"Tony," Angela looked at Tony thoughtfully as she twirled her fork into a delicate bite of linguine. "Not that I'm complaining, but you don't usually make this dish unless it's a special occasion. It's a Thursday. Our anniversary isn't for another month. And yet, it's just us tonight. Is there something I'm missing here?"

"Well, actually, there is." He cleared his throat, "There's something I wanted to talk to you about."

"You got another job. You're moving."

"No...no! Why would you ever think I got another job?"

"Well, you made your veal piccata, which you know is my favorite, and you waited until the kids were gone. And then you cleared your throat just now, like you always do when you're nervous to tell me something." She didn't add her constant fear that last month's sleeptalking confessionals had caused him to rethink their unique situation.

"Gee, Angela, I'm that obvious, huh? Okay, you got me; I've received an offer I can't refuse with Mrs. Cranston down the road. She may not be as beautiful or brilliant as my current boss, or even much of a conversationalist for that matter, but hey, the pay is great, especially considering she lives alone and sleeps most of the day."

She mock-glared at him, hoping he couldn't see her blushing. "Cute. So what is it?"

God, she was beautiful. Watching her blush as she took a sip of her wine, he cleared his throat again in spite of himself and wondered why the air suddenly felt so thick. "Well, I got a call from Maurizio today."

"Maurizio? Is everything all right?" She couldn't imagine where this was leading, or what it had to do with Tony's elaborate dinner.

"Oh yeah, yeah. Everything's great. He's actually ah, getting married."

"Oh, how wonderful! That's happy news. And you want the time off for you and Sam to go - well of course, Tony! You didn't need to put on such a production just to ask me that, you know I'll always give you whatever you need. Family comes first."

"Oh, I wasn't worried about that, Angela. I knew that – course I did. And I appreciate it. But actually, Sam can't go. It's right during finals week, there's no way. But he asked – actually, all of them asked – if you would be my date to the wedding. Rosa, Aldo, Maurizio - they all want you to come. And I'd really like you to join me too; that is, if you'd feel comfortable."

"In...Italy?" Her heart quickened, like a butterfly trapped in a jar.

He pulled his eyes from his plate, meeting hers. "In Italy."

"I...well I don't know what to say, Tony, I –"

"I mean, I know it's a little weird, Angela. Maybe I overstepped. You're my boss. I forget that sometimes. But I was thinking, you're also my friend...probably my best friend, so maybe you'd consider it. I've never been to the place where my father was born; I kind of didn't want to go alone. But I know it's awkward, and especially after Maurizio fell madly in love with you – forget I asked. And I know you've been swamped with work. I would like to go, though, if it's okay with you."

She reflexively covered his hand, seeking to reassure him. "No, no – Tony I – I'd like to go with you...as your friend. I think I can manage it with work. And as your friend, I don't want you to go alone either. And I'm dying to see Italy."

"Really?"

A smile spread across her face. "Really. It'll be fun. And gosh, neither of us have taken a vacation in ages. It's long overdue. We can see some vineyards, be tourists, squish tomatoes with our feet?"

He poured her some more wine. "It was grapes, and I'm pretty sure it doesn't work like that anymore, Lucy, but to all that other stuff, sure we can."

"Good. When do we leave?"

"Well, it's up to you of course, but I was thinking we could fly up on Thursday, May 5, go to the wedding, which is in Sicily, and then take a few days after to travel around. You tell me where you want to go. It's such a long trip it would be a shame not to see a bit more of the country while we're there. Would that be ok with you? Separate hotel rooms and all that, of course," he added hastily.

"Of course. Sounds divine. And Tony?"

"Hmm?"

"I don't think of myself as your boss either. At least, I think of our friendship before all else. I'm glad they invited me, and I'm glad you wanted me to come. And I'm really looking forward to it."

He grinned through a mix of relief, elation and a healthy dose of sheer terror. "Me too, Angela."