“That’s really too bad,” Heather said. “I was looking forward to seeing them, too.”
“You can always take a picture with one of us boys at the gladiator school tonight,” Bruce said exuberantly while flexing his muscles.
Craig glared at Bruce while nodding towards Randy. “Hey, I thought that was supposed to be a surprise.”
“I know the groom isn’t supposed to know what he’s doing for his bachelor party, but I had to make sure he was still going to be in Rome before I booked it. They don’t offer refunds and it’s pretty pricey,” Bruce explained before quickly adding, “But you’re worth it, Randy. It’s going to be great!”
“It’s a good thing you did ask him before we booked our train tickets,” Gloria said. “Randy was going to travel with my parents and me to our family’s vineyard this afternoon.”
“But a stag party is worth sticking around for,” Randy added. “I mean, how many times does a man get married?”
“Statistically speaking, two and a half. Fifty-four percent of first marriages end in divorce—that’s more than half. The chances of success decline significantly for the second and third marriages,” Heather said in an emotionless voice.
Lana puffed out her cheeks as she stared at the young woman. What is wrong with Heather? She’d always been so bubbly and outgoing at Randy’s parties. But this Heather seemed bitter and angry. Was she in love with Randy, or did she just need a chance to adjust to this new dynamic? Whatever her reasoning, Lana hoped Heather would call a truce with Gloria. If she didn’t, Lana doubted Randy would want to keep in touch after he got married.
“Besides,” Randy continued, ignoring Heather, “Jake isn’t arriving until tonight. This way, I can spend time with him, too, before the wedding frenzy kicks in.”
“Hey.” Gloria poked an elbow into her fiancé’s ribs.
Randy laughed and kissed her forehead. “You know I’m only teasing. I can’t wait to get married to you.” He pulled her in for a passionate kiss—one that made the rest of the table blush simultaneously and avert their gazes.
Lana racked her brain, trying to recall Jake’s face. He was one of Randy’s newer friends, a young man he’d recently met through mutual acquaintances. All Lana could recall was that Jake was as passionate about rock climbing as Randy was. And thanks to Randy’s recommendation, Jake had recently gotten a job as a guide for Straight Up Climbs.
“It’s too bad Alex couldn’t make it in time for the bachelor party,” Craig said.
“I know that he is sorry, too,” Lana answered. “He was looking forward to getting silly with you all.”
Randy brushed it off. “Alex had committed to working at that conference before Gloria and I decided to tie the knot on Christmas Eve. I understand completely. I’m just glad he can make it to the wedding. I wouldn’t want to get married without him being there to witness it. Besides, he is my best man.”
“Trust me, the feeling is mutual. He will be there.” Lana knew that the Wright brothers were extremely close and that Alex wouldn’t be able to live with himself if he somehow missed Randy’s wedding. He was already mad enough that his boss wouldn’t let him take the week off, but the team was shorthanded at the moment. Alex had little choice but to stay if he wanted to remain employed.
“Alex should be arriving a few hours before Dotty fly over from Seattle, which means we can all ride the train to Florence together.”
One of the hotel’s receptionists burst into the breakfast hall and scanned the room. When she spotted Randy, she strode over to him. “Excuse me, sir, but your taxi is here.”
“Oh! Gosh, is it ten o’clock already? Hey gang, it’s time to start our day. Is everyone ready?”
He looked to his friends and got a round of nods in response.
“Watch out, Rome, here we come!”
4 World At Your Fingertips
Standing atop the upper levels of the ancient Colosseum, Lana felt as if she’d been transported back to Roman times. These would have been the cheap seats, she realized as she stared down the three levels of seating towards the oval-shaped podium below. The gladiators must have seemed tiny from up here, she reckoned.
This stone amphitheater, built around 70 AD by emperors of the Flavian dynasty, was the largest in the Roman world. Here gladiators had once been forced to fight; wild animals, pitted against each other; and naval battles, reenacted. When it was first built, there was room for fifty thousand spectators. Time and robbers had worn it down, but the structure was still incredibly impressive and quite large.
