Cassie sat at a window table at Fenton’s café, sipping an espresso. She picked up a pack of sugar and then put it back on the table. Italian coffee was so bitter; she had to learn how to drink it black. She glanced at her watch. Alexis was joining her for afternoon tea but she was late. Cassie checked her list to see if she had taken care of all her last-minute errands. She had her passport, she sent her attorney her contact information in Florence, and she left a whole notepad of instructions for the assistant manager taking over the emporium. “I’m sorry I’m late.” Alexis swooped into the café wearing a bright yellow linen dress and gold espadrilles. She kissed Cassie on the cheek and sat down opposite her, keeping on her Oliver Peoples sunglasses. “I love the dress and the sunglasses. You look like Katharine Hepburn in Philadelphia Story.” Cassie put down the espresso cup and blotted her lips with a napkin. “Haven’t seen that one.” Alexis put her napkin in her lap.
