“Why have you been stressed?”
“Drama with the Aristocrats and the other Emperors.”
“Why an Emperor?”
“He’s offended we robbed their holy seat. I have to rectify this, or there will be consequences.”
“Why is this your responsibility?”
He sat back in the chair, arms crossing over his chest. “Everything is my responsibility.”
The waiter returned to take our orders, but Luca ordered for us both in a rush, like he wanted to get rid of him. We were alone once more, the air tense between us even though our relationship felt lighter than air.
I couldn’t believe we were sitting together like this, having a conversation like we’d never butted heads in the past. I had access to a man who didn’t give anyone access.
He didn’t seem to want to talk about it further because he said, “Tell me about your job.”
My first week had been a rush. A lot to learn in a short amount of time. “I shadowed the current fashion merchandiser this week. Today was her last day, so it was a lot to take in. But I enjoyed everything I learned, how involved I’ll be in the brand’s presence in shops all over Europe. I’m glad it’s not the kind of job that’s done blindly. I have to analyze trends, take trips to Milan for fashion shows, try to stay ahead of the game. The designers make the clothes, but I’m the one who decides how many units of each item we should sell…or if we should sell them at all.”
He listened to what I said, the straightest of straight men, and seemed to actually pay attention. “So, you’ll be on your own on Monday?”
“I will.”
“Nervous?”
“No. I could tell some of the girls in the office were a bit annoyed with me, but if I just do my job, they’ll have no shit to talk.”
“Why are they annoyed with you?”
“Because I’m sure some of them hoped they were going to get the job. Move up after paying their dues. Several of them went out of their way to mention that they started as interns, trying to make a dig.”
“Did you punch them?”
“Sorry?” I asked.
He kept a straight face like that was a legitimate question. “I would have punched them.”
“Well, that’s not really how it works.”
He took a drink. “There would be no further comments.”
“I’d lose my jobrealquick.”
“You wouldn’t.”
“And why not?” I asked, my eyes narrowing. “Who do you know over there? How did you get me that job?”
“I know Henri.”
“Henri who?” Never heard that name.
“Henri Diamant.”
“As in…the owner of the entire company.”
He took another drink from his glass.
“How do you know him?”
