26. Luca
LUCA
“You’re here early.” I’m surprised to see Rose at the house this early. Normally, I beat her to the property because she isn’t a morning person, but there she sits in the kitchen, having a coffee at the island.
“Oh, um, yes. I actually stayed here last night.”
“You what?”
“Calm down, Luc. It’s not like that. Something happened with my accommodations, and I just needed a place to stay for the night. Dante overheard me talking to Shirley and offered. It’s nothing. Relax.”
She called me Luc. She hasn’t called me Luc since before our conversation about the past in the diner.
“Who is Shirley?” I know who Shirley is, but that doesn’t explain why Ro is talking to her about staying up here and why Dante was there. Ro has gotten too trusting from the looks of things. I need to step in to ensure her safety, but she just doesn’t need to know about it.
“The server at the diner that served us, Luca. God, do you not pay attention to anything other than yourself?”
If only she knew.
“I’m sure there are plenty of other options in the area other than staying with a client.” I bite out the last word instead of using Dante’s name. I don’t want Ro to think that it’s about Dante even though it really is, but this is highly unprofessional.
“Look, Luca, if I wanted your opinion on the decisions I make, I would ask. But it’s none of your business. Why are you even here? I thought I signed off on everything already.”
I wanted to see you, I don’t say out loud.
“I had some final paperwork to cover with Dante.” That’s a lie.
I rarely deal with paperwork and invoicing, but she doesn’t need to know that.
I really just wanted to spend more time with her.
Looks like I will need to find more reasons to be around even though my work is actually complete.
But I can’t let the opportunity to be around Ro pass me by, not again.
“Fine. Well, if you’ll excuse me, I am expecting several deliveries this morning and need to ensure everything goes smoothly for the client.” Ro adds the last part in a sarcastic tone. So she clearly caught on to me referring to Dante as the client and not by his name.
“Fine. Let me know if you find anything else you need my attention on. I’m staying in the area a little longer on other business, so I’ll be around if you need me...
for anything.” I walk out of the kitchen before I can say more.
I need to find Dante after all and figure out what made-up paperwork I need to discuss with him.