Claire’s heart began to pound in her ears as she and Tony stood silently for what seemed like an eternity. She’d used all her resolve maintaining her facade with the concierge. She hadn’t witnessed the other Tony in quite a while. She worked diligently day and night to keep him away. But now she was late, she had broken his punctuality rule, and there was no need to explain. She knew her reasons wouldn’t matter. So she stood, tall and resolute. Her eyes weren’t full of fury, they brimmed with tears. He just watched and said nothing. The pupils of his eyes were taking over, yet his expression wasn’t keeping up. Claire waited.

Tony watched her. He’d been worried, what if something had happened to her. He didn’t even know where to begin to look. When he heard her arrive his immediate feeling was relief, she was okay. But then he saw her, knew she was safe, and relief faded into displeasure. It wasn’t conscious but he felt it happening and he didn’t want to give in to it. Her expression looked so frightened. Yet she stood so strong and proud. There was a time he would have wanted to quell her resolve, but right now all he wanted to do was make her feel safe.

Finally, without speaking Tony indicated that they should sit on the sofa. Claire sat and waited. He broke the silence. “Tell me what you saw today and what caused your delay.” He didn’t yell or strike. The relief led to Claire’s sudden loss of control. Tony reached for her and she started to tremble. It happened involuntarily. “Claire, it is all right.” His tone comforted her as he pulled her close.

“Tony, I am so sorry. I was at the Galleria dell’ Accademia, which was amazing, when I realized the time. I immediately left the museum, but I can’t understand the signs and the streets all look the same.” Her words ran together with small sobs between. “I knew the hotel was within walking distance, but I suddenly couldn’t remember the direction.”

At first, he didn’t speak, he held her. Then he said, “It is a foreign city, mistakes happen. I was worried that something had happened to you. I don’t want you to have an accident.” His voice was tender, yet his words . . .

Their discussion continued to the bedroom. She finally regained her composure. He tried his best to show her that she was safe and loved. She showed him her relief at his reaction. Later they soaked in the large marble tub, dressed for a romantic dinner, and walked through the streets of Florence. Although the streets were packed with people as they walked arm in arm, it felt like their private journey. The romantic city, beautiful structures and tepid night breeze combined to enhance the evening.

It wasn’t long until they arrived at their next destination, Rome. Tony had meetings scheduled for one of their two days. They stayed at Rome Cavalieri-Waldorf Astoria, in a luxurious suite with a magnificent view of the city. They could see the dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica.

Claire was relieved to learn that her tardiness in Florence didn’t cause the loss of her roaming pass. She was still permitted to sightsee without Tony. He did, however, remind her multiple times to keep track of time. She planned to walk and bus around the city while he attended to business. Then the next day, they would visit Vatican City together. The ancient history that accompanied everything in Rome fascinated Claire. She visited the Coliseum, the Forum, and the Pantheon. She enjoyed a latte in Piazza Navona and watched as couples threw coins into the Trevi Fountain.

The sights were breathtaking and remarkable, but the entrenched fear that she felt in Florence affected her. She enjoyed everything so much, but now it felt tarnished. She didn’t want to feel that way, but sometimes memories and emotions would overcome her. Not wanting Tony to see the change, she dutifully put on her mask and performed to the best of her ability. The sights were still amazing and spectacular.

The next day, at Vatican City, they walked hand in hand through the atrium of Saint Peter’s Basilica. They viewed the Vatican grottoes, Saint Peter’s Treasury, Saint Peter’s Square, and the Vatican gardens. As they walked the steep road back to their hotel Tony confessed, “With all of my traveling, I rarely sightsee. Today, when you said you wanted to spend the entire day at the Vatican I thought you were crazy. I expected to be done in an hour or two.” Claire watched him as he spoke. “But it was incredible. I just want you to know I understand how you could lose track of time in Florence. I get it.” She didn’t speak, she squeezed his hand. Something from her past came to mind and she smiled. He once said that she was trainable, perhaps he is too. It just takes longer with him.

The last country on their journey was Switzerland. Tony had meetings, first in Interlaken and then in Genève. They spent one night in Interlaken. The Swiss Alps were the epitome of pure unsullied nature and grandeur. The small town of Interlaken is surrounded by crystal-clear lakes, sparkling streams, and waterfalls. And ever present were the Monch and Jungfrau mountain range of the Swiss Alps. Claire felt like she was in the middle of a postcard.

While Tony met with investors Claire chose to relish the relaxing scenery and take in the atmosphere. She wandered the streets, enjoyed the cafés, and rested in the beauty of the tranquil landscape. Their two weeks were action packed. She could have spent her time any way she chose, the options were numerous. However, she enjoyed some downtime to reflect on all they’d seen and relax in the natural splendor.

Her memories overflowed with sights and sounds of ancient cities. She could close her eyes and recall the amazing art and architecture. Inhaling the sweet Swiss chocolate as she sipped her coffee and nibbled on the candy bar, she remembered the amazing cuisine and delicious wines. She thought about her husband. He’d spent the entire two weeks open and understanding. She never anticipated the freedoms she’d been granted. Her stack of books remained unread. Even when she was late, his voice and expression were more of care and concern than of anger. Her thoughts moved from his voice and expression to his strong, safe embrace. They’d made love at every stop. She recalled the yacht with the rhythmic rocking from the sea. Smiling, she thought lustfully about wanting him. How on many occasions it was her that initiated their carnal encounters and he who responded appropriately.

Claire slowly realized he was doing what she’d asked, filling her with good memories. She finished her chocolate and smiled contentedly.

Early Saturday morning they boarded a train to Genève. Tony had one more meeting. It was his last obligation of their trip. After it concluded, they’d spend the last night in Genève and fly home in the morning. Claire couldn’t believe how quickly the fourteen days passed. The sights they saw and the experiences they had were more than she could wrap her mind around. She felt completely exhausted and yet exhilarated. The first time she remembered Tony traveling to Europe he’d stayed for eight days. Claire remembered that upon his arrival home he said he was tired. She understood. Being absent from Iowa for over two weeks, she was ready to get home. Their destinations were spectacular. However, Claire longed for the serenity of her bed and suite.

Before they went out for their final night in Europe, Tony insisted they take some time to visit famous boutiques and shops on Rue du Rhône. Claire repeatedly told him she needed nothing. As if unable to hear or comprehend, he led her to an exclusive jewelry store. He wanted her to have something to remember their time, so he purchased a sparkling diamond watch. She wondered about a possible double meaning.

After a nine-hour flight, they arrived home. She couldn’t remember being more tired. Their flight from Fiji was longer, yet they predominately rested in Fiji or at least spent time horizontal. She felt that she had been literally sightseeing, walking, and hiking for the past seventeen days. Their dinner in New York seemed forever ago, still she knew it was not.