Chapter 11

Emiliana 

I stepped into the large conference room. Banners and balloons were plastered around the walls like Macy’s Parade and party poppers had exploded aimlessly like a child’s birthday party. Talk and gossip filled the air while bottles of champagne were being popped in celebration. It was my father’s last day in the office before he retired and it was everyone’s opportunity to say their farewells - Everyone who wasn’t invited to the large ball being held at The Beekman at the weekend.  

The tinkle of glasses filled the atmosphere, everyone raising one to cheer the man who had seen the company through difficult times after my Nono retired and brought new success to the business. 

“Thank you, every single one of you.” My father began his brief speech. “You have believed in me, and trusted me and my decisions right from the beginning. Without any of you, this company wouldn’t be here. I’m going to miss you all, but this isn’t the end!” He jeered as his champagne flute danced in the air. 

Everyone raised their glasses at the same time, sending a final goodbye to their old boss. 

“To Mr Magnone!” Everyone cheered and my father stepped away from his position in front of the room while his audience took their remaining sips of bubbly. 

I focused on my father’s figure as he left the room, his face looked somewhat saddened and his posture no longer held that aura of positivity and authority. My heart lurched as his solemn demeanor and I felt his reluctance as I watched him disappear down the corridor. 

I traced his steps calling out to him before he reached his door. 

“The company will be fine.” I reassured him with a gentle squeeze of his shoulder. He lifted his clouded eyes to meet me. 

“I know Mimmo, it’s just a sad day.” He smiled softly and took me into his arms. “Make me proud Mimmo!” He squeezed as he whispered into my ear before letting go and heading into his office. 

I sauntered back to my own desk, I could feel my shoulders gradually sinking under the weight of the independent responsibility that was being shifted to me. It had been clear over the last few months that I was more than capable of taking over my father’s role, yet a tiny pin prick of doubt sat in the back of my mind. No matter how small the worry was, it was there, lingering and begging to manifest. I shrugged the issue off, shoving it out of sight. 

It was seven o’clock and I had been sitting at my computer for the last three hours. My head pounded and my eyes stung. I had seen so many statistics and finance charts that I could take them home and bury myself underneath them and no one would find me for at least a week. The prospect didn’t seem so bad the more I thought about it and it only furthered my idea that I needed to get a life.

A soft tap came at the door and I looked up to see Giovanni entering. His soft footsteps were a dark contrast from his enigmatic presence. No matter how hard I tried to make simple conversation, he had never managed to utter a single word to me. If it weren’t for his sly smirks and smiles, I would have deduced that he hated me. His behaviour spoke volumes where his words didn't and it left me with the taste of uncertainty on my tongue. 

To him I may just be a job, but for how long was he planning to drive me around like little miss Daisy? During the three months he had been driving me around, the journeys remained silent. I hadn’t had much social life since starting at the firm and my only communication with the outside world was when my friend Oli would text me - and even then I had to decline his offer of a night out.

“I’m coming,” I mumbled as I peeled myself away from my desk. His comforting hand rested on my back as we trawled down the dimly lit corridors. The only sound was our footsteps echoing and reverberating as we approached the elevators. The doors opened swiftly and we stepped forward in silence. 

I slumped against the cold metal walls, slipping off my shoes from my aching feet. I sighed loudly as the cold floor below soothed my throbbing toes. “Can we stop off at the chinese? I fancy take out.” Giovanni nodded silently at my reflection in the doors. 

As we stepped out of the foyer, the cool air whipped at my exposed legs. I revelled in the relaxing sensation as we walked to the car, I slowed my steps down purposefully to feel the soft breeze kiss my skin. No matter how much I wanted to escape this city jungle, the sleepless city would always be in my heart. 

The smell of spices and meat invaded my senses as Giovanni pulled up to the Chinese take away. My tastebuds were itching to savour the Szechuan chilli chicken and dim sum on order and as soon as Giovanni stepped back into the car with the order my mouth began watering. My stomach growled in anticipation, Giovanni must have heard it as his eyes flickered to me briefly before starting the car and peeling away from the kerbside. 

I almost skipped my way to my living room as Giovanni followed closely behind, idly swinging the take out bag around his legs. I perched on my stool, waiting for Giovanni to dish out the goods like a hungry teenager. Before he had the chance to find plates, I was devouring the noodles with fervor. He raised an eyebrow at me with immense curiosity. “What?” I questioned with a mouth full of food. “I haven’t eaten all day!” I shrugged. 

I was sitting enjoying our silent meal, with Giovanni beside me - something I was gradually growing accustomed to during our short time together - when my phone rang in my bag. Chewing the last mouthful of my dim sum, I picked it up. 

“Mimmo,” my mother spoke excitedly. “I need to know what colour dress you’re wearing tomorrow.”

“Gold, mamina.” I replied unenthusiastically. As much as I enjoyed the extravagance and thrill of the balls, being interrupted whilst I was eating was taking up all my energy not to be grouchy. 

“Great! Don’t forget to arrive at seven!”

“Yes, ma.” I rolled my eyes at her command, catching Giovanni silently scolding me. 

By the time the phone call had finished my ears were burning and my eyes were heavy. I needed some well rested sleep, tomorrow was going to be agonising enough without having to endure it with the lack of sleep. 

“Good night.” I grumbled as I padded towards my room. It was a force of habit now to not wait for a response, his silence still held some courtesy in his unwavering gaze. I was continuously fighting with myself to not meet his juniper coloured orbs. While I still found slight discomfort and irritation with his reluctance to speak to me, I had to reason with myself that maybe he just wasn’t the talking type.  Whatever the reason was, it still left me with this emptiness that pitted itself in my stomach. My mind still took me back to those few moments where we had bumped into each other. Every inch of my skin tingled at the thought of his hands on my body and pondered wondrously at what they were capable of.

The water jets pummelled my skin as I stepped under the shower. It was like I was receiving a deep tissue massage and I groaned as the knots relaxed in my back and shoulders, letting the cascade of liquid wash away my aches and pains. 

By the time I had stepped out of the bathroom, my eyes were begging to close. I dropped my towel and slipped into bed, my head hit the pillow and not even a minute had passed before I fell asleep. My wet hair seeped into the soft cushion but I didn’t care. The comfort of my sheets and mattress surrounding my naked body was all I relished right then.