Free Turn Towards the Sun Book Two: After the Rain by Jennifer Domenico

I work for a few hours, sharing ideas and discussing her plans. The casino will take up a large section of the bottom floor, and the hotel will offer shows and clubs. I know that Enzo is doing his best to lure some high-end chefs to open restaurants inside, too. I’ve decided that I’m going to call the place Little Vegas since it doesn’t have an official name yet.
    Francesca’s phone rings and the theme from The Godfather starts to play. She answers, “Ciao, Enzo.”
    I laugh hysterically.
    She looks up at me and giggles. “Everything is good, brother. Okay, yes, it’s no problem. What time? Va bene. Ciao.”
    “Yes, you like my ringtone for him? He is the godfather, no?” she says, laughing.
    I try to stop giggling. “Yes, very fitting. When is he coming back?”
    “He asked me to drive you home. He spent longer downtown than he thought, so he said it would save time.”
    “That works for me,” I reply. “What else do we need to do today?”
    “Ah, I have something for you,” Francesca says, handing me a large brown box, wrapped with a red bow. I have no idea why I am getting a gift.
    “Yes, please, Ava, open it.”
    I pull off the bow and peek inside. A large, red leather tote bag is inside. It’s gorgeous and reminds me very much of the one Francesca carries.
    “It’s beautiful,” I tell her. “Thank you.” I’m touched.
    “Look inside,” she says, smiling.
    I open the bag to find a design book and a blue, leather, spiral notebook.
    Ah, the tools of her trade.
    “Yes, Ava, in this book are some ideas that I’ve been thinking about for the hotel lounge,” Francesca explains. “I want you to look through them and pick at least three that you like. Then we’ll talk. You should start carrying this notebook too – for the ideas, no?”
    “Yes, thank you. Really.”
    I give her a big hug and then we head out to her car. Suddenly I’m reminded of the breakneck speed at which the woman drives and I buckle up, bracing myself for the trip.
    She looks over at me and laughs. “Yes, you are scared, Ava?”
    “No,” I answer, and then more honestly, “Okay, a little.”
    “No need. I’m very safe, just fast.”
    Francesca puts the car in gear and I swear my heart skips two beats. We speed down the road towards my house. Once we hit the side streets, she really lets loose as there is little or no traffic in her way. I have to admit to myself that even though it’s a little scary, it’s also a lot of fun. The only time she slows down is to let the gates to my house open. Then she races up the drive and whips the car around, so that my side is facing the front door.
    “See. Safe,” she announces with a smile.
    “Yes, thanks, Checca. See you soon.” Kissing her cheek, I step out of the car and walk into the house.
    “Babe..?” I call out as I stride through the large foyer.
    “In here.” Enzo’s voice is coming from the living room.
    I walk in and what I see causes me to stop in my tracks, stunned. Vases full of sunflowers and other flowers decorate the room and a big tray of scrumptious-looking cupcakes sits on the coffee table. But, best of all, my husband is standing in front of me, holding the most adorable chocolate Labrador puppy that I’ve ever seen in my life. The dog is sound asleep, wearing a large blue ribbon around his neck.
    Enzo’s face lights up with his breathtaking smile. “Ciao, amore.”
    “Oh my…” I gasp. “How did you..?” I shake my head.
    “All of your favorite things – myself included.”
    I run across the room and Enzo hands me the sleeping puppy, which yawns and whimpers just a little in the transition.
    “He’s so cute,” I say softly. “Where did you get him?”
    “I have my resources. You’re happy then?”
    “Immensely.” I can’t stop grinning.
    “Good. Then I’ve done my job. Now come sit and eat a cupcake. I got them from an award-winning bakery, so I hope you like them.”
    I glance around the room and realize that Enzo has already