CHAPTER THREE HUNDRED AND FORTY ONE – A DATE LIKE NO OTHER

As Marco busied himself in the kitchen, Jasmine took in the room. It was cozy and warm, filled with family photos and knick-knacks that spoke of a life well-lived. "Tell me about your aunt," Jasmine called out. "The one whose house we've invaded for our clandestine rendezvous." Marco's laugh floated in from the kitchen. "Aunt Rosa. She's my mother's younger sister. Never married, but has more stories of adventure than anyone I know. She used to be a travel writer." "Really?" Jasmine perked up. "That sounds fascinating." "Oh, it is," Marco said, emerging from the kitchen with two glasses of wine. "She's been everywhere. Africa, Asia, South America. She always says that the world is too big and life is too short to stay in one place." Jasmine took a sip of her wine, a rich red that danced on her tongue. "She sounds wonderful. I'd love to meet her sometime." "I think she'd like you," Marco said, his eyes soft. "She always told me to find someone who could match my passion for life.