Chapter 3
Rome, ItalyDani
MARCO AND I LANDED in Rome early the next morning and were met at the airport by Marco’s friend Joel Isaacson. Based on Marco’s description, I was prepared to meet a large man. I was not, however, prepared for the ebony giant who said, “Hello, runt,” to Marco, lifted him off of the airport floor in a hug, and kissed him wetly on the forehead.
“Hello, yourself,” Marco said. “Now put me down, you big bully, and let me introduce you to Dani.”
When Marco had been lowered to the floor, he said, “Dani, this is Joel Isaacson. Joel, my partner Danilo Rosati.”
Joel looked me up and down and held out his arms to me.
“If you try to pick me up and kiss me,” I said, “I’ll kick you in the balls.”
He chuckled and accepted my proffered hand. “Feisty little guy, aren’t you?
