Chapter 2
I'm going to open a franchise of my restaurant chain in New York.
I chose the country because I have an establishment there that I bought a year ago.
I really liked the location and the foot traffic, so I decided to invest. While talking with my friend Carter, who owns a design company, he gave me the idea of bringing one of my chains there.
I really liked the idea, and his company would provide full support, which is what appealed to me most. I met Carter in college—we studied business administration together, and he was always a great friend.
When I was almost done with my degree, I decided to pursue culinary school, so I stayed a bit longer.
Eight years exactly—that's how long I stayed in New York.
I learned a lot about the culture and liked it.
When the opportunity came up to buy the establishment, I didn't hesitate and jumped at it.
Now, at thirty-four, I'm proud of what I've become, and I pass on my life experience to my brothers.
I lost my father a few years ago, and with that, I became the head of the family.
I've been taking care of my mother and my brothers ever since.
My brothers want to follow a different path, and we have to accept that.
My family is everything to me, and their happiness is what matters.
Cucina Italiana—my grandfather gave this name to our restaurant, and it continues to this day.
The main location sits in Venice, facing the Rialto Bridge on our beautiful city's canal.
I really like the name he chose and the location.
Out front, we have an open-air space where we set up tables for customers to admire the canal and the beautiful gondola rides.
Today, I have a very well-known cucina, so I decided to keep the name and our menu just as my grandfather created it.
I'm focused on my work, I love what I do, and I intend to continue.
Though nowadays I don't spend much time in the kitchen anymore—I have a head chef in each restaurant, and a manager as well to help with administration, all hand-picked by me.
My mother always pressures me about having a family.
She says that at my age, I should already have one or be thinking about it, but at the moment I'm not thinking about that. I need to focus on my company.
It's been a few days since I spoke with Carter, and he said he'd choose one of his professionals for my project.
He knows me, knows I like everything precise and perfect, so I hope it's the best he has at the company.
I'm in my office when I hear my phone ring.
I take it out of my pocket, look at the screen, and answer right away.
“Buon pomeriggio, amico mio, come stai?” I greet him in Italian, as always.
“Buon pomeriggio, amico mio. Io sto bene, e tu?”
“Anxiously awaiting your callback. I'm eager to move forward with the project and get the restaurant opening underway.”
“You never change, do you? Always wanting everything yesterday.”
“I need to work and grow my fortune, mio caro.”
“What you need is a woman in your life, that's what,” he says with a laugh. He's always said that, but my focus has always been work.
“Work always comes first. But what about you—do you have a family yet?”
“I need to focus on the company. I'm still growing it. I wasn't born with a fortune like you.”
“Then don't tell me how to live my life. Let's get to work. What's the contact for the designer who'll be working with me? I can't go to New York right now, but I want to share all my ideas and have an in-person meeting as soon as possible.”
“Always direct. Alright, here we go. Her name is Emma.
She's an excellent designer we have here.
I'll be working alongside her to make sure your project turns out the way you want. I already sent you her company WhatsApp number,” he says, and my phone vibrates.
“Get in touch and discuss everything with her.”
“I want her personal number too, so I can reach her anytime.”
“That's against company policy, but I'll make an exception for you since you're my friend. Ask her for it—I don't have it.”
“That's what I like to hear. I'll talk to her and get back to you. I hope she's as good as you say.”
“Don’t you trust your friend anymore?”
“If I didn’t trust you, I wouldn’t be working with you. I’ll get back to you after I talk to her.”
“Don’t be so rude to my employee. I don’t want her quitting on me.”
“She’ll get used to it, arrivederci,”[11] I say and hang up without waiting for his response.
I open the message my friend sent me and click on the number.
I send a “good afternoon,” but don’t get an immediate response.
Seconds later, I receive a “good afternoon” in Italian.
I look at the photo—the ragazza[12] is pretty, I’ll admit, but we’re here to work.
We chat for a bit, and then I decide to get down to business.
“As I said, I’ll tell you exactly what I want. You put together the project, send it to me, and I’ll let you know if it’s good enough.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll do my best on this project, and I hope you’ll be pleased.”
“Well, Miss Emma, at my restaurant I always treat my customers very well. I like them to feel at home, and this one won’t be any different. I want it to be a welcoming space, but with a New York feel.”
“I understand. Mr. Carter showed me the space, so I think we could combine luxurious and raw materials—sophisticated design pieces on rustic bases. It would be modern, beautiful, and very New York.”
“I like your idea. The place really calls for that kind of design, but I don’t want it too luxurious.”
“New Yorkers like luxury, but you want a space where all customers feel comfortable, and since we get a lot of tourists in the city, it’ll appeal to everyone. We could also include private rooms in the design—for meetings or intimate dinners.”
“We can think about that, but I’ll consider it carefully. You already have the name since I sent it to you, so you can get started. We’ll keep in touch.”
“Sir, one thing—would it be possible for me to see the place in person? Mr. Carter only showed me photos, and I’d like to see the actual space.”
“I’ll ask Carter to take you there. Tell me what you think. For now, that’s all—focus on your work. I don’t tolerate mistakes. I want a good project because my name is on the line.”
“I understand, sir—”
I don’t even let her finish before closing the conversation.
What we needed to discuss is settled for now—I want to see what she can do.
She seems very young; Carter could have chosen someone older.
But she’s very beautiful. I shake my head—what are you thinking, you idiot?
Still, I think I’m going to enjoy working with her.
I’ll give her a vote of confidence. If she weren’t any good, my friend wouldn’t have put her on the project—unless he was thinking about something else.
I’ll have to figure that out on my own. Let’s see how it goes.
For now, I’m satisfied. I smirk and get up from the chair. Time to go home.