"You want to hear how Pietro and I ended up together?"
"Yes." Gianna nods vigorously. "Every single detail. Don't leave anything out."
Nora laughs. The sound is tired but genuine.
"Okay." She gestures toward the chairs by the window. "But we're going to need to sit down for this. And order something to drink. Because this story?" She shakes her head slowly. "This story is going to be a long one."
We settle into the chairs. The leather is soft and worn, molded by years of use. Sunlight streams through the tall windows, casting warm patterns across the hardwood floor.
Gianna curls up in her chair like a cat, tucking her legs beneath her. Her eyes are bright with anticipation.
I sit across from Nora, watching her face. She looks better already. Less gray. Less isolated. Having people around her seems to be helping.
"Should I call for tea?" I ask. "Or coffee? Well, maybe not coffee."
Nora grimaces. "Definitely not coffee. The smell alone would send me running for the bathroom." She pauses, considering. "Tea would be nice. Something herbal. Ginger. It's the only thing that settles my stomach anymore."
I rise and move to the small intercom panel near the door. Giulia showed me how to use it during my first week here. I press the button and request tea service for three, specifying ginger for Nora.
When I return to my seat, Gianna is already leaning forward.
"So?" she prompts. "How did it start? Did you meet at a party? A business event? Oh, did he rescue you from something dangerous?"
Nora's lips twitch. "Something like that."
"Really?" Gianna's eyes go wide. "Tell me everything."
Nora settles deeper into her chair. She pulls the oversized cardigan tighter around her shoulders, and for a moment she looks very young. Very tired. Very human.
"I wasn't supposed to be here," she begins. "In Chicago, I mean. I was running from something. Someone. My past caught up with me in ways I never expected, and I needed to disappear."
Gianna is completely still. Hanging on every word.
"I got a job," Nora continues. "As a secretary I walked into that office thinking I was starting over. Building a new life. Instead, I walked straight into Pietro Sartori's world."
"Was it love at first sight?" Gianna asks breathlessly.
Nora laughs. "God, no. It was hate at first sight. Or at least, intense mutual irritation."
"What?"
"He was arrogant." Nora's voice takes on a fond edge. "Demanding. Impossible to please. He barked orders like I was supposed to read his mind, and when I didn't, he looked at me like I was the stupidest person he'd ever met."
I find myself leaning forward too. I've never heard this story. Never thought to ask.
"So what changed?" I ask.
Nora's expression shifts. Something deeper moves behind her eyes.
"He saved my life."
The words hang in the air.
Gianna makes a small sound. Her hand comes up to cover her mouth.
"My past," Nora says quietly. "The thing I was running from. It found me. And Pietro..." She pauses. Swallows.
A soft knock interrupts us.
