“Miles, Mr. Norton wants you to call him immediately. The building manager says you still haven’t sent him that last form, and Jody called out. We’re short a programmer,” my office manager, Susan, said in rapid-fire.
I was fortunate that she was among those moving with us. She was a straightforward, no-nonsense, by-the-book employee I would be lost without. If only I could get her to smile every now and then, I’d know I had succeeded where no one had. I loved teasing her, but she never tookthe bait, seeming to barely tolerate me at best. Deep down, I knew she cared for me. Her loyalty conveyed more than words.
Walking into my office and setting everything down, I said, “I’ll call Mr. Norton before lunch. Tell the building manager to check his spam folder. I sent that form two days ago, and I’ll fill in for Jody. Just give me a few minutes to settle and make that call.”
“Done.” She walked out, tablet in hand, already handling my requests.
I noisily plopped down onto my chair, causing it to spin, as I grabbed my now-cold burrito. I wolfed it down with a few swallows of coffee, glad to at least have some sustenance in me for what was shaping up to be another hectic day. Looking around at the boxes along the walls, the reality that everything was about to change hit me square in the face.
My tech company, E-Health, was thriving after the early years of struggle. We had developed an app that helped patients easily navigate their healthcare.
After my grandmother, Nana Chiara, fell ill, I knew I wanted to shift away from flashy apps that helped no one and instead created one that even older adults could understand. It served as a portal to their doctors and test results, and a resource for healthy solutions. I also created a way for patients to find and join local clubs and organizations that emphasized health and wellness.
My brother Luke’s organic cosmetic company, Earth Organix, originated from Nana Chiara’s unique cream blends. When she passed away several years earlier from an aggressive form of skin cancer, our family was devastated.
As if I’d summoned him, I laughed when my phone buzzed, and I saw Luke’s goofy picture on his contact info. I was still cackling when I answered.
“When are you going to change that stupid picture of me on your phone, man?” he asked, knowing exactly why I was laughing.
Taking a breath to calm myself, I said, “Never. It makes my day every time you call.”
“MJ better know how much I love her to have let her do that to my hair. It took Sofia an hour to get all those tiny rubber bands out,” he said, finally giving in to a chuckle.
“She does have you wrapped around her little finger.” Switching to my AirPods so I could work, I asked, “So, what’s up?”
“Just checking in. All set for the big move? You won’t let me help, so I don’t know what’s still left to do.”
“I’ve got it, little brother. It’s all taken care of. The movers areconfirmed, and our flight is booked. Still planning to be there when we arrive?”
“Wouldn’t miss it. Sofia and I will probably have to fight Mom and Dad to pick you up. Did you look into that school I sent you info on?” he asked. I could hear Sofia in the background telling him to stop asking me.
“Stop trying to spend your money on my kid and me. I don’t think MJ would thrive in a snooty school like that. I’ve made some calls, and I’m pretty sure where I want her to go. I am successful, you do know that right?” I grumbled, taking a sip of coffee.
With a heavy sigh, he answered, “Fine, fine. Do it your way. Just know that we’re here. Or at least for the first month after you get here. There’s something big happening at Aura that needs Sofia’s attention in Positano.”
“Mom told me, and don’t worry about it. She and Dad will help out after you guys leave. Still enjoying your switch from CEO to Board Chair?” Earth Organix had been his sole focus until Sofia came back into his life.
“It’s different, but yes. I’m loving the freedom to come and go to Italy with Sof.”
“I’m so jealous. I can’t wait to go back.”
“Yeah, everyone missed you the last time we all got together.” His voice turned almost sinister as he said, “You knowwhowas there last time. I think I told you, but justhadto mention it again,” he teased.
No, no you didn’t.
Blowing out a loud breath, I answered, “Don’t start, Luke. Not going there. She’s too young.”
“Eh, look at me and Sof. I’m younger than her.”
“Scandalous,” I said in a mocking tone, making him laugh.
Wanting to pull the conversation away from the gorgeous woman in Rome my brother was referring to, I added, “Anyway, MJ’s going to have a great summer. Think of all thezootrips you can make with her while I’m settling at the office.” I smirked as I waited for the explosion.
“Ijustdon’t understand why kids want totouchyou and talk to you when you don’t even know them. And those smelly animals. So gross. Don’t get me started on the food there. Plastic seats on those buses. Long lines, ugh.” I bit my lip not to laugh out loud at my brother’s hatred of the zoo.
“Don’t you think when your kid is born, he or she is going to want to go to the zoo, Lukey?”
He groaned, and I knew he was about a minute from hanging up. Changing the subject, I said, “Yeah, well, all that aside, you really need tostop this stuff with Vicky. I told you about the glare her brother Enzo gave me at his wedding.”
