Leaning onto his sculpted forearms, his fingertips inches from hers, Matteo added, “You’d be doing us a huge favor, Danielle. And he’s right, the food is really good. Just dinner and a little dancing. Will you join us?”
How could she possibly say no to these two lady-killers? Between Sal’s courtly, old-world manners and Matteo’s sparkling, flirtatious gaze, she was a goner. Besides, her book club would approve. Hell, they’d stomp and pump their fists.
She smiled. “Sure, I’d love to join you.”
“Stupendo!” Sal downed his coffee, gave her arm a gentle squeeze, and rose to greet incoming customers.
Upping the ante, Matteo took her hand and raised it to his lips. “Mille grazie, Danielle. You’ve saved me from the nonna mafia. I promise you’ll have a good time.” His warm, soft kiss on her knuckles triggered a cascade of happy shivers.
Flushed and stammering, she thanked him for the ice cream and watched him turn his dazzling charm on the next customer.
Could she…could they…maybe a summer fling?
She shook her head, dismissing the ridiculous notion. Just a nice young man flattering an old friend of his uncle’s. Nothing to get excited about. Still, as she left the shop, she hummed along with Sal’s Italian opera soundtrack, a giddy grin on her lips and a cocky sway in her step.
Chapter Three
Sunday, June 23rd
“WhatdoIwearto a Sons of Italy party?” Danielle muttered as, holding her phone aloft, she flipped through a rack of colorful hippie skirts in The Mermaid’s Cave Gift Shop, Fashion Boutique, and Saltwater Taffy Emporium.
“Why not ask your gelato friend?” Cari asked from Danielle’s phone screen and dug into her takeout carton. The most fashion-forward of their book club bunch, she’d joined Danielle’s shopping expedition via video call during her lunch break.
“That’d make me look too eager.” Danielle aimed her phone at a skirt in peacock blue, green, and purple, embroidered with feather designs and tiny mirrors. “Too much?”
“Not for a beach town. Besides, isn’t that the point? You’re breaking out of your drab routine.” Cari gestured with her fork, loaded with dangling noodles. “Can’t believe you didn’t send a picture of this Italian stallion.”
Danielle snorted. “Right. Shoulda snapped a pic for my friends’ approval. That wouldn’t be awkward at all.” She flipped through a rack of tops until she found a floaty peasant blouse in emerald green, a perfect match for the skirt. “You like this?”
Cari whistled. “Fahncy! Try it on.”
She carried both garments into the dressing room, propped her phone on the little shelf, and peeled off her boring blouse and skirt. “I have so few play clothes anymore. Just work outfits and gym clothes. That’s sad, right?”
“It is sad, but you’re taking steps to change that.” Cari clucked her tongue. “Better get a new bra while you’re at it. A woman with your assets should show them off, not squash them.”
Danielle frowned at her reflection. “This is my favorite sports bra. It’s comfortable.” She turned to examine her profile. “I’ll wear a better one tonight. Pokey wires and all.” She pulled the blouse over her head, cinched the skirt’s drawstring waist, and stepped back.Wow!
Cari gave a low whistle. “Oh, honey. That. Is. It. You look like a gypsy queen. What’s her name, Esmerelda?”
Danielle tugged off her headband and fluffed her hair. “Didn’t they hang her at the end of the book?”
“Not in the Disney version.”
Disney. Just like that, her pleasure in the new outfit evaporated. She slumped onto the little stool in the corner.
“Oh, hey, I’m sorry.” Cari clucked her tongue. “That was insensitive. Have you heard from your kids?”
“Just a few texts. They’re having a great time.” She blinked at the ceiling to hold back threatening tears. “Who am I kidding? Playing dress-up doesn’t change anything. I’m still the mama drudge they’ll come home to with stories about their cool new stepmom and their great vacation—”
Cari cut her off. “Jason’s marrying that bimbo?”
She shrugged. “Not likely. She’s the third new girlfriend since I finally kicked him out.” She cracked a wry smile. “I almost feel sorry for her. I mean, spending all that money to impress her new boyfriend’s kids, and he’ll probably drop her in a few months.”
“Yeah, but it still sucks.” A buzz from Cari’s end. “Judge is ready. Gotta go. But listen.” She stabbed a finger at her screen. “Promise me you’ll have fun tonight. I want a full report.”
Danielle pasted on a brave smile and snapped a salute. “Aye, aye, Ma’am. Esmerelda out.” She clicked off the call and surveyed her new look. The brilliant colors played up the contrast between her pale skin and dark hair and eyes. Would Matteo like it? She skimmed her fingertips along her exposed collarbone, imagining his plush lips there, the brush of his short, trim beard against her skin.Mamma mia!She fanned her flushed chest and throat, then slicked on rosy lipstick and snapped a few selfies.
She sent the best one to Olivia and Noah.
