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‘When is that?’ asked Issy.

‘In one week,’ Olivia beamed. ‘I feel like a teenager again in all the excitement. After I get married, I promise we’ll have all the gelato I can eat. I can’t wait for the day.’

Gina grinned. ‘Your wedding is going to be amazing,’ she told Olivia. ‘I’ve got a few surprises up my sleeve.’

‘Don’t tease me, Gina,’ Olivia gave a mock sigh, ‘you know I can’t bear surprises.’

‘You love surprises!’ Gina laughed.

‘Well, all I know is that we have left everything in the very best hands … Now, I’d better find Max, we’re supposed to be getting married, but all he can think about is Bellini’s San Zaccaria altarpiece! Goodbye, Daniela,’ Olivia said, and waved goodbye as she headed towards the lobby.

Daniela waved back sweetly and then went back to her gelato.

‘Mmm, this is delicious,’ Daniela beamed happily. ‘I think it’s the best I’ve ever eaten.’

‘I’m very pleased to hear that,’ Gina smiled. ‘I’ll pass on your compliments to our chef.’ She watched as Daniela stared all around her, fascinated by the glamorous guests who were visiting the hotel from around the globe, before turning to Issy. Daniela seemed to be working up the courage to ask her something.

‘Issy,’ she began. ‘What’s Brad Redford really like?’

Issy grinned. ‘Well, you’ve met him now. What do you think?’

‘Um …’ Daniela bit her lip, her cheeks flushing. ‘He’s always jumping around!’

‘You’re right,’ Issy told her. ‘I have to try and stop him doing that sometimes, but he’s a very nice boss, and a great guy. He never shouts at me, or gets cross.’

‘I’m glad,’ Daniela said, digging into her ice cream.

‘You know who else is a great guy?’ Issy said quietly to Gina.

Gina looked at her curiously, shaking her head.

‘Marco. Look, don’t be too hard on him,’ she murmured, making sure Daniela’s attention was elsewhere – she was currently engrossed in staring hard at a famous footballer and his lingerie model girlfriend who were strolling through the restaurant.

Issy continued. ‘I know Brad respects him a lot, he’s the best. I’m sure he wasn’t trying to undermine you earlier – he just wants to make sure everything’s perfect.’

Gina swallowed. She knew that Issy meant the advice kindly. ‘Thank you. I’ll bear that in mind.’

She wondered if she had been a little hot-headed earlier. She was usually entirely professional, never losing her cool or letting her façade slip. She needed to get control over her edginess.

‘Did you see who that was?’ Daniela hissed excitedly as she turned back to them. ‘It was Fabio Totti and Virginie Lenoir! I can’t wait to tell my dad.’ She scraped the last of the ice cream from her bowl, sighing with satisfaction, before asking, ‘Issy, have you ever met Lexi Parker?’

A tight expression flickered across Issy’s face, but seconds later it was gone, and Gina wondered if she’d imagined it. ‘Of course,’ Issy said brightly. ‘Loads of times.’

‘She’s so beautiful!’ Daniela sighed. ‘Does she look the same in real life? I watched the movie Lady Liberty and she was so cool in it. I want to be just like her when I’m older.’

Issy’s smile never wavered; if anything, it was fixed rigidly in place. ‘Yes, she really is beautiful,’ Issy sighed. ‘But it’s not outward appearances that matter, is it? It’s what’s inside that counts.’

‘Issy’s right,’ Gina agreed, feeling that she was teaching Daniela a valuable life lesson.

‘Maybe,’ Daniela giggled. ‘But I’d still rather look like Lexi Parker.’

Issy didn’t laugh. Gina pushed her bowl away and caught Issy’s eye. ‘Everything OK?’ she mouthed, not wanting Daniela to hear.

Issy blinked twice; Gina could almost see her making the effort to push away whatever thoughts were running through her head.

‘Sure,’ Issy nodded, with a smile. ‘Everything’s fine.’

Gina wasn’t convinced, but knew that now wasn’t the time to pry. Instead, she turned to Daniela.