Chapter 22: Chapter 22

They rode in silence for awhile, Ross taking the curves with ease. The verdant Italian country side rolled before them, with fields of grains or rows of staked vines ripe with several varieties of grapes. As they approached the town of Tulia, he slowed down to take an easy cruise past brick and white-stucco houses with terra cotta roofs. The parking lot of the local cafe, Il Campesino, appeared full with vehicles as diners inside enjoyed breakfast before they went to work.

"The roadside maxim," Ross mentioned as he tried to find a parking place, "dictates that one should eat where the locals dine. You can't go wrong with the food."

Finding a narrow space near a mechanic's shop, he maneuvered the sports car in the slot. Then, after killing the engine, he turned to his passenger. "Just for your information, I go by the code name beauty. You can take or leave the beast appellation."

Allie smiled. "You're incorrigible."