Chapter 16
Naples, 1953
After Lauro ushered Celina into his office, he took his call from London and quickly addressed the problem while Celina sat beside his desk, her heart still pounding from their stolen kisses in the chocolate test kitchen.
“With pleasure, my friend,” Lauro said into the receiver, though he hardly took his eyes off Celina. “Your order should clear customs soon.” As he spoke, a smile for her played on his lips.
While she waited, Celina glanced around the office, which was decorated with Italian antique furniture, framed awards, and old photos from the last century. A horse-drawn delivery carriage, a smaller building, a sign that read Savoia e Figli. Savoia and Sons.
Lauro’s secretary, Mariela, had brought her an espresso and told her that Lauro’s parents and Marco
