Chapter 41

Sidney looked at Gio who had a distant look in his eyes. When he realized that Sidney was looking at him, he took her hand and smiled at Anna.

"I'll be sure to bring her back."

Sidney felt warm goose bumps run up and down her body.

She hated to leave Anna and Tomas' home, especially when Tomas presented them with two bottles of lemoncello that he'd handmade right there on the farm. Gio tried to press some folded Euros into Anna's hand but she protested and wouldn't take them.

"Anna," Gio said firmly. "I would feel guilty if you didn't take this-"

"And if you had brought some tourists here today then I would accept your payment. But you brought Sidney." She patted Sidney's hand. "And she is a friend. So keep that until you return with lazy people who don't want to knead the dough."

"Okay, fine," Gio said reluctantly. Everyone hugged and kissed as if Anna was a grandmother seeing her family off after a visit. As they drove away, waving out the window Sidney shook her head.