Chapter 11
Hanna
With my phone pressed to my ear, I gaze into the mirror and adjust my bangs. My eyes appear clearer than usual, and behind me, the broken bathroom tiles glow in a radiant azure blue.
"I've already done a rough tour of the estate. I'll send you the photos today," I say to Florian, who must be eager to get some initial information.
"Have you also contacted the craftsmen?" he asks, sounding strangely absent. I hear the rustling of paper in the background.
Did that even make it to the list? I must have overlooked it or, worse, forgotten. "It's in progress," I reply, not wanting him to think I'm just daydreaming here instead of pushing our mission forward.
"Without cost estimates, I can't estimate the loan amount. The banks want a clear breakdown." He sighs wearily. The creaking of his desk chair suggests that he's leaning back. Is he running his hand through his hair too?
His mood makes me suspicious. He sounds drained. "Is there a problem?"
"I have it under control. Don't worry. The plan will work. I just need the numbers," he answers so gently that it provides some comfort.
Thoughtfully, I grab the towel and head for the door. "You'll get them as soon as possible." I step into the hallway and hurry to my room. Even though I'm allowed to use the bathroom here and the part of the kitchen that's still in working order, I still feel like a stranger.
Florian exhales with relief. "Thank you, Hanna. You're amazing." Just from the sound of his words, I could swear he's smiling now.
Suddenly, I halt in my movement. My cheeks flush, and my lips turn up on their own. No one has ever shown me as much appreciation as he does. He is proof that the new Hanna is lovable. And that my decision to hide the daydreaming Hanna is the right one. "Oh, it's nothing special."
"For me, it is," he says, then clears his throat. "I have to get back to work. The intern is a bit… clumsy. She needs support."
I stroll over to the window and pull aside the thin white curtain to look outside. I don't know what I expected, but seeing the courtyard empty before me disappoints me. "I understand. Have a great day."
"You too." A voice in the background calls his name. "What are you up to today, by the way?"
"I'm exploring the surroundings," I reply. Probably alone, but that's okay. I can handle it.
"One moment, I'll be right there…" He sounds muffled, as if he covered the receiver with his hand. Then there's rustling on the line. "Is Camilla treating you well? Is everything okay?"
I turn away from the window. "She's great," I answer. Apparently, he has enough of his own worries and doesn't need to deal with mine too.
"That's wonderful, Hanna. I'll talk to you again tomorrow. Don't forget about the craftsmen, okay?" A thudding noise makes it hard for me to understand his words. "Should I send you a reminder?"
Florian knows me too well. "Sure," I reply, packing my photography gear into my backpack. "But now, make sure you help Natalie." I don't want anything bad to happen.
"Oh yes, I should do that." His laughter piques my curiosity. I've only been gone for two days. Could so much have gone wrong already? What has Natalie done? "Talk to you later." With these words, he hangs up before I can ask further.
I take the phone from my ear and check the time on the display. It's almost noon.
For the past four hours, I've been waiting in vain for someone to come and pick me up. Alessia promised last night that she wouldn't leave me alone. But now, it seems I have to admit that she stood me up.
I fall back onto the bed, staring at the crack in the ceiling and massaging my temples.
A hesitant knock reaches my ears. That must be Alessia. Thank goodness!
Abruptly, I rise from the bed and adjust my T-shirt. "Come in."
The door opens, but instead of Alessia, Vico stands in the doorway. His shoulder-length hair frames his forbiddingly attractive face. He's wearing worn-out jeans and flip-flops, their seams looking like they could come apart at any moment.
"Ready for a little sightseeing?" he asks, as if he hadn't rejected me yesterday, and gives me a tentative smile.
Suddenly, I feel unnaturally warm. "Um…" Oh, heavens, why am I at a loss for words now? This is so unprofessional.
You're a businesswoman, Hanna, don't forget that!
