Kim hated seeing her like this. She was usually so vivacious and fun-loving, it was as if her spark had been snuffed out by whatever was going on with her love life. Kim really hoped she’d come out of her funk before her stay was over, or at least before Colette departed at the end of the week. It was a bummer of a way to end what was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime, though Colette, it seemed, was just as wrapped up in her own relationship woes as her carefree days in Italy were coming to a close.

“Sorry, what?” Kim asked, turning to her now, and feeling guilty for only really half listening.

“I was just saying that I don’t think there’s actually anything wrong with meeting Ed for coffee, just as friends. Luca can’t complain about it, can he? Not when we’re not officially together.”

“Sure, I think you’re right, and good for you for keeping your options open, just in case.”

But when the younger girl looked crestfallen, Kim figured she’d said the wrong thing.

“So you don’t think there’s any future for Luca and I beyond a holiday romance?” she queried.

“No, no, I’m not saying that at all. It’s just...you’re an independent woman and you can see and meet who you like. You don’t need anyone’s approval, least of all a guy’s.”

But Colette still looked uncertain so Kim decided to change the subject.

“Hey, let’s pick up the pace and see if we can reach the next gift shop before Manolo Lady.” She indicated with a grin a woman up ahead who was gamely making the climb in four-inch heels.

They’d spotted her on the trail on the way up, and Kim had to admire the Italian determination to remain stylish above all else. She and Colette were wearing trainers, and while the terrain wasn’t all that difficult underfoot, she’d much rather keep her fancy shoes for a fancy event.

She was also a bit taken aback to find that, instead of the wholly wild and natural volcanic attraction she’d expected, there were actually three different gift shops at various points on the ascent to the volcano’s crater, and worse, hikers had to actually trek right through them to get to the top. She’d thought the theme parks back home were bad, but this was another level.

Still, it was a fun—if blisteringly hot—climb, and the views from the top were pretty special, too.

Half an hour later, when she and Colette had finished their descent and had just reached the bus parking area to meet their transport back to Positano, her mobile phone rang.

Her eyes widened a little when she saw from the caller display that it was Emilia.