Finding You Page 11

  “Spencer, welcome back.” Claudio says sarcastically.

  “Calligaris.” It’s the only word James says. He doesn’t even greet him. He says goodnight to Vic and the security guard, then addressing me he says, “Harrison, if you have finished, we can go.” I take my jacket and follow him.

  It’s hard to keep up with him. He walks so fast. He doesn’t say a word on the elevator or when we are driving out of Milan. I attempt some conversation saying, “Tomorrow I will try to straighten up that chaos.” But he’s completely absorbed in his thoughts and doesn’t hear me.

  When we arrive in front of my building, I’m almost surprised he still remembers I am in the car.

  “Tina, I apologize if sometimes I act this way. I have so many thoughts running through my head.”

  “You don’t need to apologize. I perfectly understand.” I get out of the car and smiling at him, I say: “Sleep on it. Tomorrow perhaps you will see things in a different light. Goodnight, Spencer.”

  “I hope so. Goodnight, Harrison.”

  Chapter 20

  James

  Early next morning I arrive at the office and go straight to the CEO. Near the elevators I meet Calligaris, that pedantic asshole. He stops me with a smile as fake as Judas.

  “Spencer, I am sorry I didn’t have a chance to congratulate you for your success. You’ve been smart: in only two weeks you have become an executive account manager.” I don’t like his tone.

  “Congratulations!’ He extends his hand.

  “Thanks.” I look at it but I turn and go directly to Victor’s office.

  I get straight to the point with Vic. I tell him about my father’s offer. I expected harsh words and disappointment. When I leave the agency, they will have to find a replacement for me. But he surprises me.

  “It is a great opportunity for you professionally and personally to work with your father. When will you leave?”

  “At the end of February, if that works with you. I would like to finish things here before leaving. I hope my sudden departure doesn’t make more trouble for you. I was thinking for Susan’s position perhaps—

  “Both, Burassi and You&U are ready to sign.” He interrupts me before I can propose Harrison for the account manager’s position.

  “Really?” I am surprised things happened so fast. “Is this for sure or just corridor conversation?” I ask skeptically.

  “A certainty! In fact on Sunday we will return to Germany to sign the contracts. Claudio will join us to take care of the legal aspects of the deal. You will go back to New York without leaving anything pending. You have been very professional and you did a great job.”

  “Thank you, Vic. In reality I don’t deserve all the credit. I had great support. You were right about Valentina. She is truly smart. Throughout this episode her co-operation has been essential. She is understated but very competent. In these few weeks she has acquired more confidence in her abilities. She has learned how to be professionally independent. I believe it’s time for her to grow and have more responsibilities. I am convinced she deserves this chance.”

  “You are right, James.” I am relieved to hear that Vic agrees. “I noticed the same thing. But I can give her only three months, no more. The experience will be very important for her. She will learn a lot and when she returns to the agency, we will discuss a possible promotion to account manager.”

  I am puzzled. I really don’t understand what he’s talking about. Vic sees my confusion and continues: “Sorry, James, weren’t you asking me to let you take Valentina with you to New York?”

  Silence. Harrison in New York to work for me…

  “Yes, I was thinking that, but I was planning for a different period of time.” I say, trying to hide my misunderstanding.

  “James, for three months I can spread the work among the other account managers, but not for a longer period. It would be difficult.”

  I am still digesting the idea… “Ok, Vic. Three months! But let me ask her about this first.”

  I leave his office like a sleep-walker. Harrison with me in New York? I enter my office and notice that everything is in order again. Valentina is concentrating on putting some folders back in a drawer and she doesn’t see me.

  “You almost gave me a heart attack! I didn’t hear you come in! Good morning, James”

  I adore hearing these words, with that accent that reminds me so much of my mother’s voice.

  “Good morning, Harrison” I smile at her. “Did Emma help you to fix all that mess?”

  “Actually, she is still in a state of shock and didn’t come to work today.”

