"Bion giorno. Come sta Lei?" (Good day. How are you?)

"I'm very well, Carson. Thanks for asking. How are you?" Amanda answered. She covered her mouth before any of her laughter could escape.

"Go ahead and laugh. But you'll see. Once we land I will know a little bit more Italian than when we left New York City!"

"Carson, you're too much. You already know the Luna's are from the states, and everyone we'll be working with, as far as I know, speak English."

"Amanda, that much I know. But I think it will be good when we do get time to be by ourselves….and we will, won't we?"

"We will."

"Some of us should be able to speak the language so we can converse with the natives. After all, you KNOW what they say about those darling Italian men!"

"What DO they say, Carson?"

The steward interrupted Carson and let the women know that he'd be serving a meal soon. The ladies all agreed beforehand that they would eat lightly, since flying on a full stomach never agreed with any of them.

"Now, back to what you were saying about those Italian men…"Amanda's curiosity was getting the better of her.

"You know more about them than Paige and I do, my friend. After all, who spent all that time with Giovanni?"

Amanda stopped Carson's commenting right then and there. "The time I spent in Rome with the Luna Company was all business."

"I think the lady doss protest too much, Miss Cory!" By then, the steward had returned with something to eat for weary travelers. Amanda picked at her food while Carson and Paige smirked from behind their glasses of ice water.

"All business? If you believe that, there's a bridge in San Francisco I have to sell you….." Carson mumbled.

********************************************************

The Hotel Garibaldi and its' staff was ready for the onslaught of models soon to be arriving from the United States. In fact, they had been ready for at least 3 weeks. Giovanni wanted to make sure that things were perfect, not only for the models, but also most especially for Amanda Cory. Something had happened to him on her last visit to town. Even though Amanda didn't want to admit things became personal, they had. Giovanni knew that.

The concierge and the general manager of the hotel inspected the additions and improvements made to the reserved rooms and found everything requested by the Luna's had been done.

Giovanni, then, did the same. He made sure Amanda's suite was full of Italy's sweetest smelling flowers of the season. In the models' rooms, he had fresh fruit baskets waiting, along with current issues of Carnevale'. Paging through them, he noticed the ones with his picture on the inside cover, were on the top of the piles. He hid that issue on the bottom. Looking back over the rooms, he whispered, "perfect", and returned to the office.

********************************************************

Taj Perry had fallen asleep and Cameron was getting bored. The women were talking about the shopping they were going to do and, of course, about those Italian men they heard so much about.

"I'm just so grateful that I have the chance to travel. When I lived at home, the farthest I ever traveled was to the truck stop on the outskirts of town." Janeen remarked.

"So you stayed pretty close to home then?" Cameron piped in.

"Yeah, I guess you could say I was a home girl. But then again, I wanted to be. My family means so much to me, it's hard to explain sometimes. We are very involved in each other's lives, from the time each of us were born, to when and if we left town!"

"Did you ever get tired of that, all that closeness?" Cameron wanted to know.

"Not all all." Janeen said."I love having that support. Some people never have that."

The women reverted back to their chat on Italian men and romance, something that didn't interest Cameron for obvious reasons. He was about to stand up to stretch his legs when the stewardess announced that they would be eating soon.

"Miss, how long before we get to Italy?"

"It will be a few more hours sir. Is there anything I can get for you to make you more comfortable?"

"No thank you. I have everything I need."

********************************************************

"Benventuo a Italia" (welcome to Italy) were the first words everyone received as they left the Cory jet. Marcello gave Amanda a friendly greeting and hoped she would be in Italy a little longer this time. As he put it, her visit brought the sunshine to his brother's face, something, which has been missing. Paige and Carson were quite impressed.

"Buon giorno Marcello. Come sta Lei?" Carson said to a very surprised Marcello.

"Bene, grazie, e Lei?"

"Molto bene, grazie……. Marcello, may I call you that?"

"Please do." Marcello responded.

"I'm embarrassed to say but that's pretty much the extent of the Italian I know. I remember a few words here and there…..like me, for instance. I would be a 'straniero', wouldn't I?"

"Yes, I suppose you would be a 'foreigner', but a most welcomed one. I hope you and the rest of your staff enjoy your first visit to our beautiful country. Italy is often compared to the Garden of Eden."

Throughout all this banter between Carson and Marcello, Amanda sat back with a look of wonder on her face. This familiarity, this was a surprise, especially coming from the Carson St. Jeune she knew. She was, however, relieved to see Carson enjoying herself.

