Chapter 1: Maura
"Cardigans, skirts, shirts, summer dresses, night dresses, bikini, shoes, more shoes …" She sighs. "Bass, I think I'm done packing. I didn't forget anything - I've got a great selection for this summer: Gucci, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, YSL, Prada. Although that doesn't mean I can't buy some more when we arrive in Milan." Maura smiles at her pet tortoise.
Even though her parents, Constance and Richard, were born in the States, 17-year-old Maura Isles is from Paris. The Isles are well known, famous even, for their foundations, parties, and charities. But with all the money and responsibilities to distract them, Maura's parents haven't been present in her life much. It wasn't like they didn't care for her - quite the opposite - but they don't have the time to check up on her all the time.
So Maura grew up early. She's intelligent enough to know everything - well almost everything - but she isn't very social. She has few friends, because every time someone tries to talk to her, she would get nervous and end up blurting out some fact that nobody had the patience or desire to listen to.
"Bass, it's so unfortunate that you won't be able to go with us to Italy. I'm going to miss you so much!" The tortoise seemed to understand the girl and moved closer to her leg in a show of support. Maura returned the gesture by giving him a pet on his shell. She was closing her last Louis Vuitton bag when her mother opened her bedroom door.
"Maura, dear are you done already ? I'm sorry that call took so long, I wanted to help you with packing."
"It's not a problem, Mother, I know you were busy. Besides, it would be selfish of me to want you to help me, you have a lot important things to do before we go to Italy. It's fine." Maura knew that her mother tried, but she could try a lot harder. Constance's job and position always came first.
"You're right dear, but I promise when we arrive in Milan to go shopping with you and have a great mother-daughter day. Do you remember that restaurant we went to last time? With the marvelous seafood menu? I have to remember to ask your father to call the chef to save us a table," Constance said smiling to her daughter.
Maura was excited to spend the summer with her mother. It's been a very long time since the two of them have done something together.
"Oh Mother, that would be fantastic! I'm sure this vacation will be the best one, and I don't guess," Maura said, hugging her mother.
"Yes, it will." Constance hugged Maura tighter to show her love and apologize for being so distant. "Now get ready for dinner, my dear," she called as she left.
"Bass, this is going to be a great summer!" Maura told the tortoise while she got ready for dinner.
Many thanks to Katrina Kay (best beta reader ever)