Title Wave Read Online Free

heart ache, and Angelica reached for her hand under the table, squeezing it and giving her an encouraging smile, which she appreciated.
    â€œDove in Italia sei?”
Antonio asked.
    â€œFirenze, signore,”
the waiter answered.
    â€œAnch’io,”
Antonio said, and laughed.
    â€œWhat?” Ginny asked, puzzled.
    Angelica smiled. “He asked if the waiter was from Italy. He answered Florence—the same as Antonio.”
    â€œI didn’t know you spoke Italian,” Tricia said.
    â€œWell, how else was I going to communicate with Antonio when he was a boy and didn’t speak English?”
    â€œYou amaze me,” Tricia said, shaking her head.
    Cristophano presented them with genuine (not faux) leather folders that contained the engraved menu for that night’s dinner.
    â€œHow about I order a bottle of wine for the table?” Angelica suggested.
    â€œThat will not be necessary, madam. A bottle of our best champagne has been ordered for your group.”
    â€œOh?” Angelica asked.
    â€œSì.”
Cristophano reached into his tux jacket and pulled out a card, handing it to Tricia. She read the beautiful script. “
The best for the best.
”
    â€œNo signature?” Ginny asked.
    Tricia shook her head.
    â€œOoh!” Angelica cooed. “You have a secret admirer.”
    Tricia looked up at the waiter. “Are you sure this was delivered to the right table?”
    Cristophano nodded. “You are Ms. Tricia Miles, are you not?”
    Tricia nodded. A secret admirer? Had Stoneham’s chief of police ordered the champagne in an effort to woo her back? That was a stretch, since they hadn’t been on a date in almost two years.
    â€œI shall return in a moment,” Cristophano said, and made a discreet exit.
    The four of them smiled at one another. “I can’t believe we’re here—on such a beautiful ship,” Ginny said, and giggled.
    â€œHow do you like your stateroom?” Angelica asked.
    â€œPerfect. Oh, Angelica, I can’t thank you enough for—”
    But Angelica held up a hand to stop her gushing. “The rest of our little group doesn’t have to be in on our secret, but we
are
family. A dynasty, I hope. And we will all look after each other in the years to come.” Ginny blinked and Angelica laughed. “That wasn’t a threat. You won’t have to push me in a wheelchair when I’m old and gray. I just meant that if one of us lives well, why shouldn’t we all live well?” She looked around for Cristophano. “I wish we had that champagne and we could all toast the sentiment.”
    Ginny frowned. “Aren’t the others in our group going to be miffed when they see we have better accommodations than them?”
    â€œI don’t see why. Everyone had the option of picking their own price point for the cruise. Mindy did tell me that most of the group are in inside staterooms—no windows, no balconies—but our fellow travelers made that decision—not us—and we will
not
feel guilty.” It sounded like an order.
    They opened their folders to peruse the menus. Tricia studied the à la carte offerings and was considering whether she should celebrate and have the lobster Newburg with truffle-scented rice pilaf or the beef Wellington when a commotion at a table several feet away drew her attention. She looked up to see EM Barstow dressed in a riotous red and gold silk caftan that more resembled a circus tent than smart casual attire.
    â€œThis table isn’t at all acceptable. It’s too close to the door. There’s a draft.”
    â€œEmmie,” her companion pleaded, sounding embarrassed. “I’m sure it’s perfectly fine.”
    â€œAnd I’m sure it’s not!” EM declared, and didn’t seem to care that her voice was carrying throughout the dining room. “This trip is costing a fortune and I want the best of the best. I