Sisterchicks in Gondolas! Read Free Page B

think I have a new project,” Sue said. This declaration coming from the scrapbook queen was not surprising.The only surprise was that the announcement arrived earlier in the trip than I would have expected. But then, she had been looking for something to organize since she knew I was an unreliable subject.
    “What’s your new project?”
    “I’m going to try every flavor of Italian gelato at least once while we’re here.”
    “Excellent project. Will you be needing an assistant?”
    “You know it! How many flavors did you see in the freezer here? Six? Maybe eight? I think we should try a new flavor every day. Every morning, if we wanted!” Sue laughed at the whimsy of her goal.
    “You know this isn’t the only gelato stand in Venice,” I said, expanding her vision. “And not all of them have the same flavors. Soon you are going to find out that you’re a woman with many gelato options in Italy.”
    Sue shrugged with cunning. “I’ve never been one to turn away from a challenge. You know that. Remember, this trip is all about jumping into the deep end. If testing all the gelato in Venice requires that I work morning, noon, and night, well, so be it.”
    “So be it,” I agreed.
    We finished our gelato, exchanging only happy “mmm’s” and knowing nods.
    I leaned back, drew in a deep breath, and exhaled slowly. The morning air felt cool and calming and was tinged with the faintest scent of fresh coffee brewing somewherenearby. Church bells chimed the glad hour, calling the faithful to worship.
    “When is Steph supposed to meet us?” Sue asked.
    “Nine-thirty.”
    “And what time do the men arrive?”
    “Not until tonight. Around six. You saw the final e-mail with the schedule, didn’t you?”
    “Yes, but …”
    “We can relax, Sue. We have all day to get organized.”
    “I don’t know if I remember how to relax.”
    “Would another round of gelato help?”
    Sue laughed. “Maybe later.”
    We settled back, watching the foot traffic move down the Strada Nuova. The thoroughfare hummed with Sabbath comers and goers. Two older women strolled past our table, leisurely walking arm in arm, possibly on their way to or from church. Both wore flattering skirts that skimmed the top of their knees. They had on silky blouses that caught the morning breeze and billowed around the shoulders. Slim-styled leather shoes covered their tanned feet. Classy women.
    One of the shop owners stepped outside his door and called out something to the women. They turned to greet him. He leaned against the side of the building, looking like a forty-five-year-old rebel without a cause. A motorcycle might have helped accessorize his missing cause, but motorized vehicles weren’t allowed on these streets. Twogirls came skipping in our direction. They looked to be about eight or nine and could have been twins. Both were dressed in black-and-white striped, knit dresses and both wore their dark hair up in bobbing ponytails. Arms linked, they skipped in unison, giggling at some shared secret.
    Oblivious to us, our luggage, and our curious gazes, the young innocents entered Paolo’s. Emerging a moment later, they worked together to open a packet of gum and judiciously tore the first stick in half to share it.
    Sue nodded in their direction. “Aren’t they the cutest? Sisters, I’m guessing. Sunday treats all around.”
    She sighed, as if beginning to relax for the first time since she had left her house. “This is really something, Jenna. I keep wondering when I’m going to wake up.”
    “It’s not a dream. You’re really in Venice.”
    Sue looked down as a tiptoeing pigeon patrolled the ground around our table in search of morning crumbs. Without a word, she closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath. The usual concern crinkles that ran in dipped lines across her forehead vanished.
    “It’s good to see you like this,” I told her.
    “See me like what?” She opened her eyes and touched the side of her mouth. “Do I