Page 34 of Rome for the Holidays
Harper shrugged, “I don’t know anyone.”
Jackie laughed, “Someone had to do this. These are real tickets.”
Harper wrapped her arms around herself, “What should I do? I haven’t gone anywhere by myself.”
Jackie looked over at her, “Don’t you want to try though?”
Harper looked down, “What if I see Vincenzo?”
Jackie shook her head, “Rome is a big city. What are the chances? And how would he know you were there?”
Harper looked at the dates, “I will miss Christmas.”
Jackie smiled, “But imagine the stories you will have when you get back. This is a once in a lifetime trip. It seems legit.”
Harper worried her lip in her teeth, “Are you sure I can do this?”
Jackie nodded, “I’m sure.”
Harper threw up her hands, “Aren’t you a cop? Shouldn’t you be more worried about this?”
Jackie laughed, “Let’s call the airlines then.”
Harper waited while Jackie called the airlines, confirming that Harper indeed had a seat on the plane.
Harper sat down on the edge of her bed, “I guess I’m going to Rome.”
Jackie jumped up and squealed, “It will be amazing. Just stay with the tour guide you are no doubt going to have and don’t go outside at night.”
Harper shook her head, “I must be crazy for doing this.”
Jackie laughed, “Not crazy. You have been saving for this since you had your own money. Now you just get to enjoy and not stress about the cost.”
Harper looked down at her passport, “Okay.”
* * *
A week later, she hugged Jackie goodbye at the airport.
“I’m going to miss you, but it will fly by. Two weeks is nothing.”
Jackie was teary-eyed, but she nodded, “It is nothing. You are right.”
Harper hugged the kids, and Joey, “I put the presents I got for you under the tree. I will call on Christmas and we can see if we can talk.”
Everyone nodded, and Harper blew them all a kiss and walked into the airport, pulling her luggage behind her.
She checked her bags and went through security with no issues.
She waited at the gate, texting Jackie that she was through and that she would let her know when she got on the plane.
Harper took a deep breath, knowing for the first time, she was actually doing something for herself.
FIVE
VINCENZO
“Sir, the plane is landing soon.”
