"Excuse me, Taj……but what happened to your new best friend? I thought you two would have been surgically joined at the hip by now."

Not missing a beat, Taj motioned to the back of the room.

There was Cameron. And Alexandra. Talking. She leaned in, seeming to whisper something. He let out a hardy laugh. Then he spotted Carson and Amanda. Cameron got up, pulled out Alexandra's chair for her, and the two walked over to where Carson and Amanda were standing.

"Carson St. Jeune, I'd like to introduce you to Alexandra DeBauge. Alexandra, this is Carson At. Jeune, the CEO of the St. Jeune modeling agency in New York City. Perhaps you've heard of it?"

"I have, and it's very nice to meet you Miss St. Jeune. I've read quite a bit about your business dealings in the trade magazines."

"They've all been flattering I hope. I don't do well in interviews."

"Whenever I do one of those, and I read the article, it doesn't sound anything like what I said. Perhaps it's just the author's perceptions of me. I hope you give me the opportunity to prove them wrong, if you've read any of them."

"No need, Ms. DeBauge."

"Call me Alexandra."

"Carson."

Cameron sat back and watched his boss, or was it Alexandra, being the master manipulator. Carson knew how important this shoot was for everyone involved and wouldn't do a thing to jeopardize it.

"Alexandra, now that we've got that out of the way, I'd like you to meet Amanda Cory. She's the editor of Brava magazine."

"Ahh….the magazine that was smart enough to have you on the cover of their Valentine's issue. So good to meet you, Miss Cory." Alexandra reached out and shook Amanda's hand. Amanda reciprocated the gesture.

"Nice to meet you too, Miss DeBauge. Have you been to Italy before?"

"Only twice, and both on family business. I haven't had much of a chance to tour the city or its' beautiful countryside. But perhaps this visit will be unlike the others." Alexandra looked over at Cameron and smiled.

"OK everyone, can we all take a seat and get started please?" Mariano stood at the front of the room and the models dispersed, each finding some place to sit down. Taj heard the mumblings but kept right on eating.

"I'd like to introduce myself to those of you who don't know me. My name is Mariano Luna. I am one of the vice-presidents of the Luna Company. I look forward to getting to know those of you I have not had the pleasure of meeting before today. Now, if you would kindly take one of the papers in front of you and examine it, you'll see your schedule for the next few days. We're going to work you. We're going to work you hard and long, but in the end, it will be worth it. There will be some free time every day, not as much as you would like. But, in reality, you are being paid to work, and not to enjoy free time. This afternoon, you will be expected to arrive at the Luna Company to have some pictures taken, which may occupy your time for the rest of the day. Are there any questions?"

Cameron raised his hand, encouraged by Alexandra.

"Can you give us a little background on the Luna Company and what you expect from us, Mr. Luna."

Mariano was prepared for any question. "And your name sir?"

"Cameron. Cameron Sinclair."

Now Mariano was surprised. That name….it sounded familiar. But where had he heard it before?

"Mr. Sinclair, I appreciate your need to know about my family's company. My father started this business with no more than 20 lira in his trousers. We are proud of what he's built and if he were alive today, it would be he greeting you on this beautiful day rather than myself."

"Pardon me, Mr. Luna. That's not what I meant." Cameron answered.

"I am positive it is not. But you will learn more about my family's business and the reasons for your visit when you arrive at the Luna Company later today. I hope your inquisition can wait until then."

Somewhat embarrassed, Cameron remained silent. Alexandra, on the other hand, was impressed.

"Now, everyone enjoy the brunch which has been prepared for you. I shall see you all later." With that, Mariano left.

Amanda and Carson were both shocked at what they thought was boldness on Cameron's part. But, since Mariano didn't seem upset by his questions, they refused to be either.

"Amanda, what do you make of those two?" Carson gestured to where Cameron and Alexandra were still sitting.

"Why should I 'make' anything of it? They'll be working together. They're getting to know each other."

"Right!!!" Shaking her head in mock agreement, Carson answered," whatever you say."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bay City at this time of year was rather quiet. The holidays being over meant the city streets were free to walk on, if that's what one wanted to do on a blustery day like this.

This was something that Rachel Cory Hutchins did not do. She kept herself fairly busy with her family and business. She was at the office more days than she cared to be, but that was something she discovered was becoming more of a habit now, since Amanda had permanently moved to New York City.

"Matthew…" Rachel called to her son, who she saw walk past her office. "Have you heard from Amanda lately?"

"Not since she arrived in Italy, no. Why? You're not worried about her are you?"

"Certainly not. I know she can take care of herself. She's a very smart businesswoman."

"Then what is it?" Matthew put the papers he has in his hand down and turned towards Rachel.

"It's nothing….really….. Son, you know the meeting we have scheduled at the beginning of next week with Mr. Seals and his son?"

"Yes, what about it?"

""Do you think we can postpone it for a week at least? I have my annual visit with Dr. McDonald, and I hate to put her off again because of business."

"There's nothing wrong is there? I mean, you'd tell me, wouldn't you?"

