But she also knew she couldn’t do that; from what he was telling her, the situation was critical, beyond that, even. There were decisions to be made, plans to make—desperate measures to consider. She didn’t have the luxury of taking off somewhere to cry and lick her wounds.

Nick had made that much very clear.

Still Annie couldn’t escape an all-too-familiar feeling of déjà vu. And that, once again, she’d been let down. As always, just when she thought she’d found something good in life, the ax had to fall.

Story of her life.

Chapter 33

Then

Colette wandered along the streets of Sorrento with a smile on her face and a spring in her step.

She’d never really been desired before. She’d never been anyone’s girlfriend either, though she wasn’t quite sure she was Luca’s yet.

She hoped so, especially after the other night.

It was entirely possible for a man like him to genuinely care about someone like her, wasn’t it?

She still had her doubts, but that wonderful evening they’d spent together on the boat had encouraged her to forget her misgivings and just enjoy the time they had together while she was here.

Her copper hair looked like flames as she glanced at her reflection in the passing store windows. Whereas before she would’ve frowned at her fair skin and freckles, these days, thanks to Luca, she had a greater appreciation for them.

The summer dress she wore—a recent purchase—came above her knees and hugged her neat waist. It wasn’t flashy or revealing, still pretty simple, but thanks to Kim and Annie’s style advice, a lot more flattering than anything she’d ever dreamed of wearing before.

“Ah, here we are,” Colette mumbled happily to herself as she peered up at a sign.

House of Gems was Mama Elene’s recommendation when—on a recent visit to the restaurant with Luca—she had asked the older woman for shopping advice. She said it was the best retailer to find quality jewelry at decent prices.

“Don’t waste your money in the tourist places,” the Italian woman cautioned.

The windows were filled with unusual displays that used everything from driftwood to coffee cups to enhance the appearance of the merchandise.

Inside, the floors were covered in green tiles that looked like marble. They may very well have been marble but Colette was clueless on the subject. Glass display cases dotted the cozy space, while shelves adorned the walls. Colette wandered past a case with a selection of rings and watches, further on toward the bracelets and necklaces.