La dolce vita: good food, good drinks, good people. Because life is meant to be lived, and lived well.

Nice. On a whim, Kim took out her phone and updated her social media caption from earlier.

Much better.

Chapter 19

Now

The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria was a famed award-winning hotel located in Sorrento, pure five-star luxury, which was why Kim had reserved it for her family’s upcoming stay, and arranged special packages for other overseas guests attending Villa Dolce Vita’s official launch.

While she’d stayed at the villa to oversee the last of the preparation of the wellness center interiors and grounds, she’d moved the short distance to the hotel a half an hour away in advance of Gabriel and Lily’s arrival.

“Hey, you,” she greeted Gabe into the phone, holding it close to her ear as she stood out on the wide terrace of their two-bed family suite. “Where are you now?”

“In Naples just about to take the train. Are you sure you have time to pick us up? We could just grab a cab the rest of the way.”

“Of course I’ll pick you up. I’d have picked you up at the airport but I know Lily really wanted to take a train ride and see the views.”

“Any view with you in it is the best one for us.”

A knot of guilt formed in her stomach. “Hey, I know I’ve been away a lot...”

“This is a big deal. We both know that.”

“It is a big deal but so are you two. I promise, when you guys get here I’m going to make time for us as a family—especially after launch night,” she said sincerely. “And yeah, I know it can’t be easy having me for a wife.”

“As if I’d want any other,” he replied with a smile in his voice. “I’m so proud of you, honey. You work hard and you get the job done. But I gotta say, some downtime together will be nice.”

Kim’s head fell in shame. “How was Lily on the flight?” she asked.

“Good. She slept like a baby most of the way, but was a bit restless and sneezing when we got in. Really hope she’s not coming down with something.”

“Me too,” Kim replied absently, and couldn’t help but think: rotten timing, too.

Then she chided herself for worrying more about the launch instead of her own flesh and blood.

“I’ve got some echinacea with me and gave it to her just now,” Gabriel continued. “Hopefully nip anything in the bud before it starts.”