From her lofty position, she could see the top of the Arch of Constantine and many stone pines, the tall umbrella-like trees Rome was famous for. She looked through the iconic curved windows at the puffy white clouds racing overhead, the window framing the scene perfectly. It was truly magical simply standing here, high up on this ancient structure.
They had begun their day in the Roman Forum—the remnants of an ancient neighborhood built several feet under Rome’s current street level. Lana couldn’t keep her eyes off of the stoic columns that once graced the Temple of Saturn, now standing forlorn as the building behind it no longer existed. It was not always easy to visualize all of the important government buildings that once filled the massive space, but their guide did her best to describe the streets’ layout and explain the purpose of each structure.
Their strolling pace was great for soaking up the sun as well as watching Randy’s friends interact. Lana had only talked to them at parties or on hikes; she hadn’t socialized with them otherwise.
Luckily, once they’d left the hotel, their petty squabbles had been forgotten, and the group of friends was clearly enjoying seeing the sights together. She was glad the normal tensions and irritations that she usually had to deal with during a tour weren’t going to be an issue this week.
There were, however, far more displays of affection than she was used to. Randy and Gloria took every opportunity to sneak kisses, which Lana expected from a couple about to be married. However, Bruce and Katherine’s cuddling and smooching did surprise her, seeing as how reserved Katherine was. Both pairs were so cute together and obviously enjoying being in this romantic city that it didn’t bother her, but it did make her miss Alex even more. She was so glad he would be flying into Rome in time to travel to Tuscany with the rest. If only he’d been able to find a colleague to switch with him so he could have been here for the entire trip, Lana mused, although she recognized that it was neither of the Wright brothers’ fault that the timing ended up as it did.
After they exited the Colosseum and were trying to get their bearings, a young mother pushing two screaming babies passed close by their group. The young woman was chattering to her children in Italian, her high-pitched voice increasing in volume as she walked, yet nothing seemed to calm the babies down. Gloria went over to the harried mother, cooing at the infants until they stopped crying. As the two women talked, the mother obviously grateful to Gloria for her help, Lana noticed how pale Randy had become.
She caught his eye and moved in closer. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah, I guess.” He gulped as he watched his fiancée warily. “What if Heather is right? Gloria and I have talked about wanting to have kids someday, but not about when or how we would manage it with the jobs we have. What if she wants to start a family right away? How would we survive financially? I haven’t worked as anything but a guide since I graduated from college. If we have children, I don’t want to be on the road more than I am at home. But how are we going to pay the rent otherwise?”
Lana smiled gently at her friend, wishing she knew how to calm him down. She was ten years older than Randy, yet had never had the opportunity to have children. Her ex-husband was against it, and she and Alex had never talked about having them.
“Oh, Randy. You’re only twenty-eight years old! You have the world at your fingertips. Besides, it’s normal to get cold feet right before your wedding day. I understand you’re feeling uncertain, but I would wai
t to talk to Gloria about kids until after you’re married. Doing so now would just stress you both out.”
Randy nodded glumly.
“Hey, it’s all going to work out. The most important thing is you know you want to be with Gloria. That’s all that matters right now. You’ll have plenty of chances to talk about the rest later, preferably after your honeymoon.”
Randy squeezed her shoulder. “Thanks, Lana. You are a true friend.”
5 Meet the Parents
“Before we head back to the hotel, there’s one place I always visit when I’m in Rome,” Gloria said. “It’s become a tradition, I guess. It’s close by; follow me.”
She led them towards the back of the Colosseum where a steep set of stairs took them up to the busy street circling the ancient amphitheater. Gloria navigated their way across the chaotic traffic and further into the adjoining neighborhood. Soon they were standing in front of a simple structure made of red-brown bricks with a curious bell tower rising high above it. Lana hadn’t quite seen anything like it before. Built into the skinny tower were six openings, seemingly held up by white columns. Lana could imagine the views were incredible.
