“I remember,” I answered with a smile, forgetting myself.
Miles looked at me, his eyebrows high. My eyes went wide.
Oh, boy.
“A-at my brother’s wedding. You and MJ were having a blast on the dance floor.”
“Oh,really?” Angelica answered, chuckling as she turned back to the table to pick up the serving platters. “Vicky, you must be tired after a long day. Miles can help me with these. And thanks again for coming on such short notice.”
Handing her the two plates, I answered, “I’m happy to be here. And thank you again for the incredible dinner. I’ll reach out to you as well about the party ideas after I get Elena’s assistant, Anna, to give me a list of furniture stores to work with for delivery availability.”
“I know it will turn out perfect. And thank you for listening so attentively to MJ about her room. She’s going to be thrilled with the final result. I just know it.” She gave me a tight hug after putting down the plates and then nodded at Miles.
“Oh, yeah, let me walk you out. MJ, say goodnight,” he said.
“Night, Vicky! See you soon,” MJ called out as she headed toward the sink to help her grandmother.
“Good night,” I called back, grabbing my purse from where it hung on my chair and followed Miles to the door. He held it open and smiled nervously.
“Thanks for everything, Vicky. Sounds like you were exactly who I needed.”
My eyes met his, all four wide at his statement.
“I mean, you’re perfect for the house. Formyhouse. Ugh,” he groaned.
There was no stopping the burst of laughter that came from my mouth, and I instantly covered it up. “I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to laugh.”
He tapped his forehead with his palm and shuffled his feet. “Hopefully, I can keep from embarrassing myself at some point. You’re perfect for the job.”
Nodding and still smiling, I answered, “Thanks for the opportunity. Anna will reach out to you about the contract. Talk to you soon.”
He watched until I got into my rented Honda Civic hatchback, not moving until I pulled out of his driveway and waved.
Taking a deep breath, I headed back to the city and my loft. Sofia had warned me about the crazy freeways here in San Diego, but being young and adventurous, I ignored her. Even though I was proud of my sudden courage, I clutched the steering wheel until my knuckles turned white every time I got in.
Luckily, traffic wasn’t too heavy on my way back downtown. Navigating through the city and the parking garage attached to my loft, which Elena had arranged for me, was tricky, but having driven in Rome for years, I managed it. My neck and shoulders were tight, like they always were when I drove. Rolling my head back and forth for relief, I pressed the button for the fourth floor on the parking garage elevator. I was glad I could walk to work, but a car was an absolute necessity when working with clients.
At my loft, I tapped the numbers into the keypad. A sharp beep sounded, the lock released, and I stepped into the small space. It was just perfect for me, and I was so grateful for everything Elena had done. She was the epitome of a girl boss and Ren and I wanted to emulate her every move. Anna was a great help as well, but Elena was who I looked up to for inspiration.
I’d left the window shades open and a lamp on before I headed toMiles’ house after work, and I was grateful not to come home to a dark house.
Hanging my purse on the hook by the door, I took out my phone and checked the time. It was too early in Rome to call Ren, but I longed to tell her about the interesting evening. She was the only one who knew about my crush, and she made me promise to call when I finally saw Miles.
But I knew Mama was up early, waiting for my video call. Dialing the number, I sat on the sofa, calming my earlier thoughts of the strange encounter with Miles.
“Tesoro! Do I have to pretend I don’t miss you?” Mama asked, with a sad smile.
Chuckling, I said, “No, I won’t if you won’t. I miss you too. So much.”
“I feel like it’s been so long since I spoke to you.”
“Mama,” I warned. “No making me feel guilty. We’ve spoken twice in the ten days since I got here.”
“Well, I’m an Italian mama. I can’t help but worry. You look good,” she said. “It must be getting late there, though.”
Stifling a yawn, I answered, “Not too late. It has been hectic. Elena and her assistant Anna have been so kind to me. And they’re still praising me for getting a client so soon. Angelica has been fun to work with. I got to meet her son Miles tonight. It’s his house I’ll be working on.”
“Yes, I remember him from your brother’s wedding. His daughter is adorable.”
