“Just do it.”

Kim did as she was bid and they both stared at the part of Italy she’d picked, a spot at the shin area of the boot-shaped map.

The Amalfi Coast looked and sounded amazing.

And the further along the plan progressed, the more hopeful Kim felt. A chance to take some time out, if only for a little while, was something she hadn’t even realized she needed.

Either one last summer hurrah before life as she knew it ended, or the opportunity to find out what the alternatives could be. And perhaps, most importantly, a chance to outmaneuver her parents, have some fun and take charge of her life in the most spectacular way.

“All we need now is your flight. You’re supposed to leave for England next month, right?”

“Yes,” Kim confirmed.

“So find out the date and we book your flight to Italy for the same day, so your parents won’t be suspicious.”

Kim had to laugh. “You really think of everything, don’t you? Espionage would suit you.”

“Don’t think I haven’t considered it,” her friend mused. She continued in her best James Bond voice. “Slater. Natasha Slater. Agent Nine-Inch Heels.”

“Thanks, Tash,” Kim said as her emotions took over. “For this...for everything.”

“Of course.” Her friend pulled her in for a hug. “You’re my best friend and I want the best for you. Whatever that may be.” She turned back to her computer. “Now, let’s find a place for you to stay,” she continued. “Somewhere fitting for Kim Weston’s Italian Great Escape.”

Chapter 5

Now

“So are you going to share what’s on your mind?” Antonio asked as his Maserati made its way along the coast and deftly around the hairpin bends that used to so terrify Kim, but were as familiar to her now as Fifth Avenue used to be.

She turned to look at him, brushing back strands of her hair as it blew in the breeze.

In spite of his advancing years, he was still very handsome. There was something about him that reminded her a lot of her husband.

Both men had angular jaws and arresting eyes, but while Antonio’s were brown, Gabriel’s were piercing blue. Both also had Roman-shaped noses, reflecting their Italian roots. Gabe was American but his family was originally from Sicily, and the semblance of his ancestry still shone through.

Now, she visualized her husband’s handsome face before her—his gentle eyes and brilliant smile. She hadn’t seen that smile in weeks and she missed it.

“Nothing,” she lied automatically, before adding, “nothing important.”

“No trouble in paradise, I hope?”

“No trouble,” she answered a little too quickly. “It’s just... Lily is young and life has been...challenging lately.”

“And of course that would have nothing at all to do with your frequent absences and workload...”

Kim loved Antonio’s honesty, but sometimes she hated his candor.