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"That sounds good," she said."I'm not sure exactly what we're doing tomorrow, but I'll text you later and we can confirm a time and a place."
"Perfect."As Joelle handed the ring back to Nick, she added, "You should ask your mother about this ring, Isabella.It's my understanding Sylvie studied Lucinda's work.She had her sketches, too, I believe.Do you have those?"
"I do.But there's nothing like this in the book."
"But some of her other work is there?I'd love to see that.Maybe you could bring it to brunch."
She hesitated, then said, "Sure."
"Great.I better get back to business," she said as a group of young women descended on the booth."I'll text you later."
She nodded as they stepped away from the booth and continued down the path to a less- crowded area.Pausing, she turned to Nick."I know what you're thinking.I shouldn't have told Joelle I have Lucinda's sketchbook or agreed to show it to her."
"You do know what I'm thinking," he said with a gleam in his eyes.
"But she's my cousin, and Lucinda is her great-grandmother, too.I didn't see how I could say no."
"You don't seem to have a problem saying no to me," he said dryly.
"That's different.Anyway, should we go to the school now?"
"Why don't we get some lunch first?I'm hungry."
Despite the lovely breakfast he'd made for her, she was feeling hungry, too, maybe because the smell of garlic was everywhere."I used to go to a pizza place around here with my grandmother.I don't remember the name.And it's probably not even still around.But they had bright, red-checkered tablecloths, and I remember thinking I felt like I was in an Italian movie when we ate there.It was probably decorated for tourists to think just that."
"Maybe that's it," he said, pointing to the right."I see red tablecloths.Let's check it out."
They moved through the booths to the far end of the square, where her memory came to life."This is definitely it," she said."I also remember it was right across from that gelato place where we went after we ate pizza."
"Food looks good," he said as a waiter passed by with a pizza."I'm in."
"Me, too."
A moment later, the hostess took them to a table surrounded by potted plants that faced the square.The menu was delivered immediately, along with some glasses of water.
"Do you want pizza?"she asked."There are other options."
"I like pizza.Why don't we share?Unless you don't think we can agree on pizza toppings?"
"I really don't argue about everything, Nick."
"I'll have to take your word for that.What do you like on your pizza?"
"Everything," she said."See, I can be flexible."
He smiled."So, anchovies, sausage, olives, peppers, ham, pineapple…all good for you?"
"Well, maybe not all together.And maybe not anchovies."
"But everything else?"
"You are so annoying and so cocky," she said, seeing the teasing light in his eyes.
"I thought you liked everything."
"Okay, I love sausage, pepperoni, bell peppers, olives, and onions.That would be my choice.Not that I couldn't eat the other things you mentioned, but let's go with that, since I'm assuming you are ultra-flexible."
He set down his menu."I am, and that sounds good."He turned to the waiter hovering nearby and ordered the pizza along with a beer for him, while she opted to stick with water.
