Ruby shot her an incredulous look. “Experience. Count yourself lucky. Men, unlike wine, don’t necessarily improve with age.”
She might wish he’d be out of her life forever, but with a child on the way, it was unlikely. Second thoughts nipped at her mind. “What have I done?” Ariana flung her head against the seat.
Ruby shot her a triumphant look. “You’ve done what a million other women wish they’d had the guts to do—leave that old goat who mistreats them at the altar. Just imagine them cheering you on.” She raised a fist in the air and let out a whoop.
Ariana matched her and immediately felt a little better. “Whoa, whoa, whoa!” With her fist in the air, she noticed the wide-eyed stares from cars they were passing. “I can’t believe I did that,” she said, dissolving into hysterical laughter.
She’d been dating Phillip so long that she’d forgotten why she’d been attracted to him in the first place. Well, almost. He was the best-looking man who’d ever asked her out, and he had confidence enough for both of them. But she’d excused his selfishness long enough. Ariana wiped tears of hysteria from her eyes.
“That took guts,” Ruby said, extracting a delicate handkerchief from the pocket of her nubby suit and handing it to her. “Proud of you, sweetheart. Now, come back to Palm Springs with me,” Ruby said. “No sense going back to your apartment.”
“Which is packed and ready for movers anyway.” Ariana made a face and tilted her head against the seat, still feeling overwhelmed. “The movers are coming tomorrow.” Phillip had paid a company to move and unpack everything in their absence, and his personal assistant was managing the effort. Ariana had already donated her post-college furniture.
“I just realized I’m homeless and pregnant.” Ariana gave a wry laugh. “New tenants are moving in next week, and they’re paying considerably more than I was.”
“Too small for the baby.” Ruby dismissed this with a wave of her hand. “The movers can put your belongings in storage until you find something else.”
“You make it sound so easy,” Ariana said, slipping her feet from her shoes.
“Sure beats the alternative.” Ruby shot her a wry grin. “Since you’re blocked out of work for a month, why not use that vacation time? Dr. Lettie would certainly approve.”
The physician that Ariana had seen in Palm Springs at Ruby’s urging had given her a physical. While Ariana was healthy, the doctor had told her that she had classic stress-related symptoms. Dr. Lettie had suggested exercise, yoga, and a therapist. You have to find methods of dealing with the stressors in your life. Fortunately, the baby was fine.
Stressors. That would be Phillip and her work. Well, one down. Ariana unhooked the top eye on her strapless wedding gown so she could breathe easier.
“I should probably save my vacation time for the baby.” Ariana thought of all the plans she’d have to cancel or change right away.
She had been looking forward to taking a break. Her boss, Kingsley, had a perpetual scowl on his face, and little Ariana did could make him happy. When she paid attention to period details in clothing for a film, he dismissed her as too picky and insisted she was running up costs, even when she found vintage store bargains. There was no making him happy.
Ruby shifted through the gears with ease. “I think you need a vacation now more than ever. I’ll have Stefano book a couple of tickets for us. I’d been planning to surprise you soon with a trip anyway.”
“Just us?” Ariana sat up, intrigued by the idea. She hadn’t traveled with her aunt in years, not since her college breaks, but they’d always had such fun. “Where?”
Ruby lifted her chin. “Lago di Como.”
Ariana frowned. “Isn’t that where you just went?”
A smile bloomed on Ruby’s lightly lined face, a testament to decades of diligent skincare. “I’ve been dying to take you to Lake Como. And I have a surprise for you.”
“What’s that?”
Ruby laughed and wagged a jeweled finger. “Oh no, my darling. Not until we get there.”
Chapter 4
Lago di Como, 2010
* * *
“What would I do without you and Stefano?” Ruby rested her hand in the crook of Ariana’s arm as they exited the airport in Milan after a long flight from Los Angeles through New York to Milan.
Not that Ruby needed the support—her ankle was practically healed. Still, she enjoyed being close to Ariana, and not having to hurry to keep up with her niece’s lovely, long-legged stride. Now she preferred to enjoy the time she had left with intention.
Besides, taking one’s time was so much more elegant.
As they walked, Ruby noticed that several men turned to watch them. “You’re attracting admirers, Ariana. Oh, I just love Italian men.” One in particular, of course.
“I think they recognize you,” Ariana whispered.
Ruby patted her niece’s arm. “Don’t minimize your considerable charms, dear.”
While Ruby hadn’t expected to return to Italy so soon, she was thrilled to have a month here with Ariana. Dear Stefano had arranged the entire trip for them. Why, just two days ago, Ruby had spirited Ariana away from the little chapel, never looking back at the poor girl’s gaping groom who didn’t deserve a treasure like her. Or the child she was carrying.
As soon as they had reached Palm Springs, Ruby had told Ariana to pack her swimwear and a couple of casual outfits. They’d buy whatever else she might need when they arrived. Ruby wanted to take her niece shopping in the villages that lined Lake Como and spoil her as much as she could, especially after what Phillip had put her through. Ruby was sure that Ariana had made the right decision.
“Signora Raines, it’s a pleasure to see you again so soon.” A driver in a slim-cut dark suit greeted them and took their carry-on items. “Your assistant, Signore Stefano, retained me for anything you might need while you’re here.”
“Why, Matteo,” Ruby exclaimed. “How lovely to see you again.” She turned to introduce Ariana. “This lovely man was my tour guide on my last visit here.”
Because they had flown upper class, their suitcases were among the first on the baggage carousel. Matteo collected their luggage, and minutes later, Ruby and Ariana stepped out into the sunshine and followed the driver to a sleek black car.
Ariana grinned. “I’d forgotten how nice it is to travel with you. First-class all the way.”
“I earned every penny, so I might as well spend it as I wish,” Ruby said. “And I want this to be a trip to remember. For both of us. I told Stefano to make it extra special for you.”
“All these years, Stefano has been your substitute husband,” Ariana said. “Maybe I should follow your lead.” A frown creased her smooth complexion. “But I worry about handling a baby on my own.”
“Today, you have plenty of options.” Ruby squeezed Ariana’s arm, emphasizing her words. “And if that’s the biggest disappointment over Phillip, then you made the right choice.”
“Maybe you should have married Stefano.” Ariana laughed. “There’s still time, Aunt Ruby.”