“Hi,” she greeted, uncertain what the Frenchwoman might want, but equally exhilarated to think that it might be about furthering their conversation about how to turn The Sweet Life into an actual business.

She was right.

“You also said you wanted to learn more about photography and how to do it better?” Emilia said, after they’d chatted a little and Kim told her she was indeed up for exploring things further.

“Well...yes, I think so.”

“One of my photographers is coming to Sorrento soon on an assignment for the magazine. He is American, too, and he would be delighted to give you some tips. He says he can come to your accommodation. Tell me your address and I will give him your number also.” Kim could hear the smile in Emilia’s voice as she continued. “His name is Gabriel Cuminetti. I think you will love him.”

Chapter 40

Now

Annie had a migraine for the fourth day running, and it was showing no signs of stopping.

She knew what she needed to do, but she couldn’t take the time off required to deal with it. Creditors were calling about their unpaid invoices. The end of the month was quickly approaching and there were more and more people looking to get paid. Then there were the usual bills, not to mention her own personal expenses to consider.

“I know we owe you—I just need a little time to sort things out,” she recited to yet another supplier on the other end of the line.

She was getting so used to uttering those words they were becoming her own painful prose.

“Annie, I have bills of my own to pay and when I don’t pay, I don’t get the stock,” John Butler, her supplier, pointed out. “So why should you?”

She sighed. “I know. I just need a little time, John,” she repeated. “Please don’t cut me off. I know my cash flow problems are not your problems, but I’m asking you to just give me a little more time and I promise that I’ll get it sorted.”

“I’ve already given you ample time. If you don’t pay the outstanding balances within seven days, I’ll hand this matter over to a collection agency. Frank fobbed me off enough times already, so I don’t have much confidence in your promises either.”

“But I didn’t know about the backlog. I assure you if I had known I would’ve made sure you were paid long ago. I only just found out that there were some delays and I’m trying to rectify that,” Annie explained. She closed her eyes and massaged her temple.

“What kind of owner doesn’t know what’s going on with their own business?” John asked.

His question caused her eyes to snap open. “The kind who trusts too easily,” she answered bitterly.

“Where’s Frank?”