I could ask, but deep down, I already know the answer. He knows how much I fear ending up where I was before I met him. The thought of being on the streets with nothing but the clothes on my back and not knowing where the next meal will come from terrifies me.
Out of consideration for me, he didn't confront me with it; he wanted to solve the problem on his own. But now, it seems that the time has come when he can no longer keep it to himself.
"We need to take action," he adds unnecessarily, his expression serious.
Of course, we need to take action! This can't continue like this. "What if we add a conservatory?" I suggest, secretly imagining how we will design it.
With hanging chairs, a gently trickling waterfall, and plenty of large, lush green plants. Some orange trees with their fragrant blossoms to enchant the guests. We should also incorporate an aviary with parrots. Kids love the colorful feathered creatures, especially if they can talk. The image builds up in my mind, and I feel like I'm about to get lost in it.
That can't happen. My dreams have no place here. I quickly pinch my forearm. Then I glance at Florian, who is thankfully focused on the screen.
"Small changes won't help us. We need to think bigger," he says earnestly. "Much bigger."
"What do you suggest?" I reach for the loose stack of papers to straighten it up. "More funding?"
He immediately raises a calming hand. "Leave that to me. I already found a solution." His eyebrows rise, and the corners of his mouth twitch.
When he makes this expression, he looks like a little boy who has concocted something mischievous. Then he looks at me promisingly even though he already has my full attention.
"We're expanding."
Expanding? What does he mean by that?
"I found an estate in Tuscany for sale at the ridiculous price of only 400,000 euros. Five hectares of land with a main house and two outbuildings." His voice almost overflows with excitement. "I think we should buy it and turn it into a guesthouse."
My mind races with thoughts, flitting around so hectically that I can barely grasp them. Another bed-and-breakfast? In Italy? For such a huge sum?
Perplexed, I let the documents slide onto the desk. "But we can't afford that."
He spreads his arms wide, smiling gently. "Of course, we'll take out a loan."
Seeing the eager anticipation in his gaze, I know he expects an enthusiastic thank-you from me. I can't help but nod cautiously even though my fear has begun to consume me from within. The increasingly painful throbbing in my temples is tangible evidence of it.
As if sensing what's going on inside me despite my efforts, he stands from his chair and wraps his arms around me. "We haveto invest if we want to achieve something. That's how it works in business." He softly strokes my back. "In a few years, everything will be different. We won't have to worry anymore and can take it easy."
"That would be amazing," I admit because the vision is simply too beautiful. Never again cleaning toilets, preparing breakfast boxes, or washing mountains of sheets and towels. Then I would have time to create a garden. I could…
"And it will be," he assures me because he knows how to make me happy. "You know I would never suggest anything that could harm our future." With a satisfied nod, Florian releases me from his embrace. Then he cups my cheeks with both hands, looking at me lovingly. "We'll make it together."
Of course, I know that. He would do anything to see me happy. "What do you want me to do?" I ask on impulse.
"It would be great if you traveled to Tuscany to visit the property. I need you and your knowledge of Italian on-site." Florian takes a seat on the chair again.
Yes, that makes sense. As a child, I spent a lot of time with my grandparents in South Tyrol. Even though I've only spoken Italian with guests lately, I should manage well in Italy. "Okay."
"The price is too good to be true. And the seller never shows up himself; he always sends a woman who claims to be his daughter. We need to make sure he's not trying to cheat us." He concentrates on the screen, opening three files at once. "You can also check possible excursions and take photos for the website and promotional brochure. We'll need a list of expected repairs and renovations to calculate the costs." The printer at the end of the desk hums and spits out several pages. "Don't worry, I've prepared checklists so you won't forget anything."
As I take the warm paper from the printer, I realize the list seems endless and probably contains every important detail. Florian has even provided fields for notes and listed questionswith possible answers that I just have to check off. He knows me too well.
"I would love to accompany you, but time is ticking," he says as if trying to encourage me. He takes my hand and squeezes it tightly. "While you're there, I'll take care of the finances and talk to notaries and lawyers about contract clauses."
His cheeks are flushed, and his gestures become more animated.
He has planned everything without me. But it’s one hundred percent for us.
I give him a grateful smile. If I were only half as organized as he is, I would be able to contribute useful thoughts. But, of course, I can only think of one question. "Who will take care of the bed-and-breakfast while I'm away?" Since I moved here eight years ago, I've never been away for more than a few days.
"I have a solution for that too." He grins widely and hands me a sheet of paper with a photo and a résumé. "This is a student from the hotel management school in Innsbruck. She'll be doing her mandatory internship with us, which won't cost us much," he says proudly.
