Page 18 of The Fall Affair

“Six…in the morning?”

“Yes, Allegra. Six in da morning.”

“What are we going to do at six in the morning?”

“You will see.”

I was a planner. Showing up unprepared wasn’t in my DNA. “Well, what should I wear?”

“A T-shirt is good, long sleeves are better. And pants, no shorts. Comfortable shoes. I bring the kneepads.”

My brows shot up. “Kneepads?”

He ignored me. “Borrow one of your grandmother’s big straw hats she keeps in da mudroom, too.”

“We’re going to be outside?”

He smiled. “It will not kill you. I promise.”

Chapter 7

Matteo

SHORTS. TANK TOP. Sandals. No hat.

This woman couldn’t be serious.

“Good morning.” Allegra smiled coming up the driveway.

I stood out front and looked at my watch. Ten after six. “You are late.”

“It’s your fault. I couldn’t figure out what to wear.”

“Did you miss da part where I told you long sleeves, pants, comfortable shoes, and a hat?”

“Damn it.” She snapped her fingers. “I knew I forgot something.”

“Would that be da other half of the legs of your pants, or the sleeves to your shirt?”

“I meant a hat. The only long-sleeve shirt I brought is dirty. I wore it on the plane.”

“Better dirty than bitten by bugs.”

Her eyes widened. “Bugs? You didn’t mention anything about bugs.”

I swallowed the rest of my coffee and opened the screen door. “Come. I find you something you can cover up with.” Inside, I lifted my chin to the espresso maker. “I made you a caffé, but it’s cold by now.”

“Oh, thanks.” She looked around. “I’ll just warm it up in the microwave.”

“No, you cannot. I do not have one.”

Allegra’s forehead wrinkled. “No microwave?”

“No microwave.”

“But how do you heat up your coffee?”

“I don’t. I drink it.”