5
Rome, 1952
“Places, everyone,” an assistant director called out, and Ruby hurried to her designated spot. Hundreds of people had gathered around the avenue in Rome, where the filming of a brief café scene would take place. Despite the pervasive heat, happy chatter and laughter floated across the crowd.
Ruby sat at a table outside the café, surreptitiously dabbing perspiration from her upper lip. For the actors and crew from California, the summer heat in Rome was stifling, but having grown up in Texas, she was more acclimated.
Niccolò slid into the chair across from her. “Buongiorno.”
Ruby suppressed a laugh. “Aren’t you supposed to be at the other table?”
“I switched.” He took her hand. “I don’t trust that Vespa scooter. I need to protect you.”
“They’ve choreographed that part. W
