"Yes, you are," Dani replied.
Nikki turned and said, "Just stay out of this." She began to turn back towards Alex and stopped as she realized that Dani and Rachel were there. Her surprise was obvious as she looked from one to the other, speechless.
Rachel stepped up and placed a hand on her shoulder. "She's doing everything she can to work through things with you." She watched as Nikki's anger dissipated, and she hung her head in shame. "I think you owe her an apology."
Nikki watched as Alex greeted her sister with a hug and kiss to the cheek. She took Dani's bag, and carried it towards the trunk. She sidestepped Nikki as she reached towards her and said, "Don't touch me." She placed the bag in the trunk, and stepped aside for Rachel to do the same. "Why don't you sit up front with me?" She asked Rachel as she closed the trunk lid.
"Alex, I'm—"
"Not now, Nikki. I think we've made enough of a scene." She climbed in behind the wheel, and waited while everyone took their seats and fastened their seatbelts.
"I love your new haircut, Alex. You look really good with short hair." Dani caught her eye in the mirror and winked. "This is a beautiful car," she said as she ran her hand over the soft red and black leather seats. "What is it?"
"Thank you. This is a fine piece of Italian craftsmanship." She pulled away from the curb, and began to drive out of the airport. "It's a Maserati."
"Wow. No wonder I've never seen one before. This is way out of my league."
Alex chuckled. "They're not so expensive here. They're far more reasonable when you can avoid the shipping costs and import tax." Once they were on the road she turned to Rachel and asked, "How's Madison?"
"She's doing well. She's staying with her grandparents while we are away. It's her first time away from us for so long, so we promised to call her every day." She looked out the window at the buildings they passed. "It's beautiful here. The history is hard to imagine. Centuries more than back home."
"Yes. I love to walk around the cities here. You can see so many different styles of architecture, and can travel from a more modern city to the narrow cobbled streets of the old town in just minutes." Alex pulled over to the side of the road and parked the car. "Grab your camera and follow me." After a short walk, they rounded a corner and suddenly the narrow streets gave way to Piazza del Duomo. "We're lucky. It is still early, and most of the tourists are still sleeping." She smiled at the expressions of awe on everyone's faces.
Alex spent the next hour playing tour guide around the piazza while her visitors took pictures and listened intently. Everyone was quiet as they left the piazza and headed back towards the car, and remained that way as they drove out of the city. She named each of the small towns they drove past, and pointed out several points of interest as they made their way through Lucca. "We'll stop in town for a quick breakfast before heading home if that's all right with everyone."
"I would love some coffee," Dani replied with a smile.
"Maybe it would be best to postpone the stop in town for now. I think we should clear the air first," Rachel replied as she looked pointedly at Alex. "Avoiding it won't make it go away."
"Maybe, but it will allow time for the anger and hurt to mellow," she replied with a sigh as she drove through town.
"I'm sorry, Alex." Nikki leaned forward and placed her hand on her shoulder. "I misread the situation, and jumped to the wrong conclusion. I'm sorry."
"I've never lied to you, Nikki. Right or wrong, I've had my reasons to withhold information, but I've never lied to any of you." She pulled up to the gates of the vineyard, and waited while they slowly opened.
Nikki leaned back in her seat. "I know, and I'm sorry I accused you of it. I was out of line."
Alex pulled through the gate, and watched it close behind them before proceeding to the villa. After showing Dani and Rachel to their room, she headed to the kitchen to prepare coffee. She filled the Moka pot with water and reached for the coffee grinder. Before she was able to grind the beans, there was a light tapping at the back door. She opened it to a smiling Sophia.
"Buongiorno, Alex. I brought you some things for to make lunch." She placed a basket on the counter, and began to empty it. "I know you have guests and not have time for shopping."
"Bless you, Sophia. You're a life saver." Alex helped her empty the basket, and smiled when she saw the bag of fresh rolls and jar of homemade jelly.
Sophia chuckled when she heard Alex's stomach grumble. "You are as bad as my Zaira." She pulled a plate from the cupboard and arranged the rolls. "Would you like me to help with the Bolognese?"
"No, Zia. You have enough to do today. I can handle it. Besides, you and Maria have taught me well." While they were still alone, she quickly explained her birthday gift for Zaira. "I wanted your blessing before I present it to her."
Sophia wiped a tear from her eye. "You are too good to us, Alex."
"No, Sophia. Zaira has worked hard for this, and she deserves it. She has been a good friend to me, and helped me through a very rough time. I will always be grateful for that." She smiled as she looked at Sophia. "She found my Nikki, and brought her to me."
Sophia nodded, a small frown marring her features. "Yes, she said you punish her for it."
Alex shook her head. "No, I punished her for disobeying my rules. She needs to learn how to follow rules if she wishes to run this vineyard,