  “Did you do everything by yourself?” She looks at me, nodding. “What time did you come in?”

  “Umm, at seven. I couldn’t sleep, so I caught the first train. The worst part will be to correlate all these documents in the right folders.”

  I looked at the table piled high with documents. “Ok, let’s see what we can do before lunch. This afternoon we’ll move to the conference room to work. Tomorrow your colleague will finish straightening our offices up.” She doesn’t answer. So I look at her. She’s staring at the documents in my hands. “Tina, did you hear me?”

  “Yes. I understood. I will call Emma later.”

  After lunch, I join her in the conference room. As soon as I open the door, I see two heads turning. She is with Calligaris. Her face seems confused and distressed, but when she sees me her body relaxes.

  “James, back from lunch already?” That asshole asks me.

  “As you can see, yes! And, if you don’t mind, we have a lot of work to do.” I open the door for him to signal that he needs to leave.

  “You always arrive at the wrong moment, Spencer!” He remarks, leaving the room.

  “Harrison, what’s going on?” She continues to pile the papers up, shaking her head.

  “James, I really don’t know. He acts so strangely. I can’t stand his sudden changes in behaviour. I am trying to avoid him, but he is always in my face. More than ever.” Exasperated, she explains.

  “Did you tell him clearly it’s over?”

  She freezes and squints her eyes. It takes a few seconds before she asks.

  “What is over?”

  “Your relationship with Claudio. Perhaps he didn’t understand you are finished with him.”

  “James! No romantic relationship ever existed between Claudio and me.” She says shaking her head. “Why did you think so?”

  “Well, several times I saw you and him together in intimate situations.”

  “Intimate situations? Just tell me one.”

  “Last night, after that chaos at the office, he was embracing you.”

  “Yes. You saw that right. But he was embracing me. James, believe me, there is nothing between us.” Now she’s looking down at her hands. “I am not the kind of woman that attracts men like Calligaris or—”

  So, they don’t have a relationship. Perhaps the New York idea has come at the right moment.

  “This morning Vic had a very interesting idea. Because I thought it wasn’t the right moment I haven’t talked to you yet. But now I would like you to consider it. Do you want to know what it’s about?” She nods affirmatively.

  “Last night my father proposed that I collaborate with him on an important project.”

  “James, that’s fantastic.” She touches my hand and I feel a wave of warmth throughout my body.

  “Yes, it’s good news. But I would have to return to New York in a few weeks.” Her hand withdraws suddenly. “Vic thinks it would be a great experience for you to come to United States. After three months there, you would come back here more accomplished professionally. What do you think?” Her eyes are wide open. She doesn’t jump up and down for joy.

  “My god, James. I don’t know how to answer. I have my life, my sister and my routine here. What would I do in New York for three months?”

  “Harrison, what a silly question! You would work for Global Media. My company would take care of eve
rything.” She is pondering the proposal intensely.

  “Think about it. If you have questions, please ask. On Sunday Vic and I will go back to Germany. This time Calligaris, that dickhead, is coming with us.”

  “Ok, I will think about it. I am slow digesting new scenarios and so many things have happened this month.”

  She’s right: so many changes.

  Chapter 21

  Valentina

  I am alone in the conference room. It’s silent all around me. This morning I am re-organizing the documents that were scattered all over the floor, when someone opens the door.

  “Thank god you are back. I need the computer to figure out the order of these folders—” But when I turn, I realize it’s not him, it’s Claudio. “Hi, I thought you were James.”

  “No, please. You can’t mistake me for him!” He says with an unpleasant smirk. Whatever happened to his kind smile?

  “If you need James, he should be here in a few minutes.”

  “Actually, I wanted to talk to you.” He begins touching my hand. I look into his gloomy green eyes that only a few weeks ago seemed so sweet to me.

  “You know, for some time now I have been thinking about this… that I think of you.” He continues to caress my hand.

