Page 64 of Loving the Enemy
“I know.” She moves her gaze out the window, and I can tell something else is bothering her.
“What else is wrong, Zaira?”
“I’m just worried, Michael.”
“Worried? Why on earth are you worried?”
“Michael, be serious. I’m not so naïve that I don’t know what’s gonna happen when we get home. I know what kind of business you’re in. Hell, I was raised in the same business, probably worse. There is going to be retaliation, and well, I’m worried for you.”
“Oh, baby, don’t worry. I’m invincible.”
“Your confidence isn’t helping, Michael.”
“I’m sorry. I’m just trying to put your mind at ease. I promise you, the family and I will come out of this unscathed. I’ve got a plan, and it’s quite perfect if you ask me. It’ll all work out.”
“What are you gonna do?”
“Sorry, love, you know the rule. Don’t ask me about my business.”
“Okay, MichaelCorleone,” she says sarcastically.
I can’t help but laugh at her sarcasm and reference to theGodfathermovies. It doesn’t take me long to realize she really isn’t trying to be funny, however. “Seriously, babe, the less you know the better. Trust me.”
“I do, but it still doesn’t keep me from worrying about you.” She sighs. “I just got you back, Michael. I’m not ready to lose you again.”
“You’re not gonna lose me.” I try to reassure her, but obviously nothing will until this is all over and she sees I am fine and everything worked out as I said.
She’s quiet for a while before she asks, “Speaking of business, Michael, there’s something I have been meaning to ask you.”
“What is it, babe?”
“Bella Celeste, you are now the CEO, right?”
“Yes,” I reply a little hesitantly.
“And ultimately, the hiring and firing of employees lies in your hands?”
“Well yes, sort of. We do have a human resources department that usually handles that stuff.”Where is she going with this?
“You know, Michael, I always wanted to work. I’ve got a college degree in fashion and a masters in art. Papà would never let me work, always told me my only purpose in life was to be a good wife and have lots of babies. Well, I want to be a good wife and would love for us to have a family, but I would really like to work. I think Bella Celeste would be a great place for me and my knowledge.”
I’m quiet for a minute as I let what she told me sink in. I’m definitely not the kind of Italian male who wants his wife barefoot and pregnant all the time. The thought of seeing Zaira pregnant does do something to me, but that’s beside the point. She will be pregnant someday, and we will have a family, but she’s got a point. She needs something too—something she will enjoy and hopefully make a name for herself in. “Zaira, that is a fantastic idea,” I say.
“You really think so?” she asks, hopeful.
“I do. And I know the perfect position for you.”
“You do? I’ll do anything, Michael. I’m definitely not opposed to working my way up the corporate ladder.”
“Oh, darling, no wife of mine will ever have to work her way up a corporate ladder. You are starting at the top, babe.”
“Michael, no! I couldn’t. I don’t have the experience!”
“And you think I do?” I reply.
“You’re not actually thinking… no, you couldn’t be?”
“Oh, yes I am. I don’t have time to run Bella Celeste, and I think you would be fantastic at it.”
