While they waited, Ruby glanced at Ariana. Yesterday her niece had gone out for coffee with Alessandro, and Ariana told her that they had gone to Villa d’Este in Lorenzo’s yacht. Ruby studied the sparkle in Ariana’s eyes and the spring in her step that she could attribute to only one thing.
Alessandro.
Ruby smiled. She liked him for her niece, but she wondered if they would have enough time to get to know one another. Yet, as she well knew, true love could move fast.
“Ariana, dear, have you heard from your mother lately?” Mari hadn’t responded to the letter Ruby had sent, but then, it hadn’t been very long.
“She doesn’t even know I called off the wedding,” Ariana said softly.
Ruby felt sorry for Ariana that she wasn’t close to her mother. Had history doomed their family to repetition? “I sure would like to see you two reconcile.”
“It’s not as if we argued,” Ariana said. “Mom is so driven she doesn’t have time for me. Or anyone else.”
Ruby started to say that being driven had little to do with it, that one made time for those they loved. But that might make matters worse. Ruby wondered if Mari was capable of knowing how to love Ariana. Maybe she was missing the maternal instinct. Which was worse, Ruby wondered, to be shunned by your mother because she didn’t have time for you or because she couldn’t love you?
Perhaps Mari suffered from another, more deeply rooted cause. Fear of abandonment might be lodged deep in her psyche. But Ruby was not a therapist or a doctor.
Intruding into Ruby’s thoughts, Ariana said, “The café looks full.”
Across the way, Lorenzo motioned to a table with a white tablecloth and a reserved sign. The woman from the front desk quickly returned to Ruby and Ariana. “I’m so sorry to keep you waiting. This way, please. Lorenzo will be with you in a moment.”
As they followed the woman to the table shaded with a red umbrella, Ariana asked, “How do you know Lorenzo?”
The woman pulled out her chair, and Ruby sat down. Lorenzo had reserved the best table for them.
“I came by here yesterday on the way to the post office,” Ruby said. She didn’t mention that she had been searching for this particular café. On her earlier visit to Bellagio with the tour group, Matteo had taken her to several restaurants, but none of them was the one that she and Niccolò had gone to after their wedding. She glanced around now, envisioning how the café had looked then and where they had sat. What a wonderful evening that was.
Ariana picked up a menu. “I’ve been famished lately.”
“I’m not surprised.” Ruby smiled and touched Ariana’s hand. “I can’t wait to spoil a little one.”
“Like you spoiled me when I was young?”
“Like I still do, every chance I get.” Ruby laughed. Oh yes, this little one will have everything she wants. Or he. Ruby wasn’t picky. “If only you would let me spoil you more often.”
Ariana twisted her lips to one side. “Guess Mom drilled a no-spoiling attitude into my head.”
Across the café, Lorenzo made his way through the glamorous lunch crowd on the patio. He wore another expertly cut sport coat and an open-collared white shirt that showed off his trim, athletic figure. His sun-bleached hair was proof that Lorenzo spent a lot of his leisure time outdoors.
“Signora Raines,” Lorenzo said with a broad smile. “This must be your lovely niece,” he added, dipping his head in greeting.
“Why, yes, it is,” Ruby said. “Allow me to present Ariana Ricci.”
Lorenzo took Ariana’s hand and executed a perfect air kiss a mere breath above her skin. To her credit, Ariana took this in stride, although Ruby doubted that anyone in Los Angeles had ever done that. Including, and especially, her thankfully ex-fiancé, Phillip.
Ruby closed the menu. “What is your specialty, Lorenzo? Food-wise,” she added with a little smile. She noticed that Ariana was trying not to stare at Lorenzo, but her niece couldn’t help enjoying the view.
While Lorenzo was reviewing the specialties, which included trofie al pesto con gamberetti—one of her favorite pasta with pesto and shrimp—Ruby glanced next door at the vacant shop. Years ago, Ariana had once talked about opening a studio. An idea formed in Ruby’s mind. Perhaps her niece could be persuaded to stay.
After they ordered, Ruby rested her chin in her hand. “Why, look at that sweet little shop space. And with a beautiful view of the lake. Someone’s going to be lucky to have that location.”
Ariana turned toward the shop. “That is a wonderful location.”
“What kind of shop would be good there, I wonder.”
“Are you thinking of opening a business, Aunt Ruby?”
Ruby laughed. “Not really, but I can see the potential. Look how busy this place is. Wouldn’t that be an interesting location?” She glanced along the street. “Excellent foot traffic, too.”
“You’re too obvious.”
Ruby pressed a hand to her chest. “About what?”
“An idea that would keep me here.”
“Why, what a good thought.” Ruby smiled. At least Ariana wasn’t upset. In fact, she seemed to be considering it.
Ariana glanced around. “Yesterday, Alessandro brought me the most beautiful roll of silk fabric. It’s a soft mint green, with a delicate print of ferns and flowers. He thought it would accent my eyes. I’ve been thinking about making a dress or a blouse with it. Of course, whatever I make, I wouldn’t be able to wear long. For the obvious reason.”
“You won’t be pregnant forever,” Ruby said. “Or make something you can wear for a few months, and then alter to fit you again afterward.”
“I suppose I could.”
Lorenzo returned to the table with two glasses of champagne. “Welcome to Bellagio, and I hope you enjoy Villa Fiori.”
Ruby lifted the champagne in appreciation. “You must come and visit sometime.”
Lorenzo’s gaze lingered on Ariana. “I’d like that very much, grazie.” He chatted for a few minutes before moving on to the next table.
When Lorenzo was out of earshot, Ruby leaned toward Ariana. “I think you have another admirer.”
“Perhaps it’s the hormones,” Ariana said in a wry tone. “They’re attracting men to me like sticky pollen.”
“It’s nice to have a choice, isn’t it?”
“Auntie, I’m in no position to choose anyone. How would I explain my current predicament?”
Ruby shrugged. “If the man is truly in love, it wouldn’t matter. Don’t close yourself off to future possibilities.”
“I have to return to Los Angeles. I have to go back to work.”
Ruby tapped her fingers. “If only you had another option. It’s not as if Kingsley would miss you.”
Ariana glanced at the vacant space next door. “I couldn’t possibly start a new project while I’m in this condition.”
“Oh, to be young and full of energy,” Ruby said.
“I can’t imagine what I would do.”
“You’ve always had the most wonderful imagination. I think you could manage it.” Ruby gazed out at a ferry crossing the shimmering lake. “You’d be surprised what you can do while you’re pregnant. You certainly have more motivation.”