Gaining Visibility Read Online Free Page A

pressed the hand to the middle of her chest. Cancer-free, reconstructed breasts. Perky, new nipples, completely healed. What had once been her broken heart, now beating wildly at the mere thought of this adventure.
    Oh yeah. She was ready.
    * * *
    Hettie squinted her good eye and peered at the paper Julia had given her containing the trip itinerary. “I’ve never heard of any of these places until you get to Florence. You’re sure they exist?”
    â€œOh, they’re popular destinations.” Julia considered it for a couple of seconds and then shrugged. “But maybe not so much for the first-time visitor to Italy.” She grabbed her tote and rummaged through it but didn’t find the map she thought she’d put in there. That’s right, she’d decided she wouldn’t need it until she got to the hotel, so she’d put it in her duffel instead. “Let me grab an atlas.” She left Hettie at the table and hustled over to the reference books on the shelf of the nursing home’s limited library, returning with the thick world atlas. She sat down and flipped to the page containing the map of Italy. Spying the magnifying glass on another table, she jumped up again and grabbed it, then settled on the edge of her seat.
    Hettie gave her a lopsided grin. “You’re as feisty as spit on a skillet this morning.”
    â€œI am, aren’t I,” Julia agreed. “I can’t believe the day’s finally here, and I’m on my way.” She positioned the magnifying glass over the northwest area of the map and pointed. “See. Here’s Lerici.” She glided her finger across the small body of water and tapped the five villages. “And these are the five little towns that make up the Cinque Terre.”
    Hettie’s good hand clasped around Julia’s finger and tapped it against the map again. “And see right there? It’s the sexy Italian you’re going to meet. He’s waiting right there.”
    The pull of her mother-in-law’s hand had brought the finger over the Ligurian Sea area of the Mediterranean. “If he’s waiting right there, I hope he’s on a boat . . . or a good swimmer.”
    â€œFisherman.” Hettie’s hand lost its grip and dropped to the table. “They make the best lovers because they’ve learned to be patient.”
    Frank’s dad had loved to fish, so Julia couldn’t keep from smiling at the subtle but unmistakable innuendo. “That so?”
    â€œIf I’m lying, I’m dying.” Hettie winked and made a cross over her heart.
    â€œWell, patience is something I’ve been in short supply of lately.” Julia laid down the magnifying glass and slid back in the chair. “Camille was talking about how antsy I’ve been just yesterday.”
    â€œNow don’t start belittling yourself. You’ve got loads of patience. Too much when it comes to some things.” Hettie didn’t say what, but Julia suspected she was referring to Frank . . . or herself. “I like seeing you restless and excited.”
    â€œThat pretty well sums me up right now.”
    Hettie plucked another truffle from the new box Julia had brought this morning and nibbled on it. “Not sure where I failed with you. I can’t imagine wasting fabulous vacation time with exercise—at least, not the kind you’re planning on—much less getting excited about it.”
    Chocolate dribbled down Hettie’s chin and Julia dug in her tote for a tissue to wipe it with. “Then you’ll probably disown me for admitting this.” She dabbed away the sweet spot. “But honestly? I’m looking forward to the business part almost as much as the hiking. Getting to be the procurer? Mmmm! I love the treasure hunt.” She lobbed the tissue toward a nearby trashcan and drummed the table when it went in. Then she clasped her hands together, determined to quiet her