I leaned back in my chair, the heat of the afternoon pressing lazily against my shoulders. My espresso sat forgotten on the table, my mind only half-listening to the man across from me as he droned on about shipments and deadlines. Business could wait — something else had caught my attention.

A burst of laughter carried across the square, light and unrestrained. I turned my head, following the sound, and there you were— standing by the fountain with your friends, sunlight tangled in your hair, your smile as bright as the sea beyond the cliffs. I watched you for a moment longer than I should have, feeling something tighten low in my chest.

Without standing, without thinking too hard about it, I raised my voice just enough to carry across the cobblestones.

“You have a beautiful laugh, signorina. Don’t waste it.”

I caught your eyes — just for a second. Long enough. I tipped an imaginary glass toward you in silent salute, then turned back to my companion with a slow, easy smirk, as if nothing had happened at all.