Free Treasured Secrets by Kendall Talbot Page B

worry. I’ll do plenty of sightseeing. Rosalina’s showing me around now.’ Her eyes shot to him and Archer instantly regretted his statement. But it was too late.
    â€˜ Per favore , allow me to be your guide.’ Alessandro’s eyes were alight as he leant forward on his chair. ‘I know practically every brick and piece of artwork in the entire city.’
    â€˜Well, um, we’re only going to the Church of St Apostoli.’ Archer knew there was no backing out now. Rosalina’s clenched jaw and rolling eyes told Archer she was just as disappointed as he was that Alessandro would be joining them. They were stuck with him now.
    Their stroll from the café took them through the Piazza della Signoria, a bustling L-shaped square surrounded by ancient buildings and cafés, all overflowing and, no doubt, overpriced.
    â€˜This is one of the most significant public places in Florence.’ Alessandro was like an air traffic controller as he pointed out various buildings, and with an obvious photographic memory, detailed the years the building construction began and ended. In addition to that, he also knew the year each building was renovated or, in some cases, completely rebuilt. He made the history and fascinating snippets relating to it sound so exciting that it wasn’t long before Archer actually found himself enjoying the tour.
    â€˜Here’s the Palazzo Vecchio, or in your terms, the Town Hall. See the crenulated roof line?’
    Archer looked up at the roof, not a view he would’ve remotely considered if Alessandro hadn’t insisted. It looked like something you’d see on a medieval castle.
    â€˜Impressive, sì ?’
    Archer smiled, but the charm wasn’t anywhere near as exciting for him as it was for the grinning Alessandro.
    The Italian pointed out an endless array of buildings, places that apparently Archer had to see while he was here in Florence. Alessandro flung his arm to the right. ‘Oh let’s go via the Ponte Vecchio; you’ll love it. It’s one of the oldest bridges in Firenze. It’s still an amazing hive of activity.’
    Alessandro was so excited, half the time Archer couldn’t tell if he was speaking English or Italian.
    â€˜Maybe some other time, Alex. Could you just take us to that church?’
    Alessandro frowned. ‘But there are many, many other affascinante buildings worthy of a mention.’
    â€˜Maybe later.’ Archer held Alessandro’s gaze until the Italian shrugged and his stature shrunk somewhat. Alessandro offered his palm forward, indicating the new direction they should travel.
    They strolled along Florence’s narrow cobblestone streets and Alessandro continued to bombard them with the history and quirky facts about each and every building they passed. The bricks were shipped in from such and such, so and so died here …but Archer was more concerned with Rosalina. She was quiet and reserved, two qualities rarely displayed by this beautiful Italian woman. Occasionally she glanced sideways at Archer and was clearly uncomfortable being sandwiched between her current boyfriend and her ex.
    They arrived at the Piazza Del Limbo and Alessandro explained the significance of the cemetery as they approached the church. ‘Oh, Rosa, I didn’t mention that an earthquake severely damaged the church in 1348. See this brickwork?’ He pointed to a jagged row of bricks at the side of the building. ‘These are the original bricks and these…’ He indicated further along. ‘These are the new ones…see?’
    Archer watched Rosalina follow Alessandro’s finger. He couldn’t decide if she was interested or not, but when she turned towards him and rolled her eyes, he stifled a laugh.
    Alessandro continued the tour with Rosalina and Archer following him through the doorway into the Church of St Apostoli. Archer had no idea why, but his apprehension escalated with each