Erin smirked and shook her head. “Don’t be ridiculous. This is amazing! Plus, you’ll get to explore all those places we used to dream about when we were kids. I mean, the Colosseum! The Pantheon! The food! You’re so lucky. You better send me pictures every day. Seriously. I want to live vicariously through you.”
That night, Aida sat at her desk, staring out the window at the lightly falling snow. Graham had gone to the wine store for what he called “supplies,” and the house was silent save for the occasional salt truck going by to keep the roads clear. Staring at the open pdf on her screen, ready for her electronic signature, her heart twisted with indecision. She had read through the contract at least ten times, careful to make sure she wasn’t committing herself to MODA for more than the initial three months.
Her phone dinged, and she picked it up to see a text from Erin with a GIF of someone standing in front of the Colosseum, taking a picture of the ancient arches against the golden light of the setting sun. Erin’s message read,Thiswill be you soon!
Aida grinned, then turned back to the contract.
“You’re right. That will be me soon,” she said aloud as she typed her name into the signature field, then without any more hesitation, she hit Send.
The week flew by in a flurry of packing and preparations. Before Aida knew it, the morning of her departure had arrived. She stepped out of the apartment, the crisp January air nipping at her cheeks. A taxi idled by the curb, its exhaust forming misty clouds in the stillness of the early hour.
Graham emerged behind her with her carry-on. “Are you sure you didn’t pack bricks in this thing?” he joked, setting it down next to her other suitcases.
Aida was about to retort when she heard Yumi’s cheerfulvoice. “There’s our jet-setter!” Yumi bounded up the sidewalk, her breath visible in the cold air, Erin at her side.
Aida felt a wave of warmth despite the chill. It had been Erin’s idea for them all to see her off, and having her three favorite people here, supporting her, made her heart swell.
“Perfect timing,” Graham said, nodding toward the taxi cab.
“Well, this is it,” Aida said. Her stomach was doing backflips—the familiar anxiety she sometimes had before she traveled. “I’ll be back before you even notice I’m gone.”
Graham hugged her tight. “Trust me, I’ll notice.” He kissed her temple, the warmth of his lips lingering in the cold. “Don’t forget to call me when you land.”
“I won’t,” Aida promised. She glanced over at Yumi, who was practically bouncing on her heels.
She grinned and clapped her hands together. “Oh man, you’re going to have the best time! Don’t forget to send me pictures of that palazzo. I want a full virtual tour, all right?”
Aida laughed. “You know I will. You’ll be getting pictures of everything.”
“Are you sure you’re okay leaving all the wedding planning to Graham?” Erin asked, glancing at him with a playful skepticism.
Graham raised an eyebrow. “Hey, I can handle this,” he said with mock offense.
“Seriously, let me help. It would give me something to do,” she said.
Aida waved her hand in a sign of approval. “Hey, if you want to give Graham a hand, I’m sure neither of us would say no. But I’ll have plenty of input from Italy.”
“Well, I’ll help streamline things. Having a woman’s touch for things like the invitations and the cake will be good.”
Graham chuckled. “Erin, don’t say that unless you mean it. You have no idea what I’m about to unleash on you.”
“I’m ready,” Erin shot back with a grin.
The taxi driver honked lightly, signaling they were out oftime for farewells. Yumi pushed off the steps and walked over to hug Aida. “Go kick some ass over there, okay?”
“I will,” Aida said, hugging her back tightly.
Graham helped her with the suitcase, lifting it into the back of the taxi before turning to face her one last time. “Stay safe,” he said, his voice quieter now, more serious. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” Aida replied, feeling the moment’s weight settle in her chest. They kissed one more time, and then she forced herself to step back, opening the door to the taxi.
She waved one last time to her friends, trying to absorb the sight of them before she climbed in. And then she was off, wondering what sort of wild adventure she was rushing toward.
4
January 2019
A private car whisked Aida to the city center, letting her out in front of a massive palace on the historic Via Giulia. The five-story building was etched right out of a Renaissance painting.
