Page 74 of The Unraveling of Julia

“Sure,” Courtney answered, excited. “Any leads?”

“Not from him, but from me, yes.”

“Wait. How’dyouget a lead?”

Julia realized she hadn’t told Courtney about Gianluca. She wondered if she could edit him out like Caterina, but it would be the first time Julia had withheld something from her. “Bottom line, I saw a blue hoodie in Florence last night and it matched the one that Mike’s killer had on, and it made me think that the killer might be Italian.”

“Really?”

“Right, and I’m thinking the purse snatching wasn’t random. Maybe they were trying to kill me so I wouldn’t find the underground cell in the villa. Maybe that’s why they’re following me, too.”

“Who’sthey?”

“I don’t know.”

Courtney groaned. “Hold on, I have a text to deal with. Can I call you back in an hour or so?”

Julia realized Gianluca would be here then. “No, let’s catch up tomorrow.”

“I’m flying tomorrow. How about later tonight? I’ll be up, I gotta pack.”

Julia braced herself. “Actually, no, I’m having someone over.”

“To your haunted villa?”

“Yes, we’re having haunted lamb chops.”

Courtney snorted. “Is it another ghost? You got room?”

“Very funny.” Julia braced herself for a reaction. “It’s a guy.”

“Wait,what?” Courtney whooped. “Hallelujah! I didn’t seethatcoming. Youmet someone? Finally!”

“Are you kidding? It’s too soon!”

“No, it’s not!” Courtney squealed. “Is he hot? What’s he look like? Send pix!”

“I don’t have one.”

“Tell me everything! What’s his name?”

“Gianluca Moretti.”

“Are you fucking kidding me? Hottest. Name. Ever!”

Julia crossed to the refrigerator to see what she could make for dinner.

“This is sogreat! How did you meet him? Tell me what’s going on!”

“Court, for real, I feel guilty.” Julia took the lamb chops and broccoli out of the refrigerator, then set them on the counter.

“No, why? Youshouldhave a romance. It’sItaly!”

Julia’s gut wrenched. “What about Mike?”

“Look, I loved Mike, too, but it’s okay. It really is. You’re young and you have to live your life. Let’s be in a positive space for once.”

“I’mina positive space,” Julia said, defensively. She went to the base cabinet and looked for a roasting dish among the stacked pans. She found one and pulled it out with a clatter, cradling the phone on her shoulder. “Meanwhile Anna Mattia and Piero left—”

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