Later on, the commercial aircraft carrying the models arrived. Although their greeting was not as enthusiastic as the one the ladies had received from Marcello, it was still appreciated. Cameron found that he could still remember many of the words from his studies of the language and was thrilled to be able to put them to use. He hadn't been able to do so since his college days. Taj needed his help asking where his luggage would be. He didn't want his equipment out of his sight for too long.

Cameron pulled out his dictionary and in his best attempt to imitate a native, asked," Dov' e' il bagaglio?" The porters knew exactly what he meant and surprised him by answering him back in broken English.Cameron told Taj that the equipment was being placed into their cars for the ride to the hotel. He couldn't thank Cameron enough for his help.

"Thanks man! I honestly would be lost if you weren't here. I think we need to be roommates."

Cameron laughed. "Taj…..I think you're a little bit more important to this operation than I am. I'll bet you're getting a nice, cushy room, view of the piazza and room service within striking distance."

"What about you guys? You're getting your own rooms, aren't you?"

Cameron shrugged his shoulders. "Your guess is as good as mine. No one's told us anything. All we know is that we are to meet Carson in the lobby of the hotel as soon as we arrive for our room assignments and schedules."

Slapping Cameron on the shoulder, Taj shuttered." This sounds too much like summer camp to me. I hope we don't have to get permission to leave the premises!"

"You got that right." They both laughed, then Taj signaled the group to grab their carry-ons and they headed for the door.

********************************************************

Amanda was at the front desk, speaking with the general manager and concierge when the cars with the models arrived. She had already checked in, and was amazed at the lengths Giovanni went through to make her feel welcome. The flowers were beautiful, and the note a little bit personal. What she did share with Carson was that he would be calling her later to make sure everything was fine. He wouldn't be able to meet with Amanda, Carson and the models today. But he had arranged a 'get to know each other' brunch tomorrow for the models from the US and the ones from Europe.

"He actually hired her. My god….that man CAN work miracles!" Amanda gasped, when she saw the name of Alexandra De Bauge as one of the models Giovanni had gainfully employed for this shoot.

Ms. De Bauge's reputation was something even Amanda knew about. She was the hottest model in Europe both last season and this current one. However, people did have a difficult time dealing with her disposition. She knew she was the highest paid model and acted accordingly. Trying to get other well known models to work with her was often troublesome and getting quite costly. Amanda knew that Giovanni hoped that having models from the US who had yet to work with Alexandra might work in their favor. But she wasn't so sure.

Amanda made her way to where Carson and Paige were standing, watching them collect brochures on the local tourist attractions. They were looking forward to their free time, and Amanda knew that.

"Anything look good there, ladies?" Amanda asked, peering over Carson's shoulders. Just then Taj Perry, Cameron and the models were ushered into the lobby.

"The cavalry has arrived! Let the festivities begin!" Taj exclaimed, tossing his bags aside and plopping himself into one of the comfortable chairs in the lobby.

"Glad to see you all arrived here in one piece. How was your flight?" Carson wanted to know.

"OK, I guess. Cameron kept me occupied. You'll have him to thank when I can chitchat with the locals this Luna Company hired. Any ideas when we get to meet their CEO?" Taj had a hard time keeping his eyes open. All he wanted to do was get to his room, take a hot shower and explore what Italy had to offer with his new best friend, Cameron.

Amanda had the answer to that one. "You'll be happy to know this evening is free for you to do with as you wish. Tomorrow you'll be meeting with the other models hired, at a brunch arranged by the Luna's. I'm hoping Mr. Luna will be there to greet you and explain what is expected of all of us while we're here. That's pretty much it. Does anyone have any questions?"

"Just give us our room keys, please……we're all a little ragged after the flight!" Taj dragged himself out of the chair, grabbed his keys from Carson and headed toward the elevators.

As each of the models came up for their agenda and room assignments, Amanda did her best not to look directly at Cameron. He was too involved in what was going on around him that he didn't notice. That is, until they were face to face.

"Did you have a good trip?" Amanda wondered.

"It was OK, as far as flights go. A little too long for me." Cameron took his keys and walked towards the elevator. It seemed he and Taj were next door to each other, a fact that did not escape Taj's keen eye.

"Alright……." Taj uttered.

"I thought you were tired. What happened to your quiet evening….long shower……meal……."

"Give me 15, and I'll be ready."

"Ready for what?"

"Anything!!"

********************************************************

Even though the models were given the night off after the long flight, thanks to Amanda's request to Giovanni that they do so, most of them remained in the hotel for the evening. A few ventured outside their rooms to eat in the hotel restaurante' on the first floor, while others left to sample some of the local eateries within walking distance.

