Sammy in Italy (Single Wide Female Travels #2) by Lillianna Blake Page A

day together, you pushed yourself again—to do something else. I know meditation is important to you, but it seems to me that if you’d let yourself sleep a little longer, you’d feel better for just getting the rest you need. It’s like you’re always afraid of missing out on something—but that fear is keeping you from experiencing anything fully.” He shrugged. “I could be wrong. But I guess that’s what was getting under my skin.”
    “Max, you know me so well. That’s exactly what I was doing. From here on out, I’m in the moment.” I smiled as I finished my slice of pizza. “And when we get to the next gelato stop, we’re ordering two!”  
    “Good, that means no more stealing?” He wagged his finger at me playfully.  
    “I can’t promise you that. But I’ll try.” I grinned.  
    We spent the rest of the day sharing moments—from stealing gelato from one another to taking one last ride on the gondola. When the stars came out above the city, I experienced it with Max’s arm around me. It was a magical moment that might have been sacrificed if I hadn’t taken the time to enjoy it.

     
    When I woke up the next morning, my mind was filled with the memories of the day before. Although Max and I had talked it out, his words still impacted me. I wasn’t taking the time to live. I wasn’t participating in the things that mattered to me. I’d given in to the rush and pressure of pleasing others, all while leaving my own desires far behind. Sometimes that even seemed to   include Max these days.
    I looked over at him as he snored in his sleep. Even that was adorable. With a light touch I trailed my fingertips along his shoulder and down over his arm. I hadn’t touched him so gently in quite some time. Max, my husband. The thought still made my body buzz with excitement. I snuggled closer to him and took the time to enjoy being near him.
    After a few minutes my cell phone began to ring. I would have ignored it, but I didn’t want it to wake Max. I grabbed it and saw that it was Isabella.  
    “Hello?” I slipped out of bed and walked into the living room.  
    “Hi, Samantha, I hope it’s not too early. I just wanted to go over a few things with you.”  
    “Sure.”
    “At the book signing we have time for a longer read. I’m hoping that you might be able to select a passage. If not, I can pick one out for you. I thought you would know better than me what would be best.”  
    “Sure, I’ll look through it.” I sighed.  
    “Is something wrong?”
    “I don’t know exactly. I feel like I’m always reading to my fans. But they’ve already read my book, so why do they need to hear it again?”
    “I think that some people just like to hear it in person. It’s like seeing the author in action. Also, there may be people there that haven’t read your book yet, and they will because of what they hear.”
    “I know, but doesn’t it seem so routine to you?”
    “I guess it’s how we always do it.”  
    “Would you be opposed to me getting a little creative at this book signing?”  
    “Like finger-paints creative or clothing optional creative?”  
    I laughed. “Don’t worry, clothes will be required. I have an idea, but I have to make a few calls before I can know if it’s a possibility. I’ll call you back once I find out.”  
    “Okay, that’s fine, but the signing is at two, so make sure that you get back to me early enough so that I can plan.”
    “I will. I promise, Isabella.”

Chapter 27

    I hung up with Isabella, then dialed Daniella’s number. With the phone tucked against my shoulder, I opened the small refrigerator and pulled out the ingredients I’d purchased the night before. As I waited for Daniella to answer I began to prepare Max’s favorite omelette—eggs, cheese, bacon, and black olives. It wasn’t the healthiest breakfast, but I knew it was something he’d enjoy waking up to.  
    “Hello? This is Daniella.”
    “Hi, Daniella, it’s Samantha.