Page 58 of Cinderella-ish
Jonah looks at me before I close the trunk. “How’s your week been,dude?”
I chuckle because I know he’s referring to my time with Daniella. He knows I’m crazy about her. “It’s been good. But believe me, we are still very much on Boss and Assistant grounds. And I get the feeling it’s going to stay likethat.”
“Oh, my man, don’t give up hope. Milan is the place where you and I find our true loves…. I told you, I’m not leaving here this week without meeting the woman I’m gonna marry. Youwatch.”
I shake my head, and close the trunk, and soon we are all on the road, headed to the hotel. But not before Liza and Jonah fall fast asleep, both impacted already by jetlag.
My phone rings and I see via caller ID it’sRamon.
Thankgoodness.
“Hey, Ramon! We’ve been playing phone tag. How’s it going? Are you headed to theairport?”
“Antonio, I’ve had an accident on the slope.” He stammers abit.
Crapno.
“What? What kind of an accident? Are you alright?” I can feel my heart pounding out of mychest.
“Actually, I’m not. I mean I’m alive and all, but my leg isn’t so well.” His voice sounds rugged as if he hasn’t slept for a couple ofdays.
“Whathappened?”
“I was going down this smooth slope and somehow my skis went over a tree stump. I don’t know, man…all I remember is falling and rolling and flipping, and then I woke up in the fucking hospital. I broke my right leg and my left elbow is shattered. I’m still in thehospital.”
“Oh my God, Ramon. I’m so sorry to hear that! But thank God, nothing worsehappened.”
“Yeah. Well I’m not gonna make the fashion show. I can’t even go home to Venice yet. I’m so sorry. I-I know how much this year means toyou.”
“No worries, Ramon. Is there anything I can do to help? You need anything?” I ask, I mean he’s been on my team for years now, I want to help anyway that Ican.
“That’s just like you, man, always caring about others. You’ve got a show to worry about. Don’t worry about me…I’ll befine.”
“Alright. Rest up and I’ll call to check on you next week. And I’ll send you a video file of how the show turnsout.”
“Thanks, boss. Takecare.”
I’mscrewed.
It takes ages to develop a rapport with someone enough that they live, breathe, and create your expectations on the runway. And it’s not like I can just Google one and, boom, I’ll find one. Now. During FashionWeek.
Damn it.I slam my fist against the steeringwheel.
“You alright?” mutters Daniella from the backseat.
“Not really. But I don’t want to discuss it right now,” Isnap.
And I don’t. Why should I pull her in? She can’t have anything to offer anyway. Unless she knows someone I can call tohelp.
“Oh, okay then,” she says with an abrasivetone.
And great. I probably hurt her feelings now, or something. I promised I wouldn’t be a dick when I’m upset. And looks like I did itagain.
We arrive at the hotel and Jonah and Liza both wake up, surprised and embarrassed they fell asleep in thecar.
And just as soon as the valet removes their bags, they are assisted by the hotel manager to check in and getsettled.
Daniella and Liza arrange a time to meet to shop for items needed for the show, and then Daniella and I head for the elevator that will take us up to oursuites.