“Santa Maria in Cosmedin is a Byzantine church built in the eighth century,” Gloria explained as she led them through the entrance and around to the back of the structure. “It’s interesting, but the church itself is not why I wanted to come here. It’s because of this.”
She pointed towards a large disc mounted under a portico on the outside wall of the church. As they walked closer, the vague outline of an old, wizened man with long hair and a beard seemed to appear on its surface. The man’s mouth was open wide, as if he was captured midyawn. A short line of tourists were waiting to get close to the figure, which was cordoned off by a velvet rope. Lana startled when she realized those at the head of the line were daring each other to place their hands inside of the figure’s mouth.
“What are those people doing? Should we call security?” Lana asked. After visiting so many gorgeous sites around Europe, she’d become quite short-tempered with those callous enough to use ancient relics as their background for selfies. Those kinds of visitors were usually so concerned with the framing of their shots, they damaged priceless objects through their carelessness.
Gloria laughed as she ushered them towards the back of the line. “No, we don’t need to call anyone. This is the Bocca della Verità, the Mouth of Truth. You’re supposed to put your hand into its mouth—if you dare!”
When she began cackling, the rest looked at her as if she was crazy. Gloria gestured towards the massive disc. “Scholars think that it is an ancient lie detector. When my dad brought me here for the first time, he pinched my leg when I put my hand in that thing’s mouth and scared me so badly that I peed my pants!”
Randy laughed along, but the others stared at her blankly.
“Why were you afraid to put your hand in its mouth?” Lana asked.
“Legend has it that it bites the hands off of liars,” Randy explained.
Heather sprung out of line. “Count me out. I’m too superstitious to go anywhere near that thing.”
“What’s wrong? Are you really afraid it’s going to bite your hand off? What have you been lying about, anyway?” Randy teased.
Heather looked towards the ground as her face flushed red.
“There’s no proof it really does close, right?’” Lana reasoned.
“I don’t care. I’m not taking any chances,” Heather said before leaving them and entering the church.
Gloria raised an eyebrow at Randy, who shrugged in return. “I have no idea what is going on with her. Heather just isn’t herself this week.”
After the rest had taken turns testing their mettle, Randy checked his watch. “Sorry, folks, but it’s time to get a taxi back to the hotel. Gloria’s parents should be arriving any minute, and I don’t want to upset them—especially a few days before I marry their daughter.”
Gloria laughed. “No, you definitely don’t want to make them wait for you. It drives my dad crazy.”
Their taxi driver raced them back to the hotel, honking and shouting at any scooters or passersby who dared block his path. Yet as soon as they walked into the hotel, Gloria’s parents rushed over to them.
“There you are!” Gloria’s mother said as she wrapped her daughter up in a bear hug.
“Oh, no. I’m so sorry we’re late, Mom,” Gloria cried.
“Don’t sweat it, pumpkin. Our plane was on time and by some miracle your dad’s bags didn’t get lost, so we are early for a change.”
Lana loved listening to Gloria’s parents speak. They had grown up in the village Gloria and Randy were to marry in, and emigrated to Seattle thirty years ago. Although they both spoke perfect English, there were glorious hints of their melodious accent still present in their speech.
“Great to see you, Randy.” Her father held out a hand.
“Yes, sir. You, too. I hope you had a good flight.”
Lana hid a smile behind her hand as Randy straightened up and his tone became more formal.
“It was, but stop with the sir, okay? Call me Dad. We’re practically family—or will be in a few days’ time,” Gloria’s father admonished.
“Okay, Dad. Do you want to eat something before we head over to the train station? Or would you prefer to walk around and see the sights?” Randy reddened as he stumbled over his words.
The older man looked at his watch. “I think it’s best if we left for the station now. We can eat lunch on the train. Are you all packed up, Gloria?”
She rolled her eyes. “The train doesn’t leave for two hours!”
