Vittoria made her way back towards the entrance with a faint flush still visible across her cheeks, something she seemed only vaguely aware of as she tried to settle herself back into the rhythm of the evening.
She had barely taken a few more steps when Signora Bellini noticed her.
The older woman looked at Vittoria for a moment before her eyes narrowed slightly.
"Why is your face so flushed?"
Vittoria's hand immediately rose to her cheek.
She touched it almost as if checking for herself, then looked back at Bellini.
"It's nothing."
Bellini studied her for another second, clearly unconvinced but unwilling to press the matter.
"Then we should make our way inside. The stream of guests coming in has decreased after you left."
At that, Vittoria nodded.
"I'll be following."
Bellini gave her a small nod, then turned and walked toward the entrance.
Vittoria watched her go for a moment, her gaze following the older woman until she disappeared through the doors.
