CHAPTER 39

The instant the vehicle stops in front of the large restaurant where we would be having dinner with Alejandro, Lisa's hands are balled into a fist out of anxiety.

He phoned this evening to arrange a meeting with my wife and myself at this Italian restaurant since he couldn't keep the 2 pm arrangement.

I believe that doing this will introduce them to one another. One of the people that urged me to get married is Alejandro, who is also a buddy. Before we ever met, I informed him I wasn't interested in being matched up with his sister despite his best efforts.

I attempted to persuade Lisa that I wanted her to wear something good since now that he is interested in meeting Lisa, I want him to be impressed.

I was unable to do so because of my regret over what I had done to her beside the pool. Since I left her at the poolside, we have not spoken once, and I have a suspicion that she is upset with me.

She doesn't seem angry, but I can tell she is. Even while we were working together, she was used to acting like she wasn't upset.

If she is upset with her supervisor, how can she tell him without being fired?

She didn't let me down with her clothing, I guess. She is dressed in a long, lavender gown with ruffles. I like the dress, and it has a basic, timeless appearance.

She has downswept hair and silver earrings, but I can't see her shoes since the skirt is long enough to conceal her feet.

Jude points to the rearview mirror and says, "We are here, sir."

I feel Lisa's balled fist as soon as I hear her huff out air. She tenses up.

"Calm down, ok?" She hears what I say and nods after a few period without looking at me.

"Alejandro is a far-off friend; act normally, please." She nods once more.

Without leaving the room, I sighed and looked out the window. When we are out in public or she is ready to meet someone, Lisa has to constantly act like she is someone else.

I am aware that my hand is still in hers as she attempts to remove hers. I look her way. "I'm sorry as well,"

She eagerly nods. She lets go of my hand and waves me away, saying, "It's fine, it's fine, please." "Open the car door for me, Jude," you said.

Jude nods and steps out of the vehicle to help her unlock the door. She exits, and I myself unlock the other door so I may exit the vehicle.

I'm dressed in a slim-fit grey suit and brown Italian leather Tomasso shoes. I go ahead and cross over to where Lisa is waiting.

She doesn't grin back when I give her a quick wink. That grin is intended to calm her anxiety since I can still see how anxious she is.

I extend my right arm for her to take, and she does so without giving it any more consideration.

Jude waits in the vehicle as we start to make our way towards the entrance. We enter when the door is opened from the inside.

I'm delighted Alejandro made a reservation for the whole space for us. Now that we are the only ones here, Lisa will be less nervous.

It didn't take me very long to find him. He stands up and waves for us to pay attention, and we go ahead until we reach the VIP area, where he is already seated.

He grinned at me and said, "Ciao amico (Hello buddy)" before giving me a hug. I give a little laugh at the gesture and go away.

He turns to face Lisa, who greets him by making a little bow. Hello to my friend's wife, "Ciao alla moglie del mio amico"

Instead, she says, "Good day, sir," drawing his attention back to me.

I ask before he can respond. "May we sit?"

"Of course, please sit, Lisa Russell," he says with a sly grin on his face as she accepts his invitation to join him.

"Wow!" He seems astonished, and I see him observing Lisa. He mouths at me as she grins. She is stunning.

The words "thank you" I giggle as Lisa and I chime in.

Actually, I anticipated this. With someone as attractive as she is, I kind of expected you to wed her. Do you have Italian-born parents?

I am aware of his fascination with her. They may have crossed paths once or twice when he traveled from Italy to New York for a business convention. She was my assistant. He doesn't often go to New York. He's here strictly on business.

I'm not sure whether I should mention to him that Lisa seems familiar since she was formerly my Assistant now that he appears pleased with my choice of women.

Maybe this wouldn't be an issue if I had chosen a complete stranger.

"No, sir. I've lived in America my whole life, she says quietly, flashing a modest smile.

Amazing, really? Not Italian, are you? Which last name do you have?

She responds "Rodriguez" with yet another beaming grin that lights up her face. I look at her and wonder whether she is really grinning or just trying to be sincere. If she is still upset with me, I want to know. Even though I'm not allowed to care, I do.

"Rodriguez?" His eyes enlarge. "I knew you were from Italy,"

"Yes, I am, but I was born in America. I wish she wouldn't remark, "My parents have been here for so long," that. Alejandro detests visiting this country for any reason other than business since he greatly likes Italians over Americans.

He constantly waves it aside when I say the same thing to him, complimenting me on being an Italian instead.

He had a disapproving frown on his face. You know, you should go to Italy one of these days.

Certainly, I will. Lisa nods in agreement. She seemed to like him as well. He is attractive and has a pleasant disposition. He was divorced twice and married twice. He yet continues to support marriage.

"Really?"

You want to visit Italy, right? In order to grab Lisa's attention as well, I ask. She turns to face me, her gaze unflagging.

"I do, of course. She starts to continue, but is cut off by his gasp, "It has always been my ambition to travel to Verona. He quickly snatches her hand off the table.

"Julietta, the city?"

"Julietta?" Lisa furrows her brow in perplexity.

I add, "Romeo and Juliet", and she nods in agreement.

"Yes. It is known as the "love city." She murmurs, "I want to know what it feels like to remain there and experience love. She seemed to want to speak more but remains silent.

She wanted to find love in Verona? What is she trying to say with that?

"Love? You want to travel with your hubby, right? Lisa supports Alejandro's request when he makes it again.

She says, "It will be so nice to go there with him," and I grin. So much for acting fake.

As soon as I start to believe they would change the subject and say anything else, he says once again, "You should come in October." I'm happy to hear that your wife like her house, and if you come by, I'd be happy to give you a tour.

I slap my forehead. Alex, I don't believe that will be achievable.

Naturally, it will. Are you sure you didn't take a honeymoon? I gag as he suddenly strikes me. "You need to finish this for her. Make her fantasy a reality.

He stares at Lisa again while still holding her hands while I remain silent. The question is, "Where else would you like to go?"

She gives you a long, serious gaze before responding. Tuscany and Venice.

"Ah!" He seemed content. "I see. You need to visit Florence as well and sample the pasta there. It is just as fantastic as New York's, but once you've had it, I guarantee you won't want to go back.

Both of them chuckle.

I comment, feeling left out. You don't want my wife to return home to be with me, right?

They look at the query, and I put my hand on Lisa's back. She stiffens once more.

"No. She definitely will. I just wish she wouldn't.

Once again, they both chuckle.

Before I can continue, the waiter enters with the menu.

He sets the three menus on the table and bows slightly to say, "Buona sera a tutti voi (Good day to you all). The question "What would you like to order?"

Alessandra triumphantly beams "Buonasera, chef" and takes the menu in her hand. I'm sitting down and looking at him and Lisa with my arms folded. She is focusing intently on the menu as well, not realizing that I am not doing the same.

I'm not sure why I'm angry without cause.

Before turning to face me, she lowers the menu and puts her order, followed by Alejandro. Damien, how are you doing?

"I will. I respond, "I'll order the same thing as you," and she instructs the waiter to order it for us.

I sit back and watch them again in awe and with my arms crossed as the waiter quickly leaves with the menus, and they go on their talk.