Finding You Page 13

  “It was interesting to see him at work. He is smart and there is also a warm human side to him. He knows how to obtain trust and co-operation from the people who work for him.”

  I told my father about my work at the agency and my impressions of Italy. We didn’t talk at all about our future project together. I was surprised. I thought that was the only subject we had in common. But even more peculiar was to hear him talking about his memories of when he was in Milan with my mother. He hasn’t talked to me about her in a long time. A miracle.

  During dinner I hear the sound of a message arriving on my cell phone. I take it out of my pocket. It’s a text from Tina.

  Do you know you are younger by six hours? It’s unfair! Goodnight.

  She makes me laugh. She’s crazy, it’s three in the morning in Italy!

  “Good news?” Asks my father.

  “It’s my assistant. Sometimes she says smart and funny things which make me laugh.”

  “My god, you just arrived and already you found an assistant?”

  “In reality Valentina was my assistant at the agency in Italy. Vic thought that some experience in New York would be important for her professional growth. He suggested I bring her to Global Media for a period to work for us. But she won’t be here for almost a month.” I sigh without thinking.

  “Do you plan to hire someone here in the meantime?”

  “I didn’t think about that. I had so many other things to organize before leaving Italy. Tomorrow I will look into that.”

  “There is a young woman in our office who could act as your assistant. She just got her degree, but she seems well organized and competent. If you want, I can ask her to help you temporarily. Her name is Natalie Taylor and I believe she would like to work at a communications company like yours.

  “Ok. Ask her if she can start on Monday. Until Harrison’s arrival I need to manage the situation somehow.” My father is looking at me in a curious way. “Why do you look at me like this? Did I say something funny?”

  “It’s not what you said, it’s the way you said it. You are different, Jamie. I noticed this as soon as you stepped through the door. I would like to know who to thank for your change. I have a feeling I will find out in a few weeks.”

  I don’t reply. I wouldn’t know what to say.

  *

  The next day it’s really hard to get out of bed early, but this is my first day at work. It’s already Friday, I can rest this weekend. Since I acquired Global Media the employees haven’t seen much of me, only the day I was introduced as the new owner. Probably they consider Matthew more their boss than me. But I have to admit, he did a great job, and he carefully followed my directions. Every evening, when I was in Italy, he sent me an email report. I promptly read it and sent it back to him with notes and suggestions. We were a good team. Yet, the last two weeks I was in Europe, I wasn’t so punctual… She was always on my mind. It’s 8:00 p.m. in Italy now, she should be home. Finally I can call her.

  “Hello?” She doesn’t recognize this number.

  “Harrison, you are beginning to lose it! Didn’t you expect me to call you at this time?”

  “James.”

  “Hello?” Silence. I begin to worry. “Tina, are you ok?”

  “Yes, sorry, everything is fine. It’s only that—” A long moment of silence again. “I’m happy to hear your voice.”

  “Are you sure it’s all ok. You sound odd and I don’t like it.” I say.

  “The truth is… I miss you. There it is! I said it. Forgive me, but you wanted to know. I am stupid.”

  I smile. First she can’t speak, now she can’t stop.

  “Since I woke up this morning I have wanted to call you, just to wish you goodnight. Maybe we are both stupid.” I hear her laughing. “And I miss you too.” What the hell am I saying? “Work is crazy without you.” I try to change the subject.

  “Spencer, I don’t believe you. I know you are a perfectionist! I am sure you are already well organized.”

  *

  The first weekend at home has arrived. It’s Saturday evening and Matthew insists that I get out. Until yesterday I was dead tired, but I slept several hours today. Rest and an hour at the gym made me feel much better. Matt comes to pick me up. I already know we will go to Fire. As soon as I arrive I feel something different about the place. Yet the club is the same: loud music, the long counter where the barmen are showing off while mixing exotic cocktails, sexy women barely dressed and men looking for adventure. So am I? Not exactly.

