Page 111 of Jude

A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts.

Moments later, I opened the door to a uniformed waiter who wheeled in a silver breakfast tray, a pre-order from Jude.

It was yet another kindness from my husband.

With a smile and thanks to the server, I carried the plate of flaky croissants, fresh figs, and a silver pot of thick espresso out onto the private stone terrace.

The vast expanse unfolded beneath me in a maze of terracotta roofs and ancient domes.

I took a slow sip of the bitter coffee, as happiness expanded my chest.

Yet, a small, persistent voice of caution piped up.

What if last night was just the natural breaking point of all the tension we’d built up over the months? Was there a real, permanent forever in his touch, or was he just swept away by the romance of Italy?

I shook my head, setting the porcelain cup down on the table.

Refusing to let fear ruin this day, I chose to focus on enjoying the city.

An hour later, I laced up my sneakers, grabbed a backpack, and headed toward the Spanish Steps to meet my afternoon bike tour group.

Our small group assembled near the Bernini fountain.

We were a beautiful, eclectic mix of travelers from every corner of the globe.

I bonded with Priya, a brilliant software designer from Mumbai with a booming laugh.

I also made friends with Marcus and Thomas, a retired couple from Melbourne who held hands as they admired the baroque architecture.

Our guide fitted us with lightweight touring bikes.

He led us toward the oldest and longest road of them all: the Via Appia Antica, taking us to the outskirts of the countryside.

Most of the road was still original basalt stone, making it one of the prettiest bike rides the city had to offer.

The ride was lined with ancient monuments, ruined tombs, and towering Roman pines stretching along fields of vibrant green.

At one point, our group pulled over to let a flock of meandering sheep cross the cobbles.

They head-butted Marcus’ bike, prompting a chorus of belly laughs from everyone.

‘Stop it with stirring a b-aa-aa-aa-d situation, Marcus!’ Thomas teased, helping his partner up from the ground where the sheep dumped him.

The ride back was exhilarating, the Mediterranean breeze cutting through the afternoon heat as we pedaled beneath the shade of the ancient pines.

My phone buzzed in my pocket just as we were returning our bikes to our guide in Rome.

I stepped aside, my heart flipping at Jude’s name on the screen.

‘Hey, honey,’ I said, leaning back on the warm brick wall.

‘Hey, babe,’ his deep, gravelly voice vibrated through the speaker, sending a delicious shiver straight down my spine. ‘You having a good day? Letting loose on my card?’

‘I’m having the best time, Jude,’ I replied. ‘I met some wonderful people. I didn’t touch the card yet, though.’

‘Use it, Sofia. Buy something ridiculous,’ he chuckled, his tone warm and tender. ‘The venue tech run-through is a major headache, but thinking about you is the only thing keeping me sane right now. I miss you.’

‘I miss you too, tesoro,’ I whispered, the words slipping out, full of yearning and affection. ‘Get through your tech and soundcheck. I’ll see you tonight.’