Chapter 46
La Terrazza da RenzaThe first sound Paolo heard that morning was his telefono, perched fortunately right next to his bed in Locanda Cortiletto d'Alba.
“Pronto,” he said, the Italians' typical phone greeting.
“Paolo,” came a woman's voice. Still half asleep, Paolo couldn't place a name with the voice, although he guessed it was either his mother or Zia Rita.
“Paolo,” came the voice again. By now Paolo was awake, at least enough to recognize his aunt's voice.
“Si, Zia Rita. Buona mattina,” he said, “good morning.”
“Actually,” she corrected, “it's near midday.” But her chiding was accompanied by a discernible humor, as Rita had come to know Paolo's sleep pattern.
“What is happening up there,” Rita queried.
Sitting up in bed and scratching his scalp, Paolo yawned before answ