"Matthew, of course I would tell you if anything was wrong. No, it's just my checkup and I dislike them as much as the next person. I just don't want to postpone it again. Dr. McDonald is getting to know all my excuses by now."

"I'll call Mr. Seals this afternoon and re-arrange things." Matt had Rachel sign the documents, asked her secretary to make copies and walked into his office, closing the door.

"I wonder if I should call Amanda…" Rachel whispered.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The ride to the Luna Company after the brunch was anything but quiet. Language did not appear to be a barrier among this varied group. Amanda, Carson, Paige, Taj and 3 of the models from the states were in one vehicle; Cameron, Alexandra and the rest of the group assembled were in the other. By the time they arrived, they were primed for work.

"This place is huge. How are we going to find our way around here?" Janeen asked.

"No need for you to worry Miss Lockwood. Our offices here are not as complex as our headquarters in Rome, but they'll do. Please….everyone inside."

Amanda walked up the stairs towards the door and managed to arrive there at the same time Cameron did.

"Pardon me, Miss Cory. Ladies first." He held the door for her, Alexandra and the rest of the female contingent. When Taj tried to follow, Cameron gave him one of those 'I don't think so' looks and walked in ahead of him.

Mariano ushered them all into the elevators and up to the 7^th floor. That's where the photographs would be taken, or so Mariano thought. When they went into the studio, he found it practically empty except for his brother's secretary, who handed him a note for himself, and one to Amanda.

"Mariano, your brother had to leave suddenly."

"It's not mother again, is it? I thought from what my brother said that she was doing better and giving her nurses a hard time."

"No. Your mother is recovering rather nicely. The meeting he had set up for 4 this afternoon was moved to 1pm and in Rome. He knew you'd be able to handle this minor inconvenience."

"Yeah…'another' minor inconvenience." Mariano shook his head and handed Amanda her note. It was more personal and no amount of urging from Carson could get her to reveal its' contents. However, the slight smile on Amanda's face did not escape Carson's keen eye……or Cameron's.

"OK, everyone………come a little closer please. I have an announcement to make. There's been a change in plans."

"Speak up man…….we can't hear you!" Taj answered, rather irreverently.

"As I was saying, there has been a change in plans. There will be no photographs taken inside today." Looking at the group and being met with puzzling looks, Mariano continued. " The sun is bright and beautiful……the air sweet….what better place to take some casual shots than in Venice!"

Sounding louder than they did while on their ride to the Luna's, the models as well as Amanda and Carson, cheered in agreement. Mariano told the models that they did have some wardrobe changes to make before leaving. Surprisingly enough, they were not met with resistance of any kind. As soon as they could all gather their belongings and equipment, off they went……

Venice would never recover.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Most of the models had never been anywhere outside the states before so Mariano took this time to educate them on how Venice came to be.

"During the fall of the Roman Empire, barbarians came from northern Europe, bringing with them mass destruction and death. Those who lived in the Venetian cities, escaped to the islands of the Adriatic lagoon. History has told us that close to 450 A.D., Venice was born."

"Mr. Luna, I do declare……you are a veritable encyclopedia. I could learn so much from you!" Carson purred.

Whispering in the softest of voices, Amanda answered, "Down girl! Down!……Mariano, please go on!"

"Venice is called 'the city of islands', subjected to a great deal of Byzantine influence."

"My goodness. There is so much to learn and remember. My mind hurts just thinking about all of it." Janeen proclaimed.

"Don't worry, Miss Lockwood. Your mind is like a sponge and will not only soak up local culture, but history as well!" Mariano appreciated the models' seemingly interest in facts and figures. But he knew the reason they were here, and didn't intend to waste one minute of daylight not working.

"OK, everyone. We're here!" Both vehicles stopped and the group had arrived at their final destination: the Grand Canal.

The rest of the afternoon and until dusk was spent taking the models' photographs. Taj Perry had finally met his European cohort, Pasquale Nastri. It was their job to capture the models in a most favorable light, something that would not be difficult with this group, they both agreed. They had little trouble maneuvering their cameras in the gondolas and vaporetti's. Getting the models from the US to stop some of their gawking was another. It only took one of Carson's concerned looks to get them back into focus.

The afternoon light faded and with that, the photographer's opportunity to take candid shots. Mariano, Amanda, and Carson called an end to this busy day, and followed the group back to their cars.

"This place is really something isn't it?" Amanda said, thinking that Carson was right behind her. She wasn't.

"I've only seen one thing more beautiful than this in the whole world!" Cameron answered, surprising Amanda, to say the least.

"Cameron, I didn't know you were there."

"I didn't think you did. Are you enjoying yourself?"

"Yes, for the most part. It's mostly business you know."

"Yes, with you….I've already figured that much out."

"And you? Have you found Italy to your liking?"

Glancing over at Alexandra, he responded, "I could really grow to love this place!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The following day found the models both busy at work and at play. Business at the Luna's was always that-business. The models had both single head shots taken and group shots. Carson and Amanda were a bit surprised when Alexandra insisted on not being in any group shots, or in ones with Cameron for that matter.

