Ed inspected the tickets carefully. “Well, that timing definitely doesn’t work for me,” he declared. “The IPO is that very week. I need to be here.”

Disappointment filled her lungs as Colette inhaled deeply. She leveled her gaze at her husband. How could he do this? He knew how important this was to her—and indeed to Kim.

“Ed, an old friend I care for and respect has offered to fly us both out to Italy for the grand launch of her latest business venture, and to reunite with old friends. Not only that, it happens to be the place where you and I met and fell in love. How could you possibly refuse? I don’t usually say anything when it comes to your work but this time I have to dig my heels in.”

“But we can always go again afterward, when it’s not so busy...”

She put her hand on her hips. “Kim’s put a huge amount of work into renovating a place that will always hold a special place in my heart. I really want to see how it looks now, and I so want the opportunity to catch up with her and Annie, too. She’s pulled out all the stops, flying us over and putting us up in one of the nicest hotels in the area, and you’re just going to refuse?”

“I’m not refusing—I just don’t think we can sacrifice so much time to it, that’s all,” Ed replied, getting to his feet. He reached out to take her by the arm and sighed. “Yes, of course I know how much this means to you and I want to be there, too. It’s just work is so hectic at the moment, darling.” He kissed her forehead lightly.

“I know work is difficult; that’s another reason why I think we need this trip. This isn’t just for Kim’s sake, Ed, it’s for ours, too. We’ve hardly spent any time together lately.” She stepped toward him and he pulled her close. “I miss you.”

Colette didn’t often let her insecurities show. She didn’t like being a burden on others, especially her husband, who she knew needed her to be strong. How could she put her concerns on him when he had so many of his own?

“I’m sorry,” he apologized again. “I promise, after things settle with this IPO thing, I will make a conscientious effort to devote more time for us.” He turned back to the invite. “Why don’t we just fly over there on the day of the launch, instead of before? I’m sure Kim wouldn’t mind; the important thing is we’re there at all, isn’t it?”

Colette nodded. “OK, sounds fair. But I meant what I said, Ed. This is important—an opportunity to spend time together in a more relaxing way.”