CHAPTER 1

It was early evening as Angelica Kennard-Porter sat alone at table at her favorite little sidewalk café in the Piazza Navona in Rome. She had a clear view from where she sat of the Bernini fountain Fontana del Moro. It was one of her favorite places to sit and reflect.

Rome had always been one of her favorite places to visit, and this latest trip had allowed for some shopping in the Piazza di Spagna where some of her favorite designer shops were located. She truly was Bette Porter’s daughter, with her love of designer suits and shoes, but she was just as comfortable in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. That comfort she got from her Mama T who could wear a business suit with the best of them, but much preferred the casual look of jeans and a blazer.

As the evening progressed, Angelica left her perch at the café, and went to wander through the Piazza Navona perusing the various artists works on display. As an art dealer, she had an eye for talent which she also had inherited from her Mama B. This trip had secured some new artists that she would soon be showcasing in her gallery in New York City. Tonight she was looking for something a little more personal, a gift for Bette for her birthday. She didn’t want anything classical in nature, but rather something new and modern from an unknown artist whose work spoke to you from the canvas.

Stopping to chat with the various artists showing their work along her trek, she had been amazed at the raw talent some possessed. Still, she had not found her desired item, knowing only that when she saw it, she would know. Just as she was about to give up for the night and head back to her hotel, out of the corner of her eye an abstract painting that appeared to be a “work in progress” caught her attention.

She made her way over to the young lady sitting near by but she could not help but feel an unfamiliar feeling deep inside her, like she was missing something. When she arrived in front of the painting she was left speechless. There was just something about it, as if she had seen this building before. It was hard to tell what exact building it was due to the clever way the artist had used the abstract form to paint it, but Angelica was certain it was exactly what she was looking for. Her Mom would love it. Wanting to purchase it, she approached the young lady who was turned away from her talking to an older gentleman.