"I guess she's as spoiled as they come." Carson quipped while Taj and Pasquale loaded and reloaded film.

"Well, I suppose you can't blame the girl. She has gained notoriety as a model in her own right. Why in this world would she want to have her photograph taken with someone else, especially another female?" Amanda answered.

"It WASN'T another female I was talking about and you know that!"

"I do. But I don't care to discuss it." Amanda walked over to where Mariano was standing and began a conversation with him.

"There will be a time and place for everything my friend. Remember that."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The afternoon activities ran into early evening. No matter whom you spoke to, each of the models had found some interesting way to spend the afternoon. Janeen and 2 of the other ladies toured the town, speaking their own brand of "Italian" to the people they met. They sampled some delicious food and met some colorful people along the way. Taj tried to coax Cameron into accompanying him to winery about 25 kilometers outside of Venice, but he had agreed to spend some quiet time with Alexandra, here in the hotel. Carson and Paige wanted to find the perfect dress for the dinner party, but Amanda said she was exhausted and found time to rest and relax.

Before everyone knew it, it was time to leave for the party Giovanni was having. Amanda knew he'd be there. He had left her a message earlier in the day. He had even sent over a gown for her to wear, knowing how particular she was, but Amanda had brought along her own wardrobe.

Carson made her way to Amanda's room first and knocked on the door. Amanda, of course, told her to come in. She was applying the finishing touches to her make-up and outfit. A wisp of hair here. A curl there. Pearl earrings too.

"Carson, I'll be right out. Have a seat!"

Carson checked herself out in the mirror. The dresses she saw during her afternoon of shopping with Paige did nothing for her, so she too, wore something she had brought from home. Actually, it was an elegant royal blue skirt set. The jacket had a satin trim, pearl buttons and princess seams.

"Hmmm…..maybe I will be the one tonight to catch some handsome Italian's eye and not………Amanda! You look gorgeous!"

"Oh this old thing? You've seen it on more than one occasion, Carson. Come on!"

Amanda was wearing a black crepe Bolero jacket over a sleeveless column dress. She looked stunning. The way her hair fell softly over around her shoulders was sure to catch the eye of someone special……

"What time is he sending the cars for us?"

"In a few minutes. We have some time. Don't worry. Is everyone else in the lobby?"

"By everyone else, you mean….." Carson stopped herself.

"I MEAN everyone else. Are they ready?"

"Ready as they'll ever be."

"Then let's go. I don't want to keep Giovanni waiting."

"Where is the little suare' taking place?"

"He has a villa not far from his family. I think he mentioned it would be there!"

"Sounds like he's pulling out all the stops to impress someone."

"Carson….." Amanda took hold of her hand and placed the other on the door; "how many times do I have to tell you it's business between us. Yes, if you must know, I find him terribly attractive and it would be very easy to fall for someone like that.."

"But……."

"But nothing. This trip is business and that's it. Pure and simple."

"There has never been anything pure and simple about any of this Amanda and you know it. The Luna's have had an agenda before we even got here…maybe not even all of them, just this Giovanni character. He may be all sweetness and light to you, but he doesn't do much to impress me."

"Let's just go join the others and enjoy ourselves tonight. This trip will be over before you know it."

"All right. I'm done complaining for now."

"For now, I can accept that. You're too much Carson."

"And you Miss Cory….you're the best friend I've ever had. Let's go break a few hearts!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Giovanni's villa was wonderfully decorated for the occasion. Buffet tables with European delicacies surrounded the pool outside. Inside, the music of the operas was playing softly in the background as the waiting staff prepared the meal and Giovanni's family greeted his guests.

Cameron had declined the Luna's invitation for a ride with the models from the US and had chosen, instead, to ride to the dinner party with Alexandra.

Mariano introduced Giovanni to the American models. He had heard of their innate beauty, but was astounded by it, none the less. Amanda caught his eye in a second and his concentration on the others at that point was lost.

"Giovanni, you have a lovely home. How long have you lived here?" Amanda tried her best to steer Giovanni's glances away from herself and back to the rest of the group. She walked towards the pool outside and the others followed.

"Not long. As much as I love my mother and my brothers and sisters, I needed space and this seemed like the perfect place to collect myself and make into a home for my own family. One I'd like to share with someone someday."

Everyone thought the view from the pool area was like nothing they had ever seen. Janeen said that she had only dreamed of seeing a place like this. The others agreed.

"So, where is Mr. Sinclair? Will he be joining us soon?" Giovanni wondered, moving as close as he could to Amanda and putting his arm around her waist.

Hearing some commotion from inside told the partygoers that Alexandra DeBauge had arrived. She commanded attention, even at this dinner party. When she walked through a room, heads turned. All except Giovanni. His attention was focused on Amanda, and Amanda only.

Mariano managed to make his way to where Alexandra and Cameron were standing. He offered them something to drink and brought them over to Giovanni and Amanda.

"Giovanni, I'd like to introduce you to…"

"Johnny??? Johnny Luna……is it really you?" Cameron stepped back.

"Cameron Sinclair. So we meet again."