Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Christmas Eve Daytime

F rankie got a text from her parents, asking if they could come over for breakfast. She replied they should absolutely come over.

It was almost ten, but things were already bustling in the large kitchen. Frankie didn't want to put anything else on Rosevita and Lucia's plate—no pun intended.

"My parents are on their way, but I don't want to get in your way."

"No worry," Rosevita assured her. "I put a platter together of breakfast pastries. They're in the pantry."

Frankie froze. Had they left any evidence of their chicanery?

Rosevita continued, "There is fresh fruit in the refrigerator. You can make a nice pot of espresso."

"You are amazing," Frankie gratefully responded.

She ducked into the scene of the crime and discovered everything was still in place. A platter containing brioche, croissants, and other sweet pastries was waiting. It was a typical Italian breakfast. No bacon and eggs, pancakes, or waffles. Just enough to kick-start the day. Frankie had warned her parents not to expect a Denny's meal, which was totally fine with them. They knew the major caloric intake was set for later in the evening.

Frankie carried everything out to the patio so they wouldn't be under everyone's feet. It was a clear, cool morning in the low sixties. Giovanni turned on the outdoor heater to take the chill out of the air.

With the children still at Rafaella's, the house was quiet, with the exception of Christmas music playing in the background. The plan was for Anita to pick up her children at Rafaella's, give them baths, a change of clothes, and get them ready for their jaunt into town to see Santa. With the crowds of locals and tourists, it had been advised to make an appointment if the children wanted to sit on Santa's lap. Fortunately, they were able to get one just under the wire. It would be the last one of the day; Santa had his work cut out for him for the rest of the evening.

Frankie's father was curious about Pompeii and wanted to do the two-hour tour that started at one o'clock. It was approximately a thirty-minute drive from the house to the ruins. Giovanni apologized that he could not accompany them and arranged for a driver to take them there and back.

By the time they finished their sweet breakfast and cappuccino, it was eleven-thirty, and their driver arrived. He wanted to be sure they got there in plenty of time. After their tour of the ruins, they would return to the house and meet up with Anita and Rafaella, and venture into town.

While the kids were with Santa, the Cappellas planned to navigate the decorated streets, visit the markets, and observe the vast amount of decorations, particularly the lights. It was going to be festive chaos.

Frankie gave her parents a peck on the cheek and ordered them to have fun, although looking at ruins from a horrific event, with bodies frozen in time, didn't sound like a good time to her. It gave her the shivers.

As the car pulled away, another one entered the driveway. A young man got out, carrying a box under one arm and what looked like her whiteboard in the other. She let out a long sigh of relief. She needed organization. Yes, it was one of her quirks. She claimed it saved her from herself. Surprisingly, she could be very scattered if she didn't have something to reel her in. Visual cues were always a plus.

She tipped the young man and scooted into the house. She didn't want anyone to ask her any questions. The menus were a surprise. The whiteboard identified her orderly eccentricity. But she felt it was justified, especially with the multitude of distractions.

When she got to her room, she opened the box that contained the menus. They were beautiful. Much more than she expected. She hoped everyone would be as pleased as she was. She removed the plastic covering on the board and set it up on the chair in the corner of the room. Eventually someone was going to notice it, but she'd explain if necessary. She pulled out a marker and began to make boxes like a calendar. Each box had dates, names, and places.

26th Nina to Milan—Jordan Pleasance

27th Amy and Peter—Geneva Randy and Rachael—Rome

28th Nina meets Richard—Naples Randy and Rachael—Rome Amy and Peter—Geneva

29th Randy and Rachael—Naples Nina and Richard—Naples Amy and Peter—Naples Meet up with everyone in Pompeii Giovanni to rent van Pizza tour

30th Positano the Luci d'Artista exhibits were like no other. Bianca wasn't sure who was more impressed, her or the kids, each pointing to the next fantastic display.

When they reached their destination, Anita and Rafaella corralled the kids to make their way to Santa, and the Cappellas would walk around town. They agreed on a meeting time and place to return to the house.

After walking for two hours, the sun was setting and the lights were brighter, a phantasmagoria of illuminations. Bianca noted there was joy in every nook and cranny on the streets, in the windows, and on the face of each passerby. If you couldn't get into a holiday mood there, then you were not paying attention.

"I can understand why Giovanni wanted to spend the holidays here. It's like being in a wonderland," Bianca sighed dreamily.

Guillermo agreed and threaded Bianca's arm through the crook of his. He felt like a kid again.

When they returned to their meeting place, each of the children had a candy cane either in their hand, stuck to their mitten, or crumbled on their jacket. The two mothers knew it wasn't going to be difficult to get the kids into bed later. "Wear them out" was the plan. After dinner, Rafaella would take their children home, where they would be put to bed by a babysitter. It was the same plan for Sophia and Lorenzo. Even though the children were getting along like peas in pods, the parents wanted to have time with their children on Christmas Day. They would be able to bounce off the walls together, later in the day. But for tonight, they had to change into holiday dress.