The Windows of Venice by R.A. Douthitt

Author:R.A. Douthitt [Douthitt, R.A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-07-16T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 9

A loud bang jolted Joy out of a sound sleep. She sat up in bed and looked left, then right.

“What was that?”

She whipped the covers off her legs, then headed to the window and watched as the owner of the shop below unloaded some boxes.

Joy rubbed her throbbing head. “Oh my. I had way too much wine last night.”

As she made her way to the bathroom, the pain in her feet stopped her. After hours of dancing, the backs of her new shoes had dug into the Achilles tendons of both feet.

“Ouch.” She sat on the edge of the bed and massaged the sore tendons. “What was I thinking, dancing around like that? I’m fifty-six, not twenty-six.”

Even when she was twenty-six, such a night would have knocked her to the floor.

She chuckled.

After a hot shower and an espresso macchiato in the hotel lobby, Joy was ready to take on the day.

The Piazza di San Marco was alive again with tourists, locals, and tour groups listening to their guides speak about the various sites and landmarks. Hungry pigeons and seagulls scattered as people shooed them away.

“Hey!” one man shouted as a seagull swooped in and stole his croissant right out of his hand. The young woman with him laughed.

The seagulls were impressive at dive-bombing. The sunlight and crisp air refreshed her skin and lungs as Joy traipsed toward the flower shop to assist Dina. Something inside made her believe that it was more than just a new day, but a new start.

A new life.

“Buongiorno.” Tony appeared carrying a single coral rose. He offered it to her.

“Giorno. Where did you come from?” Joy took the rose and inhaled its scent.

“The flower shop. I thought you’d be there, but only Dina and Vito were there. I think he’s a friend now, but she, well . . .” He curled his lip. “She still gives me that evil eye. I bought this rose for you.” He playfully bowed.

Joy chuckled just picturing Dina’s scowl. “Thank you for the rose, Tony. And for last night. I had a wonderful time. In fact, I need to let Alex know how thankful we are for the invitation.”

Tony politely coughed into his hand.

“What is it?”

“Alex was here earlier.” Tony shoved his hands into the pockets of his slacks. “But when he saw me, he just left without a word and—”

“Oh.” Joy’s shoulders drooped. “I understand.” His feelings were hurt, and that was something she had never intended. His kind, smiling face came to her mind as she walked toward the flower shop, wondering when she’d see him again.

“So what are your plans for the day?” Tony walked alongside her.

“Relaxation.” Joy smirked. “And no dancing. My feet are killing me.”

Tony laughed, then held open the door for her.

“What about you?” Joy asked.

“I think I’ll head out today.”

“To where?”

“Home. To New York.” He lowered his head.

“What? Why?”

He jerked toward her as if surprised by her reaction.

Joy set down her purse, surprised by her own reaction to his announcement.

Dina came from the back room.

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