Based on our conversation this morning, you already missed me after we were only apart for a few hours. Who knows if you could handle a full day?
I chuckled, but I did actually have something to discuss with her.
I called, and she answered on the first ring. "Is it possible for you to actually leave me alone?"
"Of course not. I have information I'd like to go over with you on a few of the mafia families."
Her tone grew serious. "Do you think they're involved in trafficking?"
"I'm not sure yet. However, these are the families who have direct access to the port or border. Now, are you going to tell me what you want for lunch?"
She huffed, and I was almost certain she'd rolled her eyes again.
"I was planning on getting a chicken pesto sandwich from Jordan's Cafe."
"Got it. And what would you recommend for me?"
"Dog shit. Unfortunately, they don't have it on the menu."
I laughed, then heard her open what sounded like a drawer and flip through a piece of paper.
"Since you liked the steak last night, you might like their steak and mozzarella sandwich. They also have a mixed Italian meats sandwich."
Shock ran through me.
She remembered.
I'd honestly expected her to have hung up by now, but she'd actually thought about something I might like.She’d actually thought of me.I couldn't wipe the grin off my face.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome, and Marco, I let you get away with it last night, but this is not a lunch date."
"You're right, it's a working date."
"I hate you."
"If that's what helps you sleep at night," I said, smiling to myself. "I'll see you soon, Catalina."
When I arrivedat Catalina's office, Olivia greeted me coolly, but didn't stop me from going back to see her.
Catalina looked up when I entered, then noticed the several bags and box I held and stood to help me. "What is all of this?"
I put everything down on a table, then pulled out a bouquet, a mixture of peonies, lilies, chrysanthemums, and dahlias. I knew nothing about flowers and had never seen Catalina buy any, so I didn't know what she might like. But the florist said these were her most popular ones this month.
Even if she doesn't like them, at least I'll know what not to buy her next time.
I cleared my throat, rubbing the back of my neck as I held the flowers out to her. "These are for you."
She froze, and when she finally took the flowers, her hands shook slightly. "Why?"
Because every time I see you, I feel honored to be in your presence and graced by your beauty, and I wanted to give you something beautiful in return.
"They reminded me of you."
She continued to stare at me, a dumbfounded look on her face. It would have been cute, but there was something else there. A panic she was trying to hold back, as if she was deathly afraid of what may happen if she released it.
"Do you not like flowers?"