  “Honestly, I don’t know what to say. I—”

  “Shh!” He puts a finger on my lips.

  I abruptly withdraw and say: “I am honoured to be in your thoughts, but please don’t worry about me. Last night I was deeply upset, but I’m over what’s happened. I feel fine. Poor Emma on the contrary is still in a state of shock.”

  I hope that by changing the subject, he will leave me alone.

  “If I had an assistant like you, I would find a way to thank her. But Spencer takes everything for granted.” This story again. He really can’t stand him.

  “I work for James and try to do my best. I did this for Susan and I will do the same for whoever comes next.”

  “But you have to admit, your boss is not very nice to you.” What’s he saying? He continues:

  “I bet he didn’t tell you he’s leaving soon for New York. Right? What will happen to you?” I am petrified. James is leaving. “Don’t worry, I will take care of you.”

  Luckily at that moment James opens the door and enters. After they exchange bitter words, Claudio whispers to me as he is leaving: “We will have a lot time to get to know each other after he has left. I know this will happen soon.”

  Fog. Everything that happened after this is a complete fog. I am deeply confused. James told me he’s going back to New York. La Blanche has proposed a plan that I don’t completely understand, three months away from Italy. The possibility to be with him…

  *

  As soon as I get home the first thing I do is call Marta.

  “Tina, there is nothing to think about. It’s a great opportunity for you. My little sister in New York with one of the most eligible bachelors on earth! I will subscribe to all the gossip websites to follow the events—”

  “Marta, I haven’t accepted yet. There are many aspects that need to be considered.”

  “No, wait! Don’t tell me that I have something to do with your decision.” I remain silent.

  “Are you crazy?” She yells. “Listen to me. This is a great opportunity for you. You will be back in three months anyway. Come on Tina, seize the moment!”

  “Marta, you need me now, not in three months.” I hear her laughing.

  “Actually, I will need you in eight months.”

  “What? Are you pregnant? Tell me you are pregnant!”

  “Yes, I did the test this morning, but Simon doesn’t know anything yet!” I am crying for joy.

  “Tina? Tina? Are you there?” I dry my tears with my sweater sleeve.

  “Yes, I am here… I am so happy.”

  “Sweetie, don’t cry. It’s a beautiful thing, don’t cry.” But I know she’s deeply moved too.

  “Simon is coming in right now. I have to tell him the news. I will call you later. Think about James’s proposal. Seriously. I love you.”

  “Love you too. Don’t give my brother-in-law a heart attack!”

  After dinner I spoke to my sister again. I also called my father. I spent a sleepless night pondering over the idea of three months in New York. The decision has been made.

  *

  “Good morning, Harrison. Did you sleep well?” He greets me in the office.

  “Not really, thanks to you!”

  “If it was about me, it was a good dream. I’m sure.”

  “No! I mean yes. But I didn’t dream of you, I thought of you—” What the hell am I saying?

  “I mean I thought about what you asked me yesterday—” He’s laughing and I am getting angry.

  “Are you teasing me?” He shakes his head.

  “Not at all!” But he continues laughing. “Let’s go into my office, so you can update me on your nightmares.” I swear, if he doesn’t stop teasing me, I will leave.

  “So,” he’s serious now. “Have you made your decision?”

  “I thought about it. If your proposal is still open, I accept.” He looks at me and for a second I think I catch a glimmer of joy in his silvery eyes. Just for a second.

  “Good. I am happy you decided to accept. It will be an important experience for you. Don’t worry about all the practical details, I will take care of everything.” He stands and leaves.

  The die is cast. I can’t go back. I begin to feel fear thinking of the adventure before me.

  When James returns, he has a tray with two espressos.

  “Better drink this while you can. You will hate American coffee.”

  “There must be a place in New York where one can get a decent coffee. Isn’t there?”

  He doesn’t have time to answer. His iPhone rings. Maybe this is a private call, better leave. I quickly drink my coffee and say, “I am going back to work. Thank you for the coffee”

  “Tina, thank you.”

