Born of Fire: An Elemental Origins Novel

  "Non parle Italiano," I said.

  "Ah, you're American."

  "Canadian."

  "Bellissima," she said. "Please, I don't normally do this, but, do you have eighty cents?"

  I appraised her. Clean clothes, a fresh haircut, deftly applied makeup. Her blue eyeliner outlined her green eyes perfectly. Her ballet flats looked brand new. She was definitely not indigent. It was strange that she was asking me for only eighty cents.

  "I might," I said. "Are you okay?"

  "I am, I just lost my wallet," she explained. "I think I know where I left it, but I have a job interview close to Piazzale Roma and I don't have time to go back. I have to catch the next waterbus or I will lose my chance." She pointed to the waterbus as it pulled up to the dock. The sign said she had only a few minutes before it left and that it was indeed destined for Piazzale Roma.

  "That really sucks." I reached into my pocket and pulled out a euro. "Good luck with your job interview, I hope you make it."

  "Oh, thank you! Grazie mille!" she cried, taking the coin. "What is your name?"

  "Saxony. Yours?"

  "Federica, but Fed to my friends. A very pleasure to meet you, however short our meeting. You are very nice." She held out her hand and we shook. She walked quickly toward the waterbus. Turning back, she called, "If I get the job it will be thanks to you! Come visit me at the Gelateria Artigianale, close to the CO-OP beside Piazzale Roma." She waved.

  I waved back. "I will."

  She disappeared into the crowd and I continued on my way, wondering if I might have made myself a friend. As I walked in the direction of home, the greenery increased. Wisteria dripped over the tops of balconies and roses blossomed behind spindles of stone. I held up my phone to take a photo when a text flashed on my screen.

  Raf: Ciao Saxony. How is Isaia today?

  Me: Ciao Raf. Much better. You are sweet to ask.

  Raf: Bene. Glad to hear it. What are you doing?

  Me: Playing tourist. You?

  Raf: Working. But I have another question for you.

  Me: Tell me.

  Raf: I have tickets to a presentation on the history of glass blowing tomorrow afternoon. Would you like to join me? I thought you might like it.

  It took me precisely half a second to make the decision and I smiled as I typed. If I hadn't been so distracted thinking about Isaia, I might have been daydreaming about Raf's dimples.

  Me: Absolutely. A che ora?

  Raf: So, you are learning some Italian after all?