Dominic, an EMT from Michigan, travels to Italy to discover his heritage. But after visiting the small town where his great grandparents lived, he finds so much more. The historical treasures of Rome. The priceless artwork of Florence. And then on to Venice to explore the city billed as “Disneyland for Adults.”<br><br>But the city is battling a historic flood, altering his plans and setting him on a course he never could have imagined, a path that intersects with the lives of three others. Sandro, a handsome Italian actor, appears to be the man of his dreams. As they walk the flooded city, they meet the charming Maria and her energetic young son Massimo. A near tragedy soon binds their lives together forever as Venice tries to defend itself against encroaching waters.<br><br>Dominic vows to return to his lover in a few months. But February of 2020 proves to be a bad time for a reunion. Can these two men overcome a flood, a tragedy, and the perils of a pandemic to have a life together? Will their love survive until life someday returns to normal?

High Water Mark

The phone rang, jarring Sandro out of his introspection. It was a voice he didn’t recognize.


“This is Dr. Christofari at the hospital. Dominic asked me to call you and ask how you and the boy are doing. He is on a ventilator and is unable to speak. He is having some breathing problems, but we are trying to get a handle on it.”


Sandro felt the panic flash through his body, leaving him light-headed and unable to hear the doctor’s words clearly. “Is he alright?” he blurted out. “Is he going to be alright?”


“The next forty-eight hours will be the most challenging,” the doctor replied calmly, so calmly, Sandro felt a sense of irritation his lover was being discussed so matter-of-factly. “We are confident that he will pull through. He is strong.”


“You mean he might not?” shouted Sandro, totally losing control of his emotions. “Can I see him? I need to see him. He needs me right now.”


Chapter 40