  Chapter 22

  James

  Weeks passed quickly. We were busy finalizing the contracts and organizing my return to the United States. Before leaving for Germany, I called Matthew. I told him to prepare all the documents needed for Harrison. I also started studying the documents for the competition that my father sent to me.

  Everything went well In Germany, except for one ridiculous episode. Calligaris and I were waiting for Vic in the hotel lobby, when he aks me: “So, Spencer, did you call your girlfriend? Today is Valentine’s day.”

  “It’s none of your business.” I answer coldly.

  “I sent a little present to your assistant. Today is also her name day!”

  Fuck! Saint Valentine. I talked to her several times for business, but I didn’t think about that.

  Calligaris continues: “Don’t worry about her, Spencer. After you are gone, I will ask Vic to assign her to me, as my assistant. I am sure we will have a perfect relationship.”

  “That will be difficult, since she is coming to New York with me.” I say, sipping my Martini. I don’t look at him, but I know that smirk has disappeared from his face.

  Thanks to Calligaris’s obsessiveness we stayed in Germany longer than we planned. I am leaving for New York on the twenty-eighth and I have only a week to wrap things up in Italy.

  As soon as we land, I must call her. I check the time, she should be home by now.

  “James, how are you?”

  “Everything is fine. Just landed. Are you at home?”

  “I got off the train five minutes ago. Did you need me at the office?”

  “No… Tina, can I stop by your apartment for half an hour?” My voice is a whisper.

  “Sure. But are you ok? Your voice sounds strange.”

  “See you later.”

  *

  I parked my car in front of her building and I ring the bell more than once. Finally she opens the door. She is wearing light grey leggings and a long white t-shirt. She’s drying her hair with a towel.


  “Hi. Come on in. Sorry I made you wait, I was in the shower.”

  I enter and close the door. I don’t even look around. I take off my jacket. I left my coat and tie in the car. I come close to her and take the towel from her hands. She is still. I smell jasmine. I missed her scent. I begin to dry her hair and she doesn’t say anything. I pass the towel over her face and down to her neck where there are trickles of water. I lift her chin with one hand and force her to look at me. I recognize that sparkle of green in her brown eyes. It’s like something familiar, I don’t know why. I kiss her and feel the softness of her lips. I pull her toward me. I waited for so long. Too long. Thinking about it too much. Our tongues search and taste each other. I bring her close to me while my other hand moves down her back and then up to her neck and hair. I run my tongue between her ear and throat. Her breath pauses, then quickens when I lift the neckline of her t-shirt to caress her shoulders. I keep kissing her. My lips search for her bra strap, but don’t find it. She doesn’t wear a bra. I ache with desire. I run my hand under her t-shirt. For a moment I’m afraid I might scare her away, but her fingers are moving lightly up my arm. I want her mouth again. When I touch her breast her warm breath pauses and her mouth trembles over my lips. Her excitement is growing, her heart races and her palm hungrily explores my chest. Her fingers slip under my shirt. My skin burns from her touch. I move away just a second to pull off her t-shirt. I look at her breasts. Perfect. I kiss and suck her light brown nipples. She caresses my face then brings my lips back to her mouth. I taste her tongue. My shirt is loose, open. I smell her desire, I squeeze her and hear her heartbeat quicken. I slow down. This is not what I usually do, but tonight is different.

  I come back to her lips. The taste is sweeter. My hand slips in her leggings and moves down. Slowly. I smile as I keep teasing her tongue with mine. God, she doesn’t wear panties. My fingers want her. Her hand finds an opening through my underpants. I can’t wait another second. For too long I have wondered what it would feel like to be inside her. I move back and I see a new light in her eyes. She keeps caressing me, slowly stepping back, leading me to her bedroom. We are still entwined. It’s like a siren’s song I can’t resist. But Valentina is real.