Free Full Moon in Florence by KC Martin Page B

allow the museum to begin its own small permanent collection of Italian Renaissance art. They had a few other painting in storage by lesser known artists. A Botticelli would be a central sun to those other pieces. Until now, the museum had only hosted temporary Italian art exhibitions. If Laine secured a treasure like this, the museum coalition would get a whole new jolt of energy, as powerful as the espresso now flowing through her veins.
    “It’s been authenticated?” she said.
    “Of course.” He seemed slightly insulted.
    “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean… It’s something I’m required to ask.” She bit her lip. She really didn’t want to mess up this offer.
    “All the paperwork is in order,” said Lorenzo, flipping open a file and showing her a form with an official looking seal.
    She looked at the painting again.
    “Are you really quite sure you want to donate it to us?”
    Lorenzo tilted his handsome head. “This is why I asked you to come personally. You see, I wish to honor my grandfather’s wishes. He once had a romantic connection your region of the world. This was before he married my grandmother, of course.”
    He lifted an eyebrow in a way that suggested that the part about ‘before he married’ may or may not have been true.
    “When I was a teenager, he told me his stories and made me promise to give a suitable gift at his passing. He said this painting reminded him most of the young American woman he loved.” Lorenzo leveled a steady gaze at Laine. “She looks a bit like you, no?”
    Laine blushed. “No, not at all. She’s too…. She’s much too lovely to be compared to …”
    Lorenzo seemed to enjoy her embarrassment. He steepled his fingers under his strong jaw and let his eyelids fall halfway over his dark brown eyes.
    “Allow me to take you out for a drink tonight, Miss Dixon.”
    Surprised by the invitation, she lowered her gaze. “I’m so sorry, Mr Montrecetti. I have plans tonight.”
    He seemed unfazed. “Another time then?”
    She looked up now, a question in her eyes.
    “You are wondering if the gift hinges on your acceptance?” He shook his head. “I would never put you in that position. I only wish to tell you more about my grandfather and his story, and I would like to get to know the angel who will carry this treasure to the New World.”
    Laine lowered her gaze again. His charm was hard to resist.
    “I would love to hear more about your grandfather,” she said graciously.
    “ Bene . I can reach you at the Hotel Fiore?”
    She nodded. But how did he know? Had Tina passed on that information to his assistant?
    He smiled at her mild confusion. “Florence is not such a big place, and foreigners are… noticed. Especially those connected to the art world.”
    Just then a side door to the office burst open. Lorenzo turned in his chair, his smile reshaping into a frown as a young man who looked remarkably like him, except angrier, stormed across the office yelling in Italian. He was gesturing to Laine as well. She had no idea what this was about.
    Lorenzo argued with the man for a minute or two and then turned to Laine with an apologetic smile.
    “Excuse my brother, Miss Dixon. Antonio and I are not in full agreement about the Botticelli.”
    He turned to the young man, his brother, Antonio, and spoke a few more sentences, rather harshly, in Italian.
    Antonio made a lunge for the Botticelli panel but Lorenzo blocked him and yelled something aggressive. Laine stiffened in her seat, wondering if she should make for the door, but then Antonio turned on his heel and left in a huff.
    Lorenzo sat down and sighed. He stared at the side door, which Antonio had just slammed shut.
    “What was that all about?” said Laine.
    “He wants to sell the painting.” Lorenzo was shaking his head. “He understands nothing of family loyalty. For months we have been arguing about my grandfather’s estate. Antonio wishes to sell as many assets as we can to the highest bidder.” Lorenzo