There really was nothing like spending time with friends. I was practically buzzing with anticipation at the thought of Nico and Lily getting to our apartment. Alessandro was busy helping me in the kitchen, so I started setting the table.

My mother had always been the best hostess. She had adorable plates for almost every occasion and knew how to make a table setting look like something out of a magazine. I had never learned that sort of skill from her, and I wished like ...