I made less than a hundred euros adayat the café.
“Is that too little?” she asked, wincing. “I’m trying to keep costs down until the store opens – ”
“No, it’s fine,” I said in shock. “It’smorethan generous.”
“So you’ll do it?”
“…uh… okay…”
“Wonderful!” she said, erupting in glee like a little girl who’d just gotten a pony for her birthday. “Do you think you could come over to the store after work today? Maybe try on some dresses so we can get them tailored for you specifically?”
“I… you said Giorgio’s not working at the shop?” I said, wanting to make sure it wouldn’t be awkward.
“No, he’s at my brother-in-law’s house out in Tuscany.”
I felt both immense relief and crushing disappointment at the same time.
But at least I could do the modeling.
“I get off at 3 PM, if that works for you,” I said.
“That’s perfect!” She stuck out her hand. “I’m Bianca, by the way!”
“Emilia,” I said as we shook.
“Wonderful! Thank you so much, Emilia! I’ll see you at three!”
Then she waved, smiling, as she turned and exited the café.
I just stood there, bewildered.
What the hell just happened?
30
Giorgio
Bianca came through for me. Adriano reassigned me to Don Rosolini’s mansion.
“Didn’t work out with the barista, huh?” he asked.
“No.”
“Sorry, man,” he said as he slapped my shoulder.
And amazingly, that was all he said about it.
For eight hours a day, I pulled guard duty at the Rosolini estate. I also put in a couple of hours helping Lars train the new foot soldiers. When the simulator was available, I grabbed some driving time.
On the surface, it was a huge step down from my position as Adriano’s right-hand man –
But it was an enormous relief.
And it felt like I was back home.
After all, I’d lived at the mansion for eight months before Adriano had me move to Florence.
I was back amongst good people and familiar faces. Not to mention Caterina’s incredible cooking.
