroom, but I saw her talking with Mary and Ray, so I headed outside alone. A few people filled the alcove, but they made room as I pressed against the stone wall and looked at the darkened city streets. The air was hot and muggy on my face.

I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned. “Hey.”

Ian smiled at me. My heart did a tiny leap. “Hey.”

“I was hoping to sit next to you but your table was already taken up. What do you think of this place?”

“Pretty fancy. Never partied in a castle before.”

“Me either. Had to find my good suit.” He straightened his tie with extra exaggeration. Normally, no guy I knew would dare wear a white suit, but on Ian it looked good, especially with his coloring. His lean, lanky height meant he towered over me, and he’d gelled his hair to tame back the cowlick. I wasn’t a big fan of freckles, but his deep blue eyes reminded me of one of those Caribbean islands with turquoise, still waters.

“I like it. Reminds me of prom.”