‘A little.’
Cate smoothed down her hair. ‘Acquaintances after all these years… Oh, dammit, Natalie, you are my friend, no matter what.’
‘I don’t know what to say.’ Natalie’s voice caught.
‘Nothing. Just give me a hug.’ Cate held out her arms.
‘A quick one or I might cry,’ she mumbled into Cate’s hair.
The office door opened. They sprang apart.
‘You didn’t need to wait out here,’ Phil said.
‘I didn’t want to stand in there with my hands clamped over my ears whilst you talked about my gift. Did you get everything sorted?’
‘Yes.’ A grin spread over Phil’s face.
‘You will love it,’ Lucia added. ‘And now, you might like to visit the showroom to buy some smaller items to take home: a little souvenir, a present, perhaps.’
‘Something for the boys – they’re both mad about animals,’ Cate said.
‘A monkey or a bear,’ Phil suggested.
‘I expect there is a whole menagerie to choose from. Are you happy to have the cameras rolling whilst you look?’ Lucia said.
‘Of course. I’m getting used to being a star,’ Phil joked. ‘So, Cate, Natalie, any thoughts what sort of animal we should look for?’
‘How about a nice green turtle?’ Natalie suggested.
Cate started laughing. ‘Anything but a turtle! Do you remember Shy Kelly’s face?’
Natalie let out a snort: laughter mixed with relief.
Phil looked from one to the other. ‘Who’s Shy Kelly? What’s so funny?’
‘It’s nothing, darling.’ Cate gave her husband a peck on the cheek. ‘It’s just a joke between old friends.’
‘Let’s go and find those gifts,’ Natalie said.
‘And afterwards,’ Cate said quietly, ‘I want to know all about your date with Eraldo.’
‘We went to La Gallina Verde; it was a really nice evening. The seafood risotto was out of this world.’
‘Are you sure the risotto was the best bit?’ Cate smirked.
Natalie’s face heated at the memory of their kiss. ‘Shut up!’ She laughed.
33
‘Most people come to Murano just for the glass factories; I am glad I have been able to show you something more,’ Lucia said.
‘The mosaics in the church were some of the best I’ve seen – such artistry!’ Phil said. He took his wife’s hand to help her into the water taxi.
‘Next stop, Burano.’ Cate’s voice was bright but the corner of her eyelid flickered.
‘We won’t need to spend much time there,’ Natalie said quickly. ‘We’ll have a coffee break then just take some footage of you strolling past the rainbow-coloured houses. Unless of course there’s something particular you want to do.’ She caught Cate’s eye.
‘Thanks,’ Cate mouthed.
