Page 78 of His Two Hidden Masks

“Yes, I’m sorry. I couldn’t even say it.”

“It’s hard.” Odessa said. I could tell she’d been asked this question before. “But when we do help a child, it’s everything.” Her dark eyes lit up as she spoke.

I liked the confidence and purpose in her voice. She spoke as if she knew what she wanted out of life. She sounded grounded with an unshifting purpose that I envied.

Leo sat beside me, his hands crossed under his chin. He looked delighted by our conversation. He was quiet, but filled everyone’s glass with more bubbly on a regular basis.

I understood now why Leo had not canceled this dinner in the wake of David’s betrayal. The positivity and confidence of these women was magnetic. I was glad I was here. Theyreminded me there was a world outside of Venice. Perhaps it was a world I should explore.

Shea took a piece of bread and dipped it in a dish filled with olive oil and balsamic. “Leo says your family owns the Mia Sorella and Andiamo. We are in a hotel right off San Marco, but your family’s place sounds so lovely.”

“Thank you,” I said. “My family started with the restaurant before I was born, and they’ve had the hotel for twenty years. It’s been my life for so, so long.”

“Like the apple orchard,” Shea said. “My family has apples in Salishan, Washington. Well, we have wine now, too, which has been a game-changer for my family. I grew up surrounded by apples.”

“It sounds delicious,” I said, smiling.

“Carnival is spectacular,” Odessa said, leaning across the table. “I know it lasts for a few more days, but the costumes, the people. I didn’t know it could get so crowded here.”

“Oh, you should come back some time when it is quiet,” I said. “Carnival is beautiful, but Venice is so different when the streets are empty.”

“I can’t imagine that right now,” Odessa said, gesturing to the masked crowds in the piazza.

“We should come back,” Shea said. “This trip was Odessa’s idea, and I already want to come back.”

Odessa shrugged. “A friend told me to go to Venice. We both had time off and here we are. We only booked a week ago. It was rather spontaneous.”

“Is your friend meeting you?” I said.

“We will see.” Odessa raised her eyebrows.

Heaters flanked our table, giving off a comforting warmth. White lights sparkled overhead, and candles flickered beside baskets of bread. The waiter came by and we each ordered a pizza.

“Carnival usually sells out months in advance,” I said after the waiter left. “I’m amazed you were able to get a hotel. I think Mia Sorella was sold out by the end of summer.”

“We were lucky to find a room, and a tour guide like Leo.” Shea reached out and squeezed Leo’s hand. “I loved seeing how the glass was made.”

“Did Leo tell you that he not only sells the glass at the studio, but that he is an artist himself?” I said, knowing full well he hadn’t.

“Leo,” Odessa said, playfully swatting his arm. “You didn’t mention your art at all.”

Leo put both elbows on the table and leaned forward like a conspirator. “And did Bella tell you that while her family runs a restaurant and hotel, she makes the most delicious candies, glorious caramels dipped in fine chocolate. They are called Bella Baci.” He beamed.

My cheeks burned scarlet. Bringing up Bella Baci reminded me of all the things I hadn’t shared with Leo yet. “They don’t want to hear about that right now,” I said, taking a big swig of Prosecco.

I ripped off a piece of bread and took a bite. I did not want to get tipsy on an empty stomach and look like an ass in front of these gorgeous and composed women. I also did not want to risk crying by bringing up my decision to close down Bella Baci. Tonight was about distracting Leo, not me unraveling.

“That’s ridiculous. Of course, they do,” Leo said, eyes narrowing. “Bella is so talented. One bite of her candies and you will feel like you are in a gondola, floating down a canal filled with caramel.”

“Oh, I want to try that,” Shea said, clapping her hands.

Mercifully, the waiter arrived with our pizzas. The conversation drifted away from me and toward life in Venice.Soon, everyone’s walls came down, the bubbling Prosecco helping us all to relax.

“I so want to purchase something for my apartment, Leo,” Odessa said. “I just moved into a new two-bedroom and there is an old, dumpy chandelier in the center of the room. I want to replace it with a piece from Venice.”

“Oh, that is such a good idea,” Shea said. “Do you think Billie will let you switch it out?” For Leo’s and my benefit, she added, “She’s the building manager and our friend. You would love her.”

“I think I already love everyone in the Holiday,” I said, wondering what it would be like to live among friends, instead of family.

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