Page 73 of Cinderella-ish
Chapter 32
Antonio
Icouldn’tsleep.
Having spent time with Daniella in Milan, and then intimately for the past few days and nights, not having her with me last night wasunbearable.
I’m at my downtown office now, earlier than usual, keeping myself busy before everyone arrives. Daniella insisted on arriving on her own today so as not to call attention to us. Frankly it’s my company and I couldn’t care less what others think or draw conclusions about. But I want her to feel as comfortable aspossible.
Familiar voices and giggles take me to the front of the office where I’m surprised to find Liza andJonah.
“Hey, guys,” I say, happy to see them both…although I’m not sure what brings Jonah to my office thisearly.
“Oh,” Liza says, a smile plastered on her face. “You’re here early, boss.” She sits at her desk and begins to shuffle throughpaperwork.
I nod and look to Jonah. “Did you two come heretogether?”
“Oh, well, I-I came to see you here and uh, we…me and Liza walked in the building at the sametime.”
“Oh, cool. Well, lucky for you I’m here early. Why didn’t you just call me? I haven’t heard from you since I leftMilan.”
“Well, we just got back Saturday. And I have a meeting with another client in the area. I wanted to drop this off here for you to look at. Figured I should do it while I’m in the area, whether you were here or not.” He hands me a flash drive. “It’s the video footage I captured of the fashion show. I want you to approve it when you can. I’d like to start on your new marketingcampaign.”
I turn to Liza. “How was the rest of Fashion Week? Did you enjoy Milan? And I hope this guy didn’t give you anyproblems.”
She blushes. “Milan was fabulous, boss. Thanks for allowing me togo.”
“So”—Jonah claps his hands together—“I’m just gonna head out, now. I’m glad I caught you here this early, myman.”
“Sure. Me too. And I’ll walk you down to your car. I’ve got something to tellyou.”
“Oh, okay.” He looks at Liza. “It was nice running into you. Have a greatday.”
“Yep. You have a great day too, Jonah,” she says, now looking at her computerscreen.
I follow Jonah out to the elevator and, once inside, decide to fill him in on what’s transpired between me and Daniella. I mean he is my best bud. “So, uh things happened between me andDaniella.”
Jonah looks up from the elevator floor. “What? Well, I can’t say I’m really surprised. I mean you’ve been hot for her since you saw her. And she was a beauty at the ball. Did it happenthen?”
We exit the elevator, and I fill Jonah in on some details, albeit leaving out the intimate ones and when we reach his car I say, “I told her I loveher.”
Jonah’s eyes widen. “Fuck yeah, man! It’s about fucking time your ass is in love. So, does this mean you finally foundher?”
I glance up at the sky, the sun peeking through the clouds ever so covertly. “I am pretty sure she’s the one.” I smile and Jonah grabs my hand, pulling me into a manhug.
“Congrats, man. I was worried about you for a minute there. You’ve only got a few months before you turn thirty. Does sheknow?”
I shake my head. “No way. Notyet.”
“Okay, my man. Well, you should tell her. And congrats; I think she’s perfect for you. She keeps you in line.” He cackles then glances down at his watch. “Gotta head out, man. Meeting in thirtyminutes.”
“Right. So I’ll look at the video and get back to you later. Thanks,Jonah.”
As I walk back to the building, then ride up the elevator, I begin to think about my 30th birthday and Miss Tilly. Sure, I inherited her house and money, but since Miss Tilly never married and didn’t want me to end up lonely like she was, she tied a stipulation to my inheritance. I need to be married before I turn thirty in a few months or I lose everything but the house. The money will automatically go to different organizations. It’s a fact that’s been hanging over my head for quite some time now, especially since at twenty-nine, I haven’t found anyone I’d like to call mywife.
UntilDaniella.
But oddly, I don’t even care about the money. I’ve made my own since I startedCraveMe,and I haven’t touched any of the money in my trust account except for donations I make to the hospital I was bornat.