  Matthew has already disappeared to greet some people. I go to the bar to order a scotch. While I am waiting I feel someone touching my shoulder. I turn and Eva gives me a french kiss. She stops only when I step back. Smiling she tries to clean lipstick off my lips, but I don’t let her do it.

  “I can do it myself. Thanks.” I look at her. Little black dress to emphasize her light blonde hair, even longer than last time I saw her.

  “James, it’s wonderful seeing you! When Matt told me you were coming back earlier, I couldn’t believe it… So, you were able to crawl out of that hole!”

  “Well, now you call it a hole, but I am convinced you would have given anything to come with me to Italy, before I left.” She is getting angry, I know her. But I continue and don’t let her re-act and, “Eventually it was a great experience. I was sorry to leave.”

  “Honey, I feel you will be happy to be back before the end of the evening.”

  She comes closer and moves her fingers on my chest. She is really beautiful, but being touched by her doesn’t thrill me any more. I let her kiss me again. Nothing. I don’t feel a thing. I feel indifferent, maybe a little annoyed.

  “At my place or at the hotel?” She asks me smiling.

  “I am going home. You go wherever you want.” I see her face changing, from smile to smirk. She sharply turns away. Probably looking for the second victim on her list.

  I finish my scotch and tell Matthew I will take a taxi. On the way home I receive a text from Harrison.

  It’s seven in the morning here, it’s night in N.Y. Maybe you are sleeping already or out and about with friends. Wherever you are, good night, James.

  *

  Monday morning I arrive late at Global Media. I had forgotten about New York’s crazy traffic. There is a girl seated outside my office. She must be the girl sent by my father. The first thing I notice is her incredibly high heels. I wonder how she can walk. She wears a coral red skirt with a deep slit and a jacket of the same colour. She is pretty. Long dark hair and brown eyes.

  “Good morning, Natalie Taylor?” I ask.

  She smiles extending her hand. “James Spencer, I presume.”

  “Exactly. Please, come in.” I sit and show her the chair in front of me.

  “I think my father already explained to you that I need someone to help me. Mostly you will answer calls, set up meetings for me and write emails. At least until my assistant arrives from Italy.”

  “I am the right person for you, Mr Spencer. I am very organized in everything I do. I am sure I would be a great addition to your company.” She says.

  “So, welcome aboard! Since I encourage less formal relationships with all my employees, if you don’t mind, you can call me James.”

  “Absolutely, James. You can call me Nat.”

  “Ok, Nat. First thing you should do, is to go to Human Resources and pick up your badge. Then come back here. I have several emails I want to send.”

  She stands up, but before leaving she adds: “Thank you for the opportunity. You will soon realize that I learn fast and I can be a great assistant for you.”

  Chapter 27

  Valentina

  It’s Saturday morning and I am locked in the bathroom at the airport. I board in half an hour. I checked one bag in, the other was sent to New York a week ago. In nine hours I will see him again. I keep my purse close to me and I checked the contents at least ten times to be sure I have everything.

  I go to wash my hands in the sin
k and don’t recognize them. I look at myself in the mirror and don’t recognize my face. I look down to re-read James’s text that I read at least twenty times!

  I will see you on the other side of the world. I can’t wait. Safe travels. J.

  I look at myself one last time in the mirror. I take my purse and, overwhelmed by fear and doubt, I bravely head to the gate.

  *

  Thank god my trip went without any crisis. I’m going toward the baggage claim, when I hear the sound of an incoming message on my cell phone.

  I followed your trip on the web and I see you have landed. Hope it wasn’t too bad. I have to confess I’m not in New York, but in Boston for a meeting. Outside my friend Matthew is waiting for you. I called him and he confirmed that he is already there. Look for a sign with your name. He will bring you to my apartment. I should be back tomorrow. I found out about this at the last minute. Forgive me if I didn’t tell you earlier, I was afraid to add stress to your fear of travelling. Now I need to go. I will call you later, keep your cell phone on. Make yourself at home and rest. A kiss. J.