“But our taxi might get a flat tire,” her dad reasoned. “Besides, you can never be too early. Isn’t that right, Randy?”
“Yes, sir,” he responded, correcting himself when the older man looked at him sternly. “I mean, Dad. You’re right. Gloria is all packed. We can leave whenever you want.”
“He’s a keeper,” Gloria’s mother whispered to her daughter, loudly enough for all to hear.
“Gloria, why don’t you get your bag and we’ll head out,” her father said.
Lana couldn’t believe that they hadn’t even acknowledged her or the rest. Considering how friendly they usually were, Lana figured they were incredibly nervous about their daughter’s upcoming nuptials.
“Hey, before you go—congratulations!”
Lana squeezed in between the family to hug Gloria’s mother. They’d only met a few times, but she was always kind to Lana.
“Oh, Lana honey, you’re such a sweetie. How rude of me not to say hello. It’s great to see you, too. We’re a little stressed out right now, but I’m glad we’ll have time to catch up during our stay in Tuscany. Thanks for taking care of Randy’s friends for a few days.”
The older woman turned to the rest, a sheepish expression on her face. “It is good to see all of you. Thanks for letting us steal Randy away. We sure can use his help getting Gloria’s dream wedding set up. Did Gloria tell you that the whole village chipped in to help make the food and decorations? Isn’t that sweet?”
“She did mention that,” Katherine said. “It’s really nice of everyone to help make Randy and Gloria’s wedding day even more special.”
“It does take a lot of pressure off of Randy and me,” Gloria added. “I didn’t realize how much work it was going to be getting everything ready! I do wish I could stay and hang out with you guys, but I am looking forward to seeing all of my cousins and aunts again. Since we’re leaving for our honeymoon the day after the wedding, I won’t have much time to catch up with them before we fly to Egypt.”
“Phew, I’m glad you’re not bailing on us today,” Gloria’s mom said. “Your grandmother would murder me if you don’t come up with us. She’s worried she might have made the bodice too tight and needs you to try your dress on again so she has time to adjust it before the wedding.”
Gloria grimaced. “I hope not. I’m going to need to breathe normally tha
t day, otherwise I might faint. Lord knows I’ll be nervous enough! Let me go get my bag and then we’ll head out.”
A few minutes later, Gloria reappeared with her luggage, and she, her parents, and Randy headed out to catch a cab. Randy turned to his friends as he reached the door. “Well, folks, I’ll see you in a few hours. For now, I’m leaving you in Lana’s capable hands.”
6 Who is Rachel?
After the taxi drove off, Lana turned to Randy’s friends. “You have got my curiosity piqued. Before Randy gets back, who is Rachel?”
Everyone fell silent and averted their gaze, discomfort etched across their faces. All except Heather, who let out a snort before responding. “I’m not surprised Randy didn’t mention her—she destroyed his life.”
Lana’s brows crinkled in confusion.
“That’s a great question for Kat,” Bruce finally said, nodding to his girlfriend, who was standing stock still.
Moments later, Katherine let out a sigh, then locked eyes with Lana for the first time since they had arrived in Rome. The expression on her face was a mix of defiance and irritation. “Rachel is my older sister, for starters. She and Randy dated for three months, and according to Rachel, they are soul mates. Unfortunately for her, Randy didn’t agree and dumped her because she was too needy.”
When Katherine paused and looked away, Lana swore she saw a small smile forming on the woman’s lips.
Lana’s eyes widened as she tried to control her emotions, surprised that Randy was still good friends with the younger sister of a woman who had caused him so much pain.
“Rachel got a bit too obsessed with Randy, that’s all,” Craig offered in Rachel’s defense. “She never meant to scare him. She’s a good person, deep down, and she can be the nicest person you’ve ever met—”
“When it suits her needs,” Katherine added.
“Randy thinks Rachel caused his fall into that crevasse,” Heather piped up.
Death by Fountain Page 3
