Page 9 of A Scottish Teashop in Napoli

‘I wish I could, but I promised to call in on my grandmother on the way home. But before I go, I have something for you,’ she said reaching in her bag.

Jacinta produced a string of rosewood beads and wrapped them around Lucy’s wrist. Keeping hold of her hand, she looked deep into her eyes and said, ‘These beads are for meditation and prayer. May they heal and guide you on life’s journey.’

A lump formed in Lucy’s throat and tears welled in her eyes. ‘Thank you, Jacinta,’ she whispered, hugging her tightly. ‘You have no idea how much this means to me.’

Despite all the chaos and uncertainty waiting for her back home, something started to slowly shift that evening.

Her body tingled, not just from sunburn, but with newfound energy, empowerment and a strange excitement. From now on she would choose her own path and not let it choose her.

Jacinta entered the bridal suite on the sixth floor with her clipboard, ready to complete the final checks in time for the new arrivals.

Champagne – check.

Champagne flutes – check.

His and Her towels – check.

His and Her bathrobes – check.

That left her with just one more task to do. Her favourite. Taking the bag of rose petals from her apron pocket, her thoughts immediately turned to Lucy and their first meeting. She had included her in her prayers at the little chapel by the sea that morning.

Scooping up a handful of petals, her gaze was drawn to a white cover on top of the bed.

Stuck to it was a note that read:

For Jacinta ~ may this wedding dress

bring you love & happiness x

Chapter Two

Naples, Italy. April

The kitchen clock struck midnight.

Elena Moretti slammed the laptop shut, threw down her reading glasses and rubbed her eyes.

Opening her email inbox filled her with dread. What if another customer cancelled their order? What if the bank refused an extension on the business loan? What if the tax office refused her request to pay the company’s bill in instalments?

Given the hour, it was perhaps best to check tomorrow.

She flung open the kitchen window and gazed up at the black sky, breathing in the soothing spring air.

The twinkling of a lone star drew her back to warm, carefree nights spent on the balcony gazing at the wonders of the universe with Giancarlo. If only she could travel back in time.

Running her hand through her unwashed hair, she downed another espresso and collected the crumpled paperwork scattered all over the floor.

She flicked open her notepad with a list of the things she should have dealt with last week:

1.Payroll

2.Health and Safety Application

3.Insurance Renewal

4.Food Hygiene Inspection

Her priority now was to protect her six-year-old son with every fibre of her being and keep both the mozzarella business and the language school afloat without attracting any unwanted attention.