“You might have to get a vase too,” Carmine replied. “Unless there’s one in the bathroom.”
She frowned at him. “How likely do you think that is?”
Carmine shared her frustration. He’d been aghast at the prices of office real estate in the centre of Manchester. He’d considered going out of town but decided he had to be as convenient as possible to his customers. At least until he’d built a reputation.
“It’s only temporary,” he replied. “A few decent clients like this soccer?—”
“Football.”
“This football star and we’ll be flying. Then I promise you working conditions fit for the princess you are.”
Samantha flopped down in her chair. “If that’s the deal, then I’ll buy a scented candle too. This place still stinks.”
The previous occupants had been tech nerds. It appeared that smoking weed had been on the agenda most days. There was still a faint whiff despite having the windows open for as long as they could bear most days. The cold forcing them to close them eventually.
“Good idea. Perhaps I should get you a date with this footballer. You know, to distract him.”
Samantha dropped the pen she’d been fiddling with.
“Are you dead?”
“What do you mean?”
“That’s the only explanation. Noah Farman is one of the gay musketeers.”
Carmine stopped.
“The what?”
“That’s what the press call them. Surely your dad has told you about what’s been going on at Brockton?”
Now she mentioned it, Stefano had been banging on about the influx of gay players in his local team. Brockton FC had been customers of La Piazza since they opened. Of course, Stefano was still a huge fan. Although he did lament that some of his customers were not happy about the changes at the club.
“I couldn’t care less,” Carmine said. “As long as his money’s good, this is a great chance at getting my name out there.”
Samantha’s mobile rang out. Carmine flinched.
“Erm, remember the rule? No phones during work time.”
She raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t think you meant it.”
“Why would I say it if I didn’t mean it? I hate phones in the office.”
The phone rang out. Samantha sighed.
“I don’t mind you checking it…”
“How simply marvellous of you.”
Everyone he’d worked with in Los Angeles had been happy to adopt this rule. Whilst he hadn’t been the ultimate boss, he had risen highly enough in the architecture practice that his word was followed. As he watched Samantha fiddling with her phone, he suspected those days were long gone.
“Who was it?”
“Oh some guy. Nothing important.”
“Am I being too heavy-handed?”
Samantha grinned at him. “You’re trying your best. It’s quite sweet really. Don’t worry, we’ll soon settle in with each other.”
