“Remember our conversation,” Fran called after her. Disa didn’t look back.
“Forgive her,” Fran told Aida. “She loves to sow a bit of discord. Now then, where were we...” She drummed her fingers on the table.
Aida’s thoughts briefly flitted to Graham, her soon-to-be husband. “And what about my partner?”
“Of course, he will be able to join you once the trial period is up. He’ll be subject to our NDAs around the nature of the work you do. We will also employ our services to help him find suitable employment.”
“That’s generous,” Aida said cautiously, tucking away her real intention—accept the role for three months as a trial and then gracefully exit.
“Lady Ozie has the means to be generous.”
“I have to say, this is an unusual interview. You haven’t asked me any questions,” Aida noted.
“This isn’t an interview. We’re offering you the position,” Fran clarified with a confident smile. “We’ve conducted an extensive background check and are convinced you’re the ideal candidate for this role. Your work speaks for itself. We expect you to prove us right during the next three months. Also, on the publishing front, we have some connections that might interest you.” A subtle offer hung in the air. “And we hope this new role will inspire more books.”
Aida wasn’t sure what Fran meant byconnections. It sounded both intriguing and fishy at the same time.
“Well,” Aida said, gathering courage. She had never liked the monetary negotiation part of the job process, but it was better to get to the point. “You haven’t mentioned the salary.”
Fran flashed her a brilliant smile. “Yes, the money. It always comes down to that, although I suspect with all living costs included, the additional amenities, plus love for the type of work you are doing, the salary might seem secondary.”
Aida thought of the astronomical amount of credit card and wedding debt weighing on her, but instead of objecting, she offered Fran a patient smile.
“We are prepared to offer you four hundred thousand US dollars per annum.”
Aida’s jaw dropped before she could catch herself. “I’m not sure I heard you right,” she finally said, her heart racing.
“You heard right, Miss Reale. Lady Ozie values the work and compensates accordingly.”
“I... uh, I’m not sure what to say. This sounds too good to be true.”
“It is good, and I also assure you, it’s true. You will begin work right away. We’ll also provide you with a twenty-five-thousand-dollar signing bonus to help you wrap up any affairs in Boston before you are sent to Rome.”
But $25,000...Dear god, she thought to herself. That would stave off worries she had about paying for the wedding. And the salary, on top of all living expenses paid? She could research and write solely for the joy of it, her financial concerns silenced in one stroke.
But a tremor of hesitation shook her resolve. The money was more than enough for both her and Graham. Technically, he could leave his teaching job; they could start a new life in Rome together. Yet the thought lingered uncomfortably in her mind—did she really want that? Would he want that? Grahamloved teaching physics with a passion, and aside from words likespaghettiandespresso, he didn’t know a lick of Italian.
She imagined him in Rome, restless without the structure of his classroom and the intellectual challenge that came with it. Graham was a man who thrived on puzzles and equations, the kind of person who needed a purpose to channel his energy. Without the ability to teach, what would he do with himself all day? Sure, he could learn the language, but that would take time—time during which he might feel like an outsider, disconnected from the very things that gave his life meaning.
Pushing those swirling thoughts aside, Aida tried to refocus on Fran’s words.
Fran seemed to pick up on her unease. “While we don’t expect you to decide right now, if you’re interested in the role, we’ll need the signed contract submitted by this next Wednesday. The position starts with a three-month trial period to ensure a mutual fit. If all goes well, you’ll then sign a five-year extension.”
Next Wednesday. That was only a few days away. Aida stared at the bowl with its golden apple just a few feet away. The apple, with its brilliant shine, almost appeared as though it were truly coated with the precious metal.
“Miss Reale, are you all right?” Fran’s voice cut through her thoughts.
“I am. I’m just a little stunned. I need time to consider this.”
“As expected. You’ll find several items from MODA when you next check your email. First, a reminder of the NDA you signed, which emphasizes that this conversation and anything related to Lady Ozie and the organization must remain confidential. We expect that your fiancé will be part of your life in Rome, and as such, he will also be required to sign a separate NDA, allowing you to discuss certain aspects of your work with him within strict limits. For anyone else, you can tell them that you’ve taken a position involving research on Italian antiquities. It’s truthful and should satisfy any curiosity without breaching confidentiality.” Fran paused, ensuring Aida was following. “Additionally, you’ll find a link to a site with pictures and details of the palazzo in Rome where you’ll be living, along with the contract to sign electronically.”
“IfI take this position,” Aida said firmly.
“Of course. But I’m confident you will,” Fran replied with a small knowing smile.
The offer was undeniably alluring, but Aida felt a pang of conflict.
“I need to consider how this would fit into my life, especially since my fiancé is a high school teacher and can’t easily relocate.”