Cameron did not share a room with anyone; however, his and Taj's rooms were connected by a door, a fact later that Cameron knew he'd regret. As Cameron lay back on his king size bed and began drifting off to a restful sleep, there was a banging at the door.

"Cameron….man, come on…..I unpacked, made sure there was nothing wrong with my equipment, which there's not………so I'm ready to grab a bite to eat." Cameron walked to the door and was astonished to see how 'refreshed' Taj looked. Clean-shaven and looking like he stepped out of a shower, Taj smiled and walked past him.

"I'm sorry Taj but I'm beat. I can hardly keep my eyes open. Would you mind if I took a rain check?"

"You gotta eat, don't you? You can't tell me you're not hungry!"

"I could manage to eat something, I suppose."

"See? I told you! So go make yourself pretty and let's go!"

Cameron laughed. "You don't get out much, do you Taj?"

"My life is the one you see….behind the camera. Basically, that's all I do. Eat, sleep and take pictures. Now, I wanna eat."

"OK..OK!!! Patience is not a virtue, at least where you're concerned!" He picked up his room key and followed Taj out the door.

********************************************************

Amanda awoke to a beautiful sunrise outside her window. It was only 7 o'clock in Venice. The streets below were quiet but that wouldn't last long. She walked out onto the balcony and took a deep breath. Perhaps this trip would be all right after all. She wasn't sure she wanted to come back to Italy so soon, after what happened the last time, with Giovanni. And then there was Cameron.

The 'arranged' get together was taking place at 11:00, so Amanda had time to relax, catch up on some paperwork she brought along and maybe even read a few chapters in the new mystery she put in her briefcase before leaving the office. That is, until the phone rang. She knew immediately who it was.

"Good morning Giovanni. How are you?"

"Good morning Amanda. I am quite well, thank you. How are you and how was your trip?"

"I am doing very well, thank you. Carson, my secretary Paige and I had a very smooth flight. That's what I was most concerned about."

"And your models? They had a good flight too?"

"I believe so, yes. To what do I owe this honor so early on this beautiful morning?"

"I'm afraid I have some disappointing news for you. I won't be able to meet with you and the others this morning as I had planned. My mother was taken to the hospital in town last night and I need to visit with her physician this morning."

"I'm sorry to hear that, Giovanni. Is there anything I can do?"

"As a matter of fact there is. I am sending one of my assistants to your hotel this morning to help with the brunch/get together and to give you the schedules regarding the photo shoots and all other necessary details."

"No, I was talking about your mother. Is she going to be all right? Is there anything I can do?"

"You are too kind, Amanda. She is fine. She has had some breathing problems in the past and we thought it would be best to take her in last night when she began wheezing. Apparently, the rest did her some good. I found out this morning that she's already giving the nurses some trouble, not wanting to stay in bed."

"I'm happy to hear she's doing better. Now, about these schedules and your assistant…."

"Yes, he'll arrive between 9:45 and 10:00 to make sure everything has been taken care of by the management staff. After all, this is only the second time we've done business with the Hotel Garibaldi. We expect things to be done to perfection. It's nothing we wouldn't also ask of ourselves."

"Apparently." Amanda realized then that the time spent here might not run as smoothly as she hoped.

"I also wanted to invite everyone involved in the shoot to a formal dinner party tomorrow night. I understand that today will be taken up with the get together and the head shots we plan to take later."

"I didn't know about any head shots!"

"They're on the schedules. Perhaps I should have faxed one to you at home."

"That would have been nice! Now, what else do you have on tap for the models today, so I can forewarn Ms St.Jeune before she gets too excited. She likes to be prepared and this is definitely not what she had in mind."

"Amanda, you know I invited her to work with us because of her connection with you, no more and no less. The people here are more than qualified to handle things on their own."

"I realize that Giovanni. But Carson is a strong businesswoman in her own right and being prepared is one thing she prides herself on. You can understand that, can't you?"

"Clearly I have offended you and that's the last thing I wanted to do. Please accept my apologies and let Ms St. Jeune know that no further arrangements will be made without her knowledge."

"Thank you; she'll appreciate that. I do too. Now when will I get to see you?"

"I'll be visiting my mother later, as I told you. I shall stop by the hotel afterwards. Then perhaps I can show you some of the inviting spots in Venice, by gondola of course."

"That would be lovely. As long as all the events with the models are finished for the day."

"I will make sure of that! Until later, Amanda."

"Until later."

