Free Summer in Sorrento by Melissa Hill Page B

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                  “ No, I mean it ,” Amelia insisted.  “I’ ve seen the way Camilla looks at you.  And in an effort of solidarity and sisterhood, I would n’ t dream of stepping on her toes . ”
                  Jacob appeared thoughtful, as if he had n’ t notice Camill a’ s attention, and was just now putting the pieces together.  “ Right, got it.  Not a date.  And Camilla, huh ?” He smiled.  “ Well, tha t i s interesting . ”
     

10
 
    Maia found herself with a quiet house that evening. After some gratuitous flirting with Camilla, Jacob left with Amelia for the wedding at Hotel De La Syrene, and Maia felt accomplished knowing that two of her gues t’ s evenings were accounted for that night.  She had to admit that she felt gratified knowing that Amelia had some very handsome backup in Jaco b— a fact that she was sure would not be lost on her ex-fian cé .  She hoped that the younger girl got through the evening unscathed, and maybe with even a little fun. 
    She had not yet seen Hal and Lori return from their outing and assumed that the couple was having a good time and enjoying each othe r’ s company.  At least she hoped that was what was happening.  She had no worry that they still loved each other very muc h— they just needed an escape to remembe r wh y they were together.
                  However, with a silent house, Maia also had little for Camilla to d o— so she sent her home for an evening off.  She could cook her own dinne r— and she believed that a person of Camill a’ s age needed to get out and kick up her heels every now and then, especially during the Italian summertime.  This was the kind of weather to drink prosecco, dance, laugh, and fall in love.
                  Sighing, Maia walked toward the cliff side.  The dark indigo waters of the Bay sparkled in the moonlight. To the left, and down the shore, someone set off a firewor k— and the explosion boomed in the distance.  Maia looked in the direction of the sound toward Sorrento and where the wedding was being hel d— and saw a tiny sprinkle of light like wishes from a fair y’ s wand, fall toward the water. 
                  “ What a perfect night to get married ,” she said to the air, thinking of her own wedding.  It was true that she often communed with Jim in this spot, but for a moment, she wondered if she would ever have the chance to fall in love again, get married. 
                  “ It seems hard to fathom ,” she said quietly.  “ But I know you would approve . ”   She smiled to the sky.  “ Thanks for encouraging me to do this.  I think I might be enjoying myself . ”
                  At that moment, Maia heard some noise from behind where she stood.  She turned around to find Lori and Hal, pushing the bikes they had borrowed back up the hill, headed in her direction.  The gravel of the road crunched under the tires and Maia knew for a fact that it was easier going down than it was coming up.  However, the pair looked happily flushed, which made her feel pleased.  Lori called a greeting.
                  “ This hill, i t’ s a bit steep, yeah ?” Lori laughed.
                  Maia went to meet the pair.  “ Here, let me help you.  You both must be exhausted.  Yo u’ ve been gone all day.  I trust you had fun . ”
                  Lori was glowing like a new bride.  “ It wa s… how do I put this ?” She grinned heartily.  “ A n incredibl e day.  Just wonderful.  I think we covered the entire boot on these bikes ,” she said, referencing Ital y’ s shape on the map.  “ I do n’ t think you can have the same experience, driving in a car . ”
                  Maia looked at Hal.  The look of worry that had lined his face earlier that day was gon e— in its place, a kiss from the sun and a smile.