Free Summer in Sorrento by Melissa Hill Page A

wanting to give them some privacy.
                  But as she tiptoed away she heard Hal respond earnestly.
                  “ Yes, Lori.  You.  I want to go on a picnic wit h yo u . ”
                 
                 
    Later that morning, Maia was doing some more work on the roadside stand when Jacob joined her, asking if she minded the company. The pair chatted amicably for a while, avoiding mention of their conversation the night before, and bypassing the subject of his father, until Amelia also made her way outside.
                  “ Maia, I was wondering if you knew where Hotel De La Syrene is?  How far it is from here, I mean . ”   The girl was holding a piece of paper in her hand, which Maia assumed was the wedding invitation. 
                  She nodded ,“ I know where it is.  Down the coast that way.  Actually not very far.  But too far to walk, and a bit strenuous to o— up and down hills the whole way there.  Probably would be murder in high heels . ”
                  “ I thought as much.  So I’ ll need a taxi ? ”
                  Maia nodded.  “ I think that would be best. I can call one for yo u— get them to arrange to pick you up at a certain time too, if you like . ”   Though Amelia did n’ t look too happy with that situation, likely Maia thought because if she the day went south, she would be at the mercy of waiting to be picked up by a cab.
                  Amelia shrugged, as if accepting her fate.  “ I wondered if I should have rented a car when I got here.  Too late now, I suppose . ”
                  Jacob, who had been quiet until this point, suddenly spoke.  “ I t’ s a wedding, right?  Tha t’ s where you are going ? ”   He had overheard snippets of conversation about Amelia and why she was here.
                  Amelia smiled.  “ Yes. But not jus t an y wedding ,” she added.  “ The wedding of my ex-fian cé. ”
                  “ Hmm, I see ,” said Jacob shooting a glance at maybe.  “ Tha t’ s an interesting situatio n….” Then he smiled.  “ You know, I might be able to help . ”
                  Maia and Amelia both immediately looked interested.
                  “ And just how would you help Jacob ?” Maia inquired of her handsome lodger.
                  “ Well ,” he said, shoving his hands in his pockets.  “ I have a car . ”   He extracted a set of car keys from one of his pockets and beeped the alarm on the Mercedes rental parked in front of the farmhouse.  “ If you are allowed to bring a plus one, I think your issue might be solved . ”
                  Maia raised her eyebrows and looked at Amelia, wondering what the young woman would say about such a proposal. 
                  Amelia looked unsettled .“ It might be rude of me to bring someone though? I do n’ t want to mess up their seating plan s …”   She bit her lip.
                  But Jacob laughed alou d— he clearly did n’ t care.  “ Yeah well, a messed up seating plan is n’ t nearly as horrible as inviting your ex-fian cé e to your wedding.  Just sayi n’,” he said bluntly, his New York accent coming out full force.
                  This made Amelia erupt with laughter.  “ Do you know, yo u’ re absolutely right. To hell with their seating plan . ”
                  “ Tha t’ s the spirit.  Every wedding needs a crasher ,” Jacob said.  “ What time do I have to be ready ? ”
                  Amelia provided him instructions and looked more cheered than she had since her arrival.  “ This is going to be fun.  But Jacob, just so you know, this is n’ t a date or anything OK ? ”
    Maia smiled but said nothing and Jacob raised his eyebrows mischievousl y“ If you say so .