"We will do this on one condition," Dani said as she answered the phone.
"Anything."
"You will let us pay for this trip."
"If that is what you want. I will pay for it upfront, and we will work out the details later," she responded.
"Good."
"Now that we've settled that, you should start packing. It's typically in the upper seventies to low eighties right now, so pack shorts and T-shirts. Oh and don't forget your bathing suit or camera. I'll call you back and let you know when to expect a car." They said good-bye and hung up. Alex immediately called the charter service and made the arrangements, and then called Rachel back to provide the details. A short time later, she crawled into bed and quickly fell asleep.
Chapter Sixteen
Alex wrote Nikki a note, left it under a magnet on the refrigerator, and headed out the door. She climbed into her Maserati Ghibli and headed towards Lucca. She stopped in the local village for a coffee on the way to the city, saying hello to the shop owner as she walked in. After consuming her cappuccino and cornetto, she said good-bye and headed off to her appointment.
An hour later, her business concluded, she headed through town, and stopped in front of the office of the lawyer that handled the vineyard's business. She explained what she needed, and waited while they drafted up the paperwork. After signing the contract, she took a copy and headed back home.
She saw Zaira heading her way as she pulled into the garage. She waited for the young woman to reach her before saying, "Why are you not in school, piccola?"
"There is no school because today is Ferragosto, Alex. Did you forget already?"
"Ah, yes. Assumption Day. Apparently I did forget. What are your plans for lunch?"
Zaira shrugged. "I have no plans. Mom and Dad went to church, and then they were going to go to the festival in town. I didn't feel like going this year."
Alex put her arm around the young woman's shoulders as they began to walk towards the villa. "Good. You will stay here and help me prepare a nice lunch. Then you will stay and eat with us." She opened the door and was greeted by Nikki, who sat on the sofa with a tourist guide to Italy on her lap. As she dropped her arm from around Zaira, she said in Italian, "Please go prepare the big guest room. We have additional guests arriving tomorrow, but please don't say anything. It is a surprise. When you are done, come help me with lunch."
Alex turned to Nikki and said, "I hope you slept well." She smiled when she nodded. "Good. Are you hungry?"
"A little bit. Breakfast was a couple of hours ago."
"Good. I am going to go start on lunch. Why don't you bring that book with you, and tell me what you would like to see while you are in Italy." She headed toward the kitchen, and began to pull several items from the refrigerator.
Nikki followed and set the book on the counter. "Tell me how I can help."
"Please, sit and tell me what you want to see while you are here," she said as she pulled a knife from the magnetic holder on the wall.
Nikki walked around the counter, took the knife from her, placed it on the counter, and said, "You are what I came here to see. I want to spend every moment I have here with you, not sight seeing." She brushed the hair back from Alex's forehead. She smiled as Alex closed her eyes and leaned her forehead against her shoulder. She cautiously put her arms around her, pulling her closer. They stood silently embracing for several minutes before Alex began to pull away.
As she stepped back from Nikki, Zaira walked into the room. The silence was quickly broken, and the three worked together to prepare lunch. As they sat down to eat, the conversation was light, with Alex trying to give Nikki time to come to terms with the previous evening's revelations. "Would you like a tour of the vineyard this afternoon, or just relax by the pool? Tomorrow will be a hectic day, and tomorrow evening we are invited to Dante and Sophia's for dinner." She watched as Nikki thought about it for a moment, weighing her options.
"The pool I think. Who are Dante and Sophia, and why are we invited to dinner?"
Alex looked over at Zaira with a smile. "They are Zaira's parents. They have invited us to dinner because our little princess is growing up." She laughed when the young woman rolled her eyes. "Our Zaira is turning eighteen tomorrow. There will be a party most of the day, and it will be closed out with dinner in the evening."
"Congratulations, Zaira. Eighteen is an achievement." She turned and looked at Alex with a look that sparked a memory for Alex.
Before Nikki could say a word, she said, "I'm sure I have something that will fit you." She raised one eyebrow and grinned. Her grin widened as Nikki blushed. She stood with a chuckle, and began to clear the table. Nikki and Zaira immediately pitched in, and before long the kitchen was spotless once again. Alex sent Zaira out to the small changing room poolside before turning to Nikki. "There might be something out there that will fit you, or you can have one of mine. Your choice." When she chose to wear one of her bathing suits, Alex led her back to her bedroom.
Nikki looked around the room curiously, and
