I think you should stop letting her cry on your shoulder. The signs are that she sees you as lower in status than she is. That's why she's asking you to do things for her. She cannot be attracted to you unless she sees you as higher in status.
At the very least, get her to do something for you in exchange for your help. For example: If she wants to meet your friends, hold a dinner party where she can meet them but MAKE HER DO THE COOKING FOR IT (all Italian women can cook can't they?
) After all, that's only fair right? If you are the host of the party, then you will be the "top dog" at the party and she will begin to see you as having high status.