What the hell was that? Kim thought, reeling as she sat alone, three abandoned, half-finished cocktails on the table in front of her, debating whether she should try to rescue the situation with Annie, who seemed to have flown off the handle for no apparent reason. Clearly something was going on with her, but in time-honored Annie fashion, she was insistent on rowing her own boat. And she had already said she was tired after the flight, so perhaps Kim would only worsen things by pushing it and making her even more irritable.

And it wasn’t as if she didn’t have enough problems to deal with.

She sighed heavily. This reunion was supposed to be a happy time, reliving fond memories of the summer the three of them had shared, and reaffirming their friendship.

Yet another example of Kim’s grand plans going awry.

Chapter 51

Now

Later that evening the three friends and Charlie reconvened at La Cambusa in Positano. The streets were bustling and the lights of the town were bright, reflecting like stars on a dark ocean. Located by the water’s edge, the restaurant had been one of their old haunts and a lively local favorite.

Charlie ordered marinara pizza while the others enjoyed freshly caught seafood. The conversation was lively, and the discomfort of earlier seemed to dissipate with the change of venue.

It was impossible not to feel uplifted here on the Amalfi Coast, Colette thought.

The air was cool and the smell of the ocean crisp around them. The restaurant was full, but not overly packed, each table occupied by smiling faces of families and friends gathering together to enjoy time with one another.

Envy wasn’t something she was plagued by often, but as Colette sat watching Charlie and Annie interact, she couldn’t help but feel that loathsome emotion.

She wanted a child so badly the hurt was visceral. Why was she denied when it had come so easily to Annie? A drunken mistake during which she neglected to use contraception, apparently, and she was pregnant.

How many nights had there been for Colette over the years? How many tests and needles and prayers and still nothing? Would she forever be denied the only thing she truly ever wanted in life?

A cool breeze blew in off the water, chilling her exposed arms. She rubbed them gently. She always got colder more easily than others. It had been the same the last time she’d visited this particular restaurant, though the company had been different.

“This place really brings back memories,” she commented absently.

“That’s why I so wanted you two to be here.” Kim placed one hand on her arm and the other on Annie’s. “It just wouldn’t feel right to take this next step without you both. You guys changed my life for the better, and for that, I’m eternally grateful.”