Chapter 29
Emilia
The next day was absolutely miserable.
The first thing I saw when I woke up was my windowsill of tiny gifts –
And my heart ached.
I thought about sweeping Giorgio’s gifts into a drawer where I wouldn’t ever see them again…
But I couldn’t.
I didn’t want to forget him.
If that was even possible.
The necklace lay there along with the rest.
After I got dressed, I hesitated… reached for it… thought, No…
But then eventually put it on all the same and looked at it in the mirror.
It was beautiful… and it weighed almost nothing. Just a soft caress against my skin.
I thought about how his hands might have felt touching me –
And then quickly took the necklace off and left it behind as I started my day.
Work was pure torture. Every time the door opened, I glanced up, hopeful that Giorgio had broken his promise –
That he would walk in with a grin on his face and tell me some awful joke.
But every single time, I was disappointed.
Time dragged on.
Minutes felt like hours. Hours felt like days.
It was almost the end of my shift when the door opened and a beautiful woman walked in. She was about my age, and her dark hair was cut in a stylish bob. Her big, expressive eyes reminded me of the actress in the movie Amelie.
She wore a simply cut but amazing dress – a flowing V-neck of pleated chiffon tied at the shoulders. The material started off white and faded into a gradient of dreamy blue. It was like she was wearing some beautiful flower from deep in the jungles of the .
She gave me a lovely smile. “Ciao!”
“Ciao,” I said, still stunned at her appearance. “I love your dress.”
“Thank you!” she said, delighted at the compliment. “I designed it myself!”
“You did?!”
“Yes – I’m opening up a boutique next door!” she said, gesturing to the brick wall between her store and the café. “This is one of my designs!”
Oh shit…
Giorgio’s boss’s wife.
I didn’t care so much that her husband was in the mafia.
What I cared about was that she knew Giorgio.
And maybe she was here to ‘suggest’ I give him a second chance.
Or else.
“Oh, that’s wonderful,” I said with a slightly sick smile. “What can I get you to drink?”
“Actually,” she said, her smile turning embarrassed, “um… I was wondering if I could ask you a favor.”
Oh god, here it comes.
“What?” I said nervously.
“I… well… you’re absolutely beautiful, and I was wondering if I could pay you to model some of my dresses for a photoshoot?” She winced as she smiled. “…please?”
I stared at her.
She was stunning –
She had her own dress shop and was obviously very talented –
And she was asking me to model for her?
And not in some imperious, snobby way – but asking like I would be doing her a favor!
Plus, she was super-friendly. Nicer than 99% of my customers, that was for sure.
There was only one who was kinder.
Wait a second…
I sighed. “Did Giorgio put you up to this?”
The woman looked surprised.
“No – why, has he been bothering you?” Her expression suddenly became stern. “If he is, just let me know and I’ll have a word with him.”
“No – oh, God no,” I said hurriedly. “He’s always super nice. I just thought…”
I trailed off, not knowing what else to say.
Now the woman looked puzzled. “Do you know him?”
“He… used to stop in every day,” I confessed.
She leaned closer and whispered like we were old friends gossiping. “Do you know what’s going on with him? Yesterday, out of the blue, he asked to be reassigned somewhere else. Is there something going on?”
He asked to be sent away?!
Strangely, my heart sank even more.
He really HAD kept his promise.
“I… I don’t know,” I lied.
“Huh…” she said, then returned to her normal speaking voice. “Well, would you consider modeling for me? My sisters-in-law are going to do it, too – but obviously I would pay YOU.”
If Giorgio wasn’t going to be there…
…maybe?
“How about a hundred euros an hour?” she asked meekly, like she was afraid she was lowballing me.
HOLY SHIT.
I made less than a hundred euros a day at the café.
“Is that too little?” she asked, wincing. “I’m trying to keep costs down until the store opens – ”
“No, it’s fine,” I said in shock. “It’s more than generous.”
“So you’ll do it?”
“…uh… okay…”
“Wonderful!” she said, erupting in glee like a little girl who’d just gotten a pony for her birthday. “Do you think you could come over to the store after work today? Maybe try on some dresses so we can get them tailored for you specifically?”
“I… you said Giorgio’s not working at the shop?” I said, wanting to make sure it wouldn’t be awkward.
“No, he’s at my brother-in-law’s house out in Tuscany.”
I felt both immense relief and crushing disappointment at the same time.
But at least I could do the modeling.
“I get off at 3 PM, if that works for you,” I said.
“That’s perfect!” She stuck out her hand. “I’m Bianca, by the way!”
“Emilia,” I said as we shook.
“Wonderful! Thank you so much, Emilia! I’ll see you at three!”
Then she waved, smiling, as she turned and exited the café.
I just stood there, bewildered.
What the hell just happened?