36Florence, 26th April 1476
Spring had returned and afternoon at the tavern was pleasant with the windows wide open and sun pouring in to warm the necks and shoulders of those seated nearby.
The warmth and light of that spring day were awakening the senses and boosting business for the prostitutes. Angelina had just hooked someone from out of town and was going upstairs with him to the bedroom, where Lucia was already entertaining another client.
At one of the tables downstairs, young Luca was gazing at his companion with a dreamy, grateful expression on his face. Mario was still with him and loved him despite his body being covered with a rough, red shell. Luckily, Ginevra had found the right treatment and he had definitely improved over the winter. Luca had continued to visit her for
