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‘She’s in surgery now. As soon as I have some news, I will let you know.’

I swallowed the lump in my throat. Biscotti was part of the family and Mamma was particularly close to her.

Ever since me, my brother and sister had left home, she spent all day with Biscotti. She was her best friend. Her companion. I was sure she preferred spending time with Biscotti to being with my father, so I knew this affected her the most.

‘If you want, I will ask my boss for some time off. I cannot promise, because the new guests arrived today, but maybe I can leave earlier and?—’

‘No,’ she jumped in. ‘It is better if you keep busy. It will take your mind off things. And you need to be careful after what happened before. You can’t give them any other reasons to get upset with you. I’ll be fine.’

‘You are sure?’

‘Certain. And thank you for the scarf. It arrived today.’

‘Prego.’

When I took last week’s guests on an excursion, I saw an orange scarf in a shop window and knew that Mamma would love it. Orange was her favourite colour.

‘You will wear it the next time I take you out,sì?’

‘Yes. I promise. It’s beautiful.’

‘I am glad that you love it. I will come and see you soon, okay?’

‘Okay. I’ll keep you updated. Try not to worry. I love you.’

‘Ti voglio bene, Mamma.Ciao.’

‘Bye, son.’

As I hung up, I dropped my head in my hands. I hoped that Biscotti would be okay. She was strong. She was a fighter. And Mamma needed her. I wished I could be there at the vet with them now, but like Mamma said, I had to work.

After an unfortunate incident with a guest last month, the bosses were watching every move I made, so I needed to be the perfect employee.

Which meant that even though I did not feel like working and smiling, I had to do it anyway.

As the English liked to say: the show must go on.

* * *

‘Romeo.Edoardo è arrivato. Romeo?’

I snapped out of my thoughts. Thankfully, the operation had gone well but Biscotti was not out of danger yet.

I was at the hotel’s restaurant and Tommaso, the Dining Director, had just told me that Edward, Samantha’s match, had arrived at the restaurant.

Samantha.

The guest who thought I looked like Mr Bean.

I shook my head, thinking how ridiculous her comments were and a small smile touched my lips.

‘Edward,benvenuto.’ I stretched out my hand.

We had met briefly when he arrived, but he said he needed to get to his room, so we had not had time to talk properly.

‘Hi, Ronaldo.’ He gave me a weak handshake.

‘It is Romeo.’