Chapter 31
We're back from lunch, and I'm focused on the project I'll be presenting to Henry and Nicola today.
I'm already waiting for them in the meeting room when Carter walks in and mentions he saw Mattia at the restaurant.
I have to admit, that news rattled me. But we were bound to run into each other eventually—after all, his friend is my boss and his restaurant is just a few blocks from my office. I let it go.
“Hey, did you have a good lunch?”
“Great. The food at Mattia’s restaurant is always delicious.”
“Yeah, he’s always been a great cook. Back in college when we lived together, he was the only one who ever went near the kitchen. Said he learned from his father. That’s why he decided to take over the restaurant. And he’s done really well—now he’s got a whole franchise chain.”
“Yeah, he’s a great businessman. Just needs to lighten up a little.”
“Mattia’s always been reserved and serious, but he’s completely different with family.”
“Must be because he needs a woman.” Everyone laughs, and only then do they notice I’m still standing there, watching them.
“Sorry, Emma. Let’s get started.”
“Today I’ll show you how the executive floor turned out, along with the cafeteria—which will also have a restaurant—the rest area, and the floor with the two meeting rooms. Alright, let’s dive in.”
I mirror my iPad screen onto the large display and start going through the images.
We made some changes, and they all turned out perfectly.
The cafeteria area looks beautiful, with large tables and comfortable chairs, a practical kitchen, and on the other side, some bean bags with a TV.
On the meeting room floor, I positioned the rooms on opposite sides, with a service area in between for coffee, cookies, drinks, and even meals.
In the executive suite, the smaller, more private meeting room came out perfectly.
Since everyone has their own work style, I decided to keep the offices separate, allowing for small meetings with direct access.
In each of their offices, I added a bathroom and a small bedroom in case they want to shower or take a break. They turned out great—wooden desks, comfortable chairs, a corner sofa next to a mini bar, and a coffee table.
“Emma, everything is perfect. As far as I’m concerned, you don’t need to change a thing,” Nicola says.
“Same here. I’m really pleased with the employee floor and the meeting rooms, including our private one. It was smart to include a bathroom and a small room that works as a rest area for us.”
“If the employees have it, why shouldn’t you? I figured I’d treat you a little.”
“You really do think of everything.”
“Sam helped me. This project has her stamp on it too.”
“But mostly yours, right? I just helped arrange things and pick colors. All the ideas were Emma’s, so she deserves all the credit.”
“Really, Emma, you did an excellent job. Now we need to get construction started as soon as possible.”
“I’ve already hired the crew. I was just waiting for approval, so we can begin in two days.”
“Excellent. I’ll be staying a few more days, so I can be here when the work begins.”
“Of course. Sam can work with Henry on the furniture.”
“Emma, can’t the company Gabriela works for handle this part?”
“I already checked. They took on a big project, so unfortunately, we’ll have to find another company.”
“Tomorrow, I’ll start looking.”
“Then everything’s set—just need to get to work.”
With the meeting over, I head to my workspace.
Now I need to make sure construction starts as soon as possible.
When I glance over, I see him—Mattia—standing right there.
He looks handsome, as always, though thinner, and next to him is his friend, Judge Owen, whom I met in Venice.
We exchange glances. Carter comes right over to greet them, and they head to his office.
I feel nauseous and run to the bathroom.
Sam follows me. This is becoming routine—my lunch comes right back up.
“Girl, if you don’t go to the hospital, I’m dragging you there myself.”
“That won’t be necessary. I’m going to stop by the pharmacy and buy a pregnancy test.” I see my friend’s eyes widen in the mirror.
“Do you really think you’re pregnant?”
“Keep your voice down. I had a slight suspicion, but my mom went and planted that idea in my head, so yes, I’m going to take the test.”
“I’m going to be a godmother! I can’t believe it!” Samantha shouts, clapping her hands.
“Sam, stop—someone might hear. Besides, I don’t even know if I’m really pregnant. Let’s wait for the result.”
“And are you going to tell him?”
“First, I’ll take the test, then I’ll figure out the rest.”
My friend hugs me, and I cry—I’m feeling lost with everything that’s happening, an avalanche of emotions hitting me all at once.
I try to pull myself together since I need to get back to work.
I splash some water on my face, and as I’m leaving the bathroom, I see Mattia heading out.
He looks at me one more time, turns his back, and leaves.
That same day, I stopped by the pharmacy and bought five tests, just to be sure.
As I’m heading to my car, I see Frank watching me from across the street, and a chill runs through me.
He starts walking toward me, and I desperately jump in the car, lock the doors, start the engine, and take off as fast as I can, not giving him any chance to follow me.
I get home terrified and go straight to my room. I’ve even lost my appetite. Will I ever live in peace without this monster stalking me? I take a shower, put on pajamas, lie down, and within minutes I’m out cold, only waking up the next day when my alarm goes off.
I get up and go through my whole morning routine.
Before leaving the room, I glance at the bag with the tests but decide to ignore it for now.
I have breakfast and head out. I get to the office and settle in at my desk.
Today I need to wrap up all the details for the start of construction, and the day flies by before I even notice.
Finally, the long-awaited day arrives. I love starting a project and watching it unfold according to plan, and everything is flowing smoothly.
I follow everything closely so nothing goes wrong.
Eduardo and I are responsible for everything, while the rest of the team has moved on to another job, and Sam is handling the selection of the company that will decorate the office.
I still haven’t talked to Mattia. From what I overheard Carter saying, he came to stay for a few days because he’s making some changes to the restaurant menu, so I figure he won’t be leaving anytime soon.
I remember the tests sitting on my dresser, and I can’t keep putting it off.
My mom and sister are going to a friend’s country house this weekend, so it’ll be the perfect time—I’ll be alone and can think more clearly about what to do. But I was very wrong about that.