Read Kiss Me Goodnight in Rome (The Senior Semester Series Book 2) for Free Online Page B

waiter…” Paola leans in closer to me “…what do you think about him?”
    I shrug noncommittally. “I don’t know. It’s not like he likes me or anything. I don’t even know his name.”
    “It’s Lorenzo.” Lexi chimes in helpfully.
    Of course she knows his name.
    Gianluca clucks his tongue. “Ah, bella, of course he likes you. Don’t be silly.”
    Paola nods in encouragement. “Based off of everything Lexi told us, he likes you,” she says practically.
    “Oh yeah, because I doubt Lexi would ever exaggerate,” I say sarcastically.
    Three faces turn to stare at me, their eyes wide, their mouths slightly ajar.
    “My dear Mia,” Lexi says seriously, “was that a joke?”
    I roll my eyes exasperated.
    A moment ticks by and then Lexi, Paola, and Gianluca erupt in giggles. “Oh my God, you can be funny! Who would have thought?” Lexi spits out between laughs.
    After a moment I join in with them. Is this what it’s like to be part of a normal, functional family? Is this what it would be like if Mom was never diagnosed with cancer, if she was still here with us? Would she, Dad, and I sit around a table in a restaurant laughing? Would we travel to Europe as a family? I blink, trying to clear my thoughts. But really, it feels good to be accepted, to feel like I’m part of a family unit.
    We’re still cracking up and clenching our bellies when the waiter arrives at our table. Lexi is fanning herself with the menu, her face bright red.
    “We’ll take another bottle of wine,” Paola says to his confused face.
    We start laughing all over again.
    If Lila were here, she would already declare herself in love with Paola and Gianluca. Feeling at ease, I know that Lexi and I are definitely going to have an amazing semester living with the Franchettis.
    Lexi gives me a knowing look and a slight head nod.
    We’re totally lucky.
    * * *
    Truth be told, I’m slightly tipsy when Lexi, Paola, Gianluca, and I arrive home from dinner. Gianluca and Paola say goodnight, disappearing into their bedroom. They probably want to unpack and relax after their trip.
    “They’re definitely doing it,” Lexi comments.
    “What?” I look up at her sharply, looking over my shoulder to make sure that their bedroom door is closed.
    Lexi laughs at my expression. “Relax, they can’t hear me. And even if they could, who would be that upset about having a fantastic sex life?” she asks reasonably, pulling me down the hall into her bedroom.
    She lets go of my hand once her bedroom door is closed and gestures to her bed. I sit down and watch as Lexi flips through dresses hanging in her closet.
    “Found it,” she announces, turning toward me and smiling brightly. She holds up a very tiny, very short, very sexy green dress. “Put this on. We’re going out.”
    “What?” I ask again. Jeez, do I possess any other words in my vocabulary?
    Lexi rolls her eyes. “We’re going out. You and me. Gianluca already told me about some good clubs. Oh, come on. Classes have just started. We barely have any homework yet. Let’s go have some fun! Plus, you’ll look hot in this. Trust me.” She pushes the dress toward me again.
    I hold it gingerly. Lexi turns back to her closet, flipping through hangars. I wait until her attention is focused on a purple dress she’s considering wearing before I quickly undress and slip into the green dress.
    “Damn! You look hot as fuck,” Lexi comments when she turns around. “I wish I was as skinny as you.”
    “I’m not,” I say truthfully.
    She rolls her eyes. “Don’t be one of those girls. You’re a skinny bitch. Flaunt it.” She smiles. “I have the perfect shoes for that dress. What size do you wear?”
    “Seven,” I answer automatically, immediately cursing myself afterward. I hate wearing heels.
    “Yay! Me too!” Lexi roots around in her closet. “Found them.” She announces moments later, turning to hand me ridiculously high wedges. “We have to do wedges here, our stilettos will get