Free The Lost Art of Second Chances by Courtney Hunt

appreciated until now. She wanted something for herself now. Standing on her tiptoes, she pressed herself against him and kissed him again.
    So here, at last, was love.

Lucy
    Florence, Italy
Present Day
    Jack would arrive in Florence on the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel. Lucy’s tour group arrived the day before, on a warm, early autumn day, the breeze tinted with the rich, loamy scent of the river. By then, after a week of tramping around Italy, with everyone else in the tour group paired off like they were boarding the Ark, Lucy couldn’t bear to see another church or fountain. After she saw Michelangelo’s David, she figured nothing could top that and struck out to explore the city on her own.
    After an early dinner, Lucy wandered contentedly to the Fountain of Neptune, licking her raspberry gelato, studded with roasted almonds and luscious bits of berry. Stained green as Lady Liberty in New York from exposure to the elements for five and a half centuries, Neptune towered above the fountain, surrounded by playful horses and writhing sea nymphs. She smiled at a nearby group of playing schoolchildren before tossing her change from her gelato purchase into the fountain. As the coins clinked into the water, she closed her eyes and tried to think of a wish.
    She could wish to find Paolo but that seemed more her grandmother’s wish than her own. She could wish to figure out what to do with the rest of her life but that seemed a big wish. Instead, Jenny’s teasing about finding a lover echoed through her head and she laughed. Yes, she’d wish for the man of her dreams.
    When she opened her eyes, Lucy glanced around the square. No eligible suitor presented himself. So far, she’d failed dismally at finding an Italian lover to enjoy a madcap fling with, unless you counted falling in love with Italy itself. Old men and teenage boys filled the square—not an eligible man in sight. With a sigh, she turned to the sunset, entranced as always by the ribbons of pink tinged with gold, gilding the world around her. She looked up to see if she could find a star to wish on but they weren’t appearing yet.
    After finishing her treat, she rounded the fountain as a tall man, his suit jacket thrown over his shoulder, strolled casually toward her. The light evening breeze rumpled his glossy dark hair. The setting sun obscured his features though something about his gait reminded her of Jack. When he raised his face to examine the ornately carved decor on the nearby building, she realized it was Jack.
    “Jack!” Her breath whooshed out in a rush as joy filled her, bright and happy as a balloon. She ran to him. He smiled at her before she flung her arms around him. His warm, strong arms embraced her in return and she caught the scent of sandalwood and lime. Home. Happiness filled Lucy like champagne bubbles. “I’m so glad to see you. I thought you wouldn’t be here until tomorrow.”
    “I caught an early flight out.”
    “Eager to get started on our quest?”
    “Indeed. I’ve found some leads. A few things. Old maps.” Jack smiled down at her and Lucy realized she still stood in the circle of his arms. She unwound her arms from his neck and stepped hastily back. “I’m starved. Do you know a good place for dinner?”
    Lucy led him to her favorite tiny hole-in-the wall cafe, not far from her hotel. They settled at a table together and ordered antipasti and drinks. They chattered for a while, catching up on her trip and the happenings at home. The proprietor came out to greet Lucy. They chatted for a bit about the day’s special and how he prepared his mussels. She ordered for them both, pulling out her food journal to make a few notes. Lucy’s meager funds hadn’t stretched too much in the way of souvenirs but she’d found a lovely, honey-colored leather journal and treated herself to it.
    “I bought this journal on the second day here. I couldn’t remember all the wonderful foods and recipes I discovered. I think