Chapter 22
Jude
I can hardly contain myself. I’ve made all the arrangements for her. Pick up from the hotel in Berlin. Flight into Venice. Pick up from the airport. Boat Taxi. Hotel drop off.
I never got time to go see her after my keynote, but as I passed through the halls, I saw the crowds near her stand.
Grinning, I remember how I mentioned her in my speech.
Talking about resilience of the construction industry, referencing her now legendary presentation.
I knew it would drive traffic to her stand.
I spotted Terry in the audience at my talk, his face souring every time I mentioned her name. His expression the epitome of disgust, but also defeat. He knows she’s won, and he’s dead in the water. She’ll outstrip him at this conference, and he’s just realised that fact.
That fact is driven home as I walk through the conference halls. Nobody is at Prestige’s stand, his vitriol and negativity from the bar probably driving people away.
But I can’t get near her stand. The noise level is huge, the excitement and buzz around them contagious, people looking flushed and happy when they leave it.
And I’m not one bit surprised. I can see her pink outfit, hear her throaty laugh, and Lou’s raucous one.
The whole bubble around them is warm, happy, a true come and join us vibe.
And I’m so fucking proud of her. To get off the floor, to drag yourself up from the pits of despair and try to flip the narrative, to face it down and rebrand it… That takes some guts. And she has it. She has that in spades.
I want her to be happy. I want to help her be more successful than she already is. Than she could ever imagine. I can hardly bear to leave, the fact that she’s coming to Venice to be with me the one thing that lets me go.
See you in Venice, Lincoln.
I’m staying at my favourite hotel in Venice.
Simply named ‘The Venice’. It’s an old, converted mansion on the waterfront overlooking the Venetian Lagoon.
With views of the Abbazia di San Giorgio Maggiore, and amazing sunsets, it’s well placed for sightseeing and business.
I’ve stayed here many times. The friendly and helpful staff, along with the gorgeous courtyard for lunch, dinner, or drinks, is a godsend.
I’ve booked a suite, but with an additional bedroom. I don’t want her to feel pressured.
We both understand why I asked, and why she said yes. But still, thinking and knowing are two very different things. And until she actually says yes… well, I won’t take anything for granted.
I’ve finished my meetings already. Getting in last night aided me to meet my business associate for dinner.
I’ve met his team this morning, and am sat with him in the courtyard awaiting her arrival.
Stefano helps source and provide marble, along with glass.
He has family in Venice, so it’s a good place for us to meet.
And I love the architecture, even though my sister takes the mickey out of me.
All my buildings are new. Glass, steel, modern material marvels. But I find inspiration in this old city. Its creativity, its longevity. Its engineering lasting over the years. It’s remarkable. I can’t wait to show Emma around.
“Mr. Greystone, your taxi is approaching.”
The hotel staff have been primed to let me know the instant she’s anywhere near. I bid Stefano farewell and walk to the boat dock.
Operation Lincoln is on. God I hope she says yes.
Standing like a sentinel at the entrance to the boat dock, I hold my hand up in greeting as the taxi meets the dock. The look on Emma’s face tells me she’s in love. Venice has already captured her heart. She’s wide eyed, her mouth hanging open in wonder.
I step forward to help and wave as she ducks under inside the taxi. The speed boat is plush with white leather interiors and polished wooden finishes. Classic Venice taxis. The steps are brought down for her to climb out and I offer my hand to her.
“Hi.” She’s breathy, and looks flushed. My cock twitches in my jeans. Fuck. I’m going to have to get a grip here. I’m normally in total control of my body, but this woman seems to unconsciously push all my buttons.
“Hi,” I answer in a tone so low she looks startled. Checking to see if it’s me. “Grab a hold of my hand. I’ll support you out.”
Her small hand is swamped in mine, but the heat that pours from her clasp to mine is fierce. I can feel my body heating up in response. Christ, I really need to get a grip. I’ll not let her out of the room at this rate. And I want her to love this place as much as I do.
Again, why? My thoughts are totally jumbled, other than wanting her. There’s no jumbling on that front.
“Welcome to Venice. Is it everything you thought?”
Her face is alight in wonder. “No, it’s so much more. It seems almost not real. Like a movie set.” She’s awestruck, and it makes me feel ten feet tall. “Thank you for asking me. I’ve always wanted to come here, just never got.”
She looks up at me shyly through her lashes, a smile breaking her cheeks. She can’t contain it. And I’m mesmerised. Venice is a stunning place, but she makes it seem dull in comparison.
Holy Shit. I am in big trouble here.