23
Lago di Como, 2010
As soon as Ruby opened her eyes, she saw the bell tower in the distance across the lake and smiled. When she’d first seen the villa’s interior, this view from her bedroom had been the deciding factor.
Time was a strange phenomenon; this view had not changed over the years. Yet, one glance in the mirror told her that although the love in her heart had not aged, its vessel certainly had.
Her phone buzzed on the nightstand. She reached for it, wincing as she stretched. Simple movements weren’t as easy as they’d once been. “Hello?”
“Good morning. I hope you’re up.”
Ruby smiled at her houseman’s voice.
“I am, and I’m enjoying the most spectacular view. You really must come for a visit. How are things in Palm Springs?” Still in bed and wearing a pink silk gown, Ruby