  “Damn!” I can’t believe this, he’s not here. It’s not a good start.

  I put my phone back in my purse and while waiting for my luggage, I am pacing back and forth like a tiger in a cage. I feel so disappointed. He promised me he would come to the airport. What makes me feel even more stupid is that I dressed up for him. The noise of the baggage belt moving brings me back to the present. After a few minutes I see my bag. I extend my hand to take it, when another hand grabs it.

  “This is your bag, right?” A man near me asks in Italian. “Do you have more?”

  “No. Only this. Thank you very much. You’ve been very kind.” I think he’s not only kind, he’s also very handsome.

  “You are welcome. It’s always a pleasure to help a woman, especially someone as beautiful as you.” Is he teasing me? He seems serious.

  “Thanks again!” and I move toward the exit, feeling his eyes following me. Walking unstably on my high heels, I think, wouldn’t it be great to fall in the middle of JFK airport?

  I look for a sign with my name, but there are too many people.

  “Valentina?” I hear a stranger calling me. I look at the tall man in front of me. Dark hair with interesting Asian features.

  “Umm, Matthew?” I ask. He smiles and shakes my hand. I am relieved he found me in this crowd.

  “Nice to meet you. Give me your bag.” I would also like to take off these high heel shoes and walk bare foot! “Come. Let’s get out of here. Unfortunately this is Designer’s Week and the city is especially crowded.”

  He’s the one who begins the conversation in the car. “How was the flight? James told me to check on you, because you are afraid of flying.” Did James tell everybody about my fear? When I see him, he will hear what I have to say!

  “Not so bad. I was expecting worse. I slept for seven hours like a baby!” It would have been better to find my boss when I arrived, instead of his friend. But of course I can’t say this.

  His iPhone rings. “O’Sullivan.” He laughs. “Don’t worry. I found her immediately, she’s here with me. Yes, she’s fine—” He takes away the earphone and turns to me: “That was James. He wanted to know if I did my job. I am sure he had to pretend to go to the bathroom to call us. Those kind of meetings are a nightmare. You can’t move without asking for permission. It’s like being back in high school again!”

  I am surprised seeing New York again. I visited it with my parents when I was a teenager. I don’t remember anything. Matthew is very nice and he points out important buildings to me. Here is Central Park, perhaps the only place I vaguely remember. He turns onto a street perpendicular to the park and with a remote control he opens a huge garage door. After a series of curves going down, he stops and parks the car. We have arrived.

  Jesus! My whole apartment is the same size as this living room. It’s all dark wood and steel, the look is very manly. But the most beautiful thing is the view of Central Park. Wonderful!

  “Beautiful view, isn’t it?” Matthew comments.

  “Fantastic.”

  “Now it’s nothing. You must see it when it’s all white, covered by snow or when it’s totally lush and green.” He moves toward the table and hands me a large envelope.

  “James told me to give you this. There are copies of all the keys and the codes to the building. Nancy, the house maid, left a dinner for you in the fridge. She will not be back until Monday, but James should be back tomorrow. There is a concierge on duty all day and night, it’s a very safe building. This is my telephone number, I live a few blocks away, if you need anything, please call me. Ok?”

  I wonder what James told him about me. “Matthew, thank you very much and sorry for the trouble.”

  “Don’t mention it! It was a pleasure and James would be very upset with me, if something happened to you while he is away.” His last words echoing in my head.

  Before leaving he shows me my bedroom with a beautiful bathroom. I know this is temporary accommodation, until I find a place of my own.

  This room is huge with spectacular views of the park. It’s the only room furnished with light wood and pastel colours. In fact it reminds me a little of my own apartment. The bag I sent from Italy is already here, near the bed. A bed! I throw myself on it, too tired to do anything else. I open the envelope James left for me. There is a letter with detailed instructions as to how to get in and out of the apartment, which now seems to me more impregnable than the White House! Is that all? Instructions, codes, emergency numbers… Tina, what did you expect? Unfortunately, I suspect, I placed too many expectations on this trip, in part because of my crazy, enthusiastic sister’s encouragement.

