"You'd miss your family if we stayed only in Italy, cara. I want you happy."
Carolyn managed another smile as Julius bent his head to press a gentle kiss to Marguerite's lips, but just barely.
Their love and happiness was actually painful for her to witness. Turning her head away, she glanced again in the direction Bethany had taken, thinking she should definitely check on her. And where was Genie? Their reservation was for seven thirty and it was nearly that time now.
"Are you on vacation?"
Carolyn glanced back, relieved to see that Marguerite had straightened, putting some distance between herself and her husband.
"I-yes."
She raised her glass to her mouth to hide her expression as a grimace claimed her lips. A moment of silence passed as she sipped her wine, but it was just a sip. The tequila appeared to be ruffling its way through her brain as it was, leaving her confused and depressed.
Alcohol was not a cure for depression, Carolyn thought, and promised herself she wouldn't let Beth urge any more on her.
She set down her glass and glanced up to find Marguerite eyeing her solemnly, her expression concentrated. It felt like the younger woman was looking right through her and seeing the failed wasteland of her life.
"Perhaps I should check on Beth." Carolyn pushed back her chair and stood, but paused as Genie suddenly appeared and caught her up in a hug.
"Oh, my God, I'm so sorry. I meant to be here half an hour ago, but just as I was leaving the office I got a call that the band I hired for the next week had to cancel. They were supposed to start tomorrow night, but there's been a death in the drummer's family." She released Carolyn and turned to drop into the empty chair beside hers. "I've been making frantic calls ever since, trying to replace them, and then saw the time and thought I'd better get down here and explain."
Carolyn sank back into her chair as Genie grabbed Bethany's glass of wine and took a deep swallow. Carolyn glanced to their table companions. "This is Genie Walker, a friend of ours from university, and the reason we decided to vacation here. Genie, this is Marguerite and Julius Notte."
"Hello, I hope you're having a nice stay," Genie said, her professional face sliding back into place as she set down Bethany's glass.
"Yes, lovely," Marguerite assured her. "You work here, then?"
"She's the entertainment coordinator for the resort," Carolyn said.
"Soon to be ex-entertainment coordinator if I don't find a replacement band that can be out here by tomorrow night," Genie moaned and stood up. "I'm sorry, Caro, I have to go. I ran into Beth on the way here. She was headed back to the villa. She says she's fine, but wants to lie down. I promised I'd keep you company for dinner, and I will, but I really need to find a replacement band first. I'll come back and join you the minute I find one.
But it might be a while. I-"
"That's okay." Carolyn stood up as well. "I'll just go back to the villa and order room service.
We can have dinner tomorrow night instead."
"Sit," Marguerite ordered.
Carolyn stiffened at the sharp order, but found herself immediately sinking back into her seat though she didn't recall deciding to. Genie, too sat down again, she noted with confusion and felt concern begin to stir within her, but as soon as it began to rise, it immediately receded, leaving her calm and relaxed.
"You will both be joining us for dinner," Marguerite announced with a smile. "I have just the band for you."
At least, that's what Carolyn thought she'd meant, though band had sounded like man. But then the tequila was really kicking in now so she'd probably misheard.
"Carolyn?" Julius asked and Carolyn glanced to him, but he was looking at Marguerite.
Nodding, the woman beamed at him. "Christian must come."
Julius's eyebrows rose and he turned to peer at Carolyn with new interest, and then pulled a cell phone from his pocket and began to punch in numbers.
Chapter One
"So... what do you think your mother's up to?"
Christian Notte tore his attention from the cliffs sloping down to the sea and glanced over his shoulder to his cousin. Despite the question, Zanipolo was peering out the window of the resort van, his eyes glued to a scenery none of them normally saw... at least not in daylight.
He eyed the man briefly, noting that he'd slid sunglasses on and let his black hair out of its usual ponytail so that it partially curtained his face, offering more protection from the sun glaring through the windows. His gaze then slid to the other passengers in the van. Giacinta shared the seat with Zanipolo, sitting directly behind Christian.