********************************************************

Cameron woke up after one of the most restful, peaceful sleeps he has had since living with Gary during his recovery. Taking a hot shower certainly brought all his senses back to life after their repose. Wrapping a towel around himself, he ventured back into his room and turned on the television. The local news was on and although he was not fluent in the language, he could pick out a few words. When he heard the Luna Company mentioned, he was anxious to hear about them. That is, until he heard a faint knocking at the door.

"Taj….go back to sleep. I am trying to wake up and the last thing I need is to talk to you….didn't we do enough of that last night?"

"Come on……it's lonely in here….and dark….I'm scared."

Cameron opened the door and found a smiling Taj on the other side.

"Good morning, Mr. Sinclair. Did you sleep well?"

"Get in here, Taj. You'll wake up the pigeons outside my window."

He plopped himself on Cameron's bed. "Thanks for going out with me last night. I couldn't stand being cooped up in here last night. I needed some air. That flight was way too long."

"The flight back is going to be just as long. And we'll all be anxious to get home too."

"I know that. I just never did well in close spaces."

"Understood. Now do you think you could give me some privacy so I could get dressed. Maybe we can go grab some coffee downstairs before the get together."

"Sure thing. But don't take too long. I'm not a patient man."

********************************************************

The models from the US arrived outside the hotel restaurante' at 10:45. Everything was ready and the hotel manager took them to the private room in the back where the facilities had been prepared as Giovanni had requested. Fresh fruit abounded as well as juices, bottled water and bakery delicacies from nearby local merchants. Janeen managed to sneak a piece or two of the fruit, as well as some bottled water.

Carson and Paige agreed to meet Amanda outside her room close to 11am. They didn't want to arrive at the same time the models did, allowing them to mingle some with the others.

"I wonder what the others are like, and if they approve of our models honing in on their territory." Carson wondered, paging through her notes on the Luna's.

"From what Miss Cory said, the models here knew we were coming and needed very little convincing that this was a good idea. After all, she said, they are getting paid a pretty penny."

"That's true Paige. But what about this Alexandra De Bauge? She's vicious."

"She knows what she has and flaunts in. What's wrong with that?"

"Not a thing, my dear. But when you're in the business like we are and you need to present a certain image, you don't need anyone disrupting the flow of what you're trying to achieve."

"And what's that?"

"Success for the Luna's……..and a windfall for the St. Jeune agency and well as Cory Publishing. Now…..knock on Amanda's door and get her out here. We'll be late."

The door swung open and Amanda answered Carson. "I'm right here. Do you have our notes regarding the shoot and Il Carnevale'? I want to ask Giovanni's assistant where things are going to take place so I can make some arrangements."

"You don't think he's taken care of all of that already?"

"I'm sure he has. But I want to make sure he hasn't missed anything. One can never be too prepared you know."

********************************************************

The ladies' ride in the elevator was silent. Each of them had in their own minds how they thought things would go today. Carson didn't fully trust Giovanni. He should have met them at the hotel last night and prepared them for what was to take place in the days ahead. But he found an excuse not to. Amanda wanted things to go well for Carson; she knew Giovanni didn't necessarily want her there but she knew Carson had a smart business sense and trusted her judgment where the models were concerned. Paige, on the other hand, was just happy to be there and looked forward to being a part of what was to come.

They got off the elevator and were met immediately by Mariano, Giovanni's younger brother.

"Mariano, how nice to see you again. Let me guess, you are Giovanni's assistant today."

Hugging Amanda, he answered,"It is good to see you too. Now would you introduce me to these lovely ladies that are with you."

Going first to Carson and next to Paige, Amanda made the formal introductions. They were making their way to the restaurante' when Carson asked about the European models and when they'd be arriving.

Mariano told her they were already ushered back into the private room. He wondered when the models from the states would be joining them.

"Joining them? As far as I know, they're already there!" Carson informed him.

"Please tell me that's not true!"

"Why, Mariano?" Amanda didn't understand what the problem would be.

"It's Alexandra. She likes to arrive first and be the center of attention. She's caused numerous problems in the past when her wishes were not followed."

"Mariano….Alexandra is just an employee, like everyone else. Why do you let her dictate to you like this?"

"I can't explain now. We just have to get in there and minimize any damage. She has this personal aversion to American models and she will not hesitate to let you know that!"

Amanda shook her head."My god, why didn't Giovanni tell me about this? He said the models he hired were fine with everything."

"My brother only tells you what he thinks you need to know….nothing more." Mariano placed his hand on the small of Amanda's back and ushered her and the other ladies through the restaurante' and into the private room. What they saw was unanticipated.