  One hour later I unpack and organize my things, trying to use as little space as possible. What worries me is that I don’t recognize my stuff any more. Everything is new: clothes, shoes, even the underwear. But now I can finally wear something comfortable. I remove my make-up, take a shower, dry my hair and eventually I begin to recognize myself. I check my cell phone. Nothing. I wander around the apartment. The living room, that I already know, another guest bedroom with bathroom, this one more masculine in style like the rest of the apartment. A library with a fireplace and sofa. His study is in perfect order. I try his black leather desk chair which engulfs me. Very comfortable. The desk is empty, not even a pen out of place. He is a control freak. I continue my tour. I find a generous walk-in closet and a gym well equipped with several machines. Last room. Must be his bedroom. I remain on the threshold, I don’t want to enter it. I look at the huge bed and feel a pang in my heart. Sighing I close the door. It’s almost dinner time, I go to the kitchen and take something out of the refrigerator. A delicious chicken salad. A little consolation.

  I switch on the TV, which of course is giant like the rest of his home. I don’t know if it’s because of the boring show I was watching or because the sofa is so comfortable, but I wake up on the couch and it’s already morning.

  I have breakfast in the kitchen with milk and toast. I look at my cell phone: no news. And now? I am in New York and it’s a sunny day, what’s better than a walk in Central Park? I hear Marta’s words resonating in my head. ‘Take care of yourself. You must be your best every day and find time for yourself.’ So I put on some make-up, I fix my hair as best as I can and dress myself. I have to admit, when I feel beautiful, I move more confidently among people. After half an hour I look at myself in the mirror and the result is not too bad. I put all the codes, keys, remote control and my iPhone in my purse.

  I pass in front of the concierge who greets me warmly. So I introduce myself. His name is Charlie and he explains to me how not to get lost in the park. I walk slowly among old trees, I’m not in a hurry. At some point I check my phone and see several missed calls. The ring tone was on low. When I turn it up, the phone rings.

  Chapter 28

  James

  I returned home and didn’t find her. That scared me. She didn�
��t answer her cell phone either.

  “Charlie, did you see a young woman going out this morning? She is my guest.”

  “Do you mean Ms Harrison?” I wonder how he knows her name.

  “Yes, exactly her.” I reply almost irritated.

  “She asked me where the closest entrance to the park was. She left about two hours ago.”

  Central Park? Does she think Central Park in New York is the Varese gardens? I walk toward the entrance Charlie recommended to her. I call her again.

  “Hello.” Finally she answers.

  “Harrison, what were you thinking? You risk getting lost walking around the park by yourself—” I yell on the phone. “Where are you now?”

  “Good morning, James!” Does she intend to be funny?

  “Tina, all morning I’ve been looking for you and you didn’t even answer your phone. I was worried, so at least don’t be ironic!”

  “Sorry,” She stammers. “I didn’t want to worry you. I’m fine. How do you know that I am in Central Park?”

  I breathe deeply trying to keep calm.

  “I asked the concierge, after looking for you throughout the apartment and calling you several times.” I sigh. “Listen, do you remember the pond you passed when you entered the park? Do you know how to get back there? Well, I will wait for you there.”

  “I was already coming back. I should be there in ten minutes.” She replies slightly miffed.

  “Ok. I’ll wait for you.” And I walk towards the spot I indicated to her. I sit on a bench. I check the time and ten minutes have passed. I look around but no trace of Harrison. Why don’t women have a sense of time? The phone rings.

  “Harrison, did you get lost?”

  “Hi, James. This is Natalie.” What does she want now?

  “Sorry, but I am waiting for an important call.” I keep looking around but I don’t see her.

  “Sorry to bother you, but I just wanted to know if tomorrow you need my help with that report. I think that the new assistant will need a few days to understand how things work here.”