An Italian Dream

‘Huh, they did, did they?’ Stella held Chloe’s gaze. ‘And do you know what any of them do for a living?’

‘Yeah, they’re millionaires, sailing around the Med,’ Amber piped up.

Chloe glared at Amber before turning back to Stella and smiling sweetly. ‘There are two brothers, their cousin and a friend. Vincenzo, who I was mostly talking to, is an investment banker.’

‘Obviously Italian.’

‘Don’t say it with so much disdain, Mum.’

‘They’re hot Italian millionaires,’ Amber said with a real sense of interest in her voice.

‘You are so not helping,’ Chloe hissed.

Stella laughed. ‘I’m beginning to like the sound of them. Did they invite you sailing with them before or after you snogged them?’

‘There was no snogging.’

Stella turned to Amber and raised her eyebrows.

‘Chloe’s telling the truth. Zero snogging. It must have all been down to our natural charm.’

‘Anyway.’ Chloe shot a warning look at Amber. ‘I told them you’d say no without meeting them first.’

‘Well, that’s true.’

‘So I’ve arranged for me and you to meet them after lunch today.’