Chapter 9
Enzo
I’M PACING FRANTICALLY WHILE TONY REMAINS ANNOYINGLY CALM.“Has she called yet?”
“Nope, it’s only been a few hours Enzo. I made her an incredibly attractive offer. She’d be insane not to accept. Now, having said that, we should keep in mind that it is a big move to make. Give her some time.”
“I don’t have time, I need this position filled, sooner rather than later. Do you think it’s the money, perhaps I should offer her more to sweeten the deal?”
“No, I doubt that. She actually seemed genuinely surprised with the contract, perhaps even impressed. After speaking to her in depth about it, I know for certain that she wants to make the move. I just can’t help but feel that there’s something holding her back.”
“What do you suppose it could be? I’ve run a background check on her, no criminal record, credit is clean, top-notch education and she’s not overly close to her family. No red flags to speak of. I think I’ve covered all bases.”
“What about a love interest? Have you considered that?” Well fuck!
I had not factored that into this situation.
Thinking back, I realise what a foolish mistake that had been.
Of course, a woman like that would be unavailable.
My mind starts to whirl in a frenzy. I had not taken into consideration that she could be in a relationship.
Does she have a boyfriend, a husband perhaps waiting at home for her return?
How could she not, the woman is an absolute vision.
All elegance and grace when she’s not running her mouth with her preferred variety of expletives.
Note to self, add no expletives while in Angelo’s presence, in the contract.
I try to think back to their conversation at the restaurant, I had tried to tune both women out so that I didn’t hear their depraved stories, a decision I am now regretting.
If there was any talk about relationships, I missed it.
“Shit, I haven’t.” I admit reluctantly.
“That would explain her reluctance despite it being a golden opportunity. She probably has a boyfriend and would have to navigate around working here and pursuing an active relationship with a partner.”
“Well, if she’s married, then it’s a no go.
I can’t deal with a husband. This is a live in position for the nanny only not the nanny and her husband, cat, dog, grandmother and certainly not that snarky little friend of hers.
” This situation has gotten me so anxious; I fear at this rate I may wear a trench in the carpet from my pacing. Tony smiles and shakes his head.
“No, I doubt it, she wasn’t wearing a ring when we spoke at the restaurant and she wasn’t wearing one at the coffee shop either. I think it’s safe to say that she’s not married but there is still the possibility of a relationship.”
“This waiting is driving me insane.”
“Patience was never one of your virtues Enzo, perhaps you’d like to work on that.”
Tony gives me that cocky smirk and I’d like nothing more than to wipe that smug look off his face.
Walking over to the bar in my office, I offer Tony a drink, which he accepts.
I pour us both two fingers of whiskey. I hand over Tony’s glass to him, while taking a swig of my own.
The first sip is a slow burn, smoky and sweet.
I’m anxious, the realisation that there could potentially be a love interest does not sit well with me.
Elena is most certainly a desirable woman but that’s not why I want her to work for me.
I know she is a great fit; I feel it in my gut.
She has displayed more commitment, passion and assertiveness in the few minutes at that restaurant than all the candidates we’ve had over the past two months combined.
I am confident that she will protect and nurture Angelo, not as a mother, God knows no one will ever fill those shoes – no, not as a mother but as a guardian and caregiver.
Elena may come across as aggressive to men; I bet there’s a story behind that, but underneath all that armour I truly believe there’s a woman that’s warm and empathetic, which is why I need this to work.
Things have gotten chaotic at the office with my constant absence, the house, although clean and well stocked, lacks order.
I don’t like chaos; I don’t like disorder.
I practically live by a schedule and these past few months have been nothing short of a whirlwind of meetings, nap time, feeding, doctor’s appointments, story time, playtime, work and everything in between, which is fine as long as there is a scheduled time for each activity – unfortunately, I’ve had no such luck.
My mind is a slideshow of all the crap I’m trying to deal with while navigating being a business owner and a single parent. It’s damn near exhausting.
I take another sip of my drink, the warmth of the amber liquid slowly spreads through my chest, settling there like a smouldering ember. I almost empty the glass when my self-pity is interrupted by the subtle hum of a phone.
“Hello?” I look at Antonio as he answers. He merely nods. It’s her, it has to be.
“Aah, Miss Reeves, how lovely to hear from you. I must say, I am delighted to hear such pleasant news.” It is her! Tony said pleasant news? That could only mean one thing. I let out an audible sigh of relief. She’s accepted the offer, thank God.
“Yes absolutely. How does 10am sound? Perfect, I’ll arrange it.
Enzo is free to meet you; I assure you it is not by any means an inconvenience.
Do you have transportation? I could arrange for you to be picked up if you would like?
” A pause, then… “Alright then, I’ll text you the address.
You take care Bellissima. I’ll see you soon. ”
It’s in this very moment, I know that I have the look of an expectant puppy in the dog pound, hoping that the man standing before me is going to take me home.
“Well? What the fuck did she say?”
“Always so cheery brother, I can’t imagine why none of the young women agreed to stay and work for you. Honestly, it’s an enigma.” Any other time I’d entertain Tony’s dry sense of humour, but today is not that day.
“Tony!” I almost shout his name to which he merely shrugs with indifference.
“She accepted the offer brother. You can take that stick out of your ass now.”
“Seriously? She said yes?” This is unbelievable.
I am overcome with a sense of relief and my chest feels like a dead weight has been lifted off me.
She said yes. For the first time since the other girls said the very same thing, I actually feel comfortable, the nagging feeling of caution is not with me.
Elena is the perfect fit for the role. Now that she has accepted, life can start to form some sort of normalcy.
“She requested a meeting with you and Angelo before she leaves for Michigan tonight. She’ll be here at 10am.”
“That suits me fine, I’ll have mama bring him over.”
“Don’t worry brother, he’s going to love her.”