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“Please don’t speak like I’m not at the table.” Mira said. “Besides, I never told you I wanted to double date.”

“I know. But youneedto double date.”

“Fabiana!”

“Ladies.” Lorenzo chuckled. “Francesco isn’t just the manager here. He’s part owner ofIsabella’salong with me. Here in Napoli he’s the most sought after bachelor. Women are constantly climbing over each other to gain his affection.”

“Then someone should give him a toothbrush.” Mira mumbled.

Fabiana laughed. The humor drained from Lorenzo’s sly smile and gleamed in his unwavering stare. Mira felt a bit uncomfortable with the depths of the baby blues fixed on her. She sipped her wine and tried to ignore it. The conversation became less strained when Lorenzo asked her about Naples and how she enjoyed his city.

“Unfortunately, we haven’t seen much of it, have we?”

“No.” Mira conceded. Naples was an interesting city. Certain areas reminded her of the slums of certain boroughs in New York, and others were so pretty it had to be plucked right out of her dreams.

Fabiana continued. “I would have preferred to purchase property in Milan to start Mirabella’s Design House. The Republic would not grant it.”

“You mentioned a sponsor?” Lorenzo slipped Fabiana a look. “It’s unfortunate your building was closed, and he couldn’t aid you.”

Fabiana flashed Mira a smile, and she gave one in return. Her girl could always find a way where there was none, now she was stumped. The politics of this country had them caught in the middle and even Fabiana couldn’t undo it. Kei, Mira’s former lover, said he would no longer fund her company and pulled out a large investment. It hurt deeply, both financially and emotionally.

“My family may be able to help. I’ve already discussed it with my cousin.”

Mira cleared her throat, noticing the uncomfortable tension rising over the conversation. Their benefactor wanted to remain anonymous. Fabiana refused to drag him into the matter further. Instead she wanted the help of this man? Why?

“Can I offer a toast?” Mira asked. The two looked up at Mira’s request. After a pause they reached for their glasses. “To Napoli and all the wonderful friendships to come.”

Glasses clinked and the tension eased.

Lorenzo set his glass back on the table. “Where have you been since your arrival in Italy? Have you visited Capri yet?” Lorenzo pressed.

“Mira hasn’t ventured out of our place in the evening since the incident.” Fabiana said.

Lorenzo’s eyes stretched. “Incident?”

“It’s nothing. I’m over it.”

“No, you aren’t.” Fabiana frowned.

“May I ask? What happened?” Lorenzo pressed.

Mira really didn’t want to share her embarrassment, but she saw no way out of the conversation. With a burdened sigh she relented. “We were walking downvia Toledoin the evening doing some light shopping. There was a scuffle or argument between two people in the street.”

“It started from nowhere,” Fabiana interjected. “Pushing and shoving, loud voices. Kind of startled us both.”

“Yes.” Mira nodded. “And then it happened. A man on a motorbike sped bye and snatched my purse from my arm. So forceful the strap broke.” She snapped her fingers. “In a flash. Gone.”

“It was awful,” Fabiana added. “Scared the hell out of both of us.”

“I lost my passport. The embassy is helping me obtain a new one. Doesn’t matter. I lost something irreplaceable in that purse.”

“Che?” Lorenzo asked.

She ignored the ache in her heart and stole a deep breath before she could speak. “It’s personal and it’s gone. I can’t believe I was stupid enough to keep it in my purse.”

“You didn’t lose it. Someone stole it from you.” Lorenzo corrected.

“She’s been on edge since it happened. Damn bastards.” Fabiana grumbled.