I tap the phone on my desk and speak into it.
“Amara, could you come into my office for a moment, please?”
She steps in a minute later, and takes the seat across from me, waiting for instructions.
“I need you to reorganize my schedule for next month and transfer all of my commitments to Cesare and Genaro.”
She doesn’t even blink, tablet already in hand, stylus moving in quick, precise strokes. Amara has been with the company for over fifteen years. She started in Marketing, but when my former assistant chose not to return after maternity leave, I spoke with her director myself and promoted her. One of the best decisions I’ve made.
“The entire month of July?” she asks, lifting her eyes to confirm.
“Yes. The entire month,” I reply, allowing the corner of my mouth to lift in a small smile.
“Also inform the New York headquarters that I’ll be working from there during that period. And let Henry know I’ll be available to cover some of his commitments when needed.”
She continues typing, efficient, taking in every detail without hesitation. After a moment, she looks up.
“Anything else?”
“That’s all for now, thank you,” I say with a nod.
She rises smoothly, professional as ever, and excuses herself with a simple “Of course,” closing the door behind her.
I pick up my phone again.
This time, it’s a photo of her, standing in front of a large colonial house, smiling straight at the camera.Bellissima[XXXII].
My thumb drifts over Cecilia’s face before I even realize I’m doing it.
“One month in New York,” I murmur under my breath.
Chapter 10
July
Cecilia
Cecily
Some images from my first visit to the Cinta Costera refuse to fade: the impossibly blue sky, the ocean breeze tangling my hair. There’s something about that waterfront that changes how you breathe. I remember stopping to watch the boats in the distance, feeling an unexpected calm that almost brings tears to your eyes. Sometimes, all we need is a new place to give back a piece of ourselves we didn’t even realize the routine had hidden away.
The Cinta Costera did exactly that for me.
I read through the post again, making a few edits, polishing whatever feels like it still needs it. When I’m finally happy with it, I check if the photos are in the right order, and then I hit post.
I smile as I scroll down the page, revisiting the other three posts I shared about Panama, each one holding its own memory. With this one, I officially wrap up the stories from my trip to the country. Next week, I start sharing everything I experienced in Costa Rica.
We’ve been back for four days now, and I’m working my way back into my routine after spending three weeks in places so rich in history and culture they felt like pieces of paradise on earth. Alicia and Ethan had more fun than I’ve seen them have in a long time. It reminded me that we need to do this more often, even if it’s just for a few days, not weeks.
The sun is starting to set outside the office window as I close my laptop and stretch as I stand up.
Alicia is out with Khara and her family, and Ethan—ever since we got back—has been spending every spare moment with his friends. Both of them making the most of summer before school starts again in just under two months.
I leave the office and head straight to the kitchen. I glance inside the fridge, letting my eyes wander over the shelves as I try to figure out what I’m in the mood for. In the end, I grab a few random ingredients and throw together a quick salad for myself.
I’m washing my hands at the kitchen sink when my phone starts ringing. I grab it from the island and answer the video call with a smile.
“How are things over in New Jersey?”
