Ushering everyone inside, Bella made introductions to everyone gathered in the office. She knew they were on a tight schedule, as there was another NASA partner they’d be visiting after Bella Pelle. Carrie had drilled into her head there was no time to waste and there was no way she wanted to mess up Carrie’s schedule - she’d never hear the end of it. Bella walked over to the Diana IV crew, who were standing together, looking at the various industry awards the company had been awarded.
“Mike, Elena, Margie - it’s great to see you again. Any issues or concerns with the cream? Is it working for you all?”
“Hey Bella, no it’s all good - can’t you see how baby smooth my skin is?” Mike said with a grin.
Bella turned to Jack, acknowledging him for the first time, “Captain. How are you today?”
“It’s nice to see you Ms. Genovese. We are looking forward to taking the tour of the facility. I’ve been told by Sloane andPiper not to come home without samples.” Jack took in Bella’s dress, then ran his eyes down her legs -Fucking Hell. Those are the sexiest shoes I’ve ever seen. Did I just say shoes are sexy? I never thought I’d say that!
Bella took the group through the facility, showing off the conference room, various offices, the studio they had set up onsite for all photo and video shoots, mindful of the time but not rushing.
“You are about to enter the actual lab, where we work on development, and from there we will head out into the factory, where we batch and fill all the products. On the wall next to you is a dispenser with hair nets and booties. I need each of you to put those on please, before you go in.”
“Really?” asked Mike
“Yes, really. This is a sterile environment. Maybe not to the extreme the NASA labs are, but it’s absolutely required. We can’t afford to have to dump a whole batch of product because one errant hair might have made its way into it.”
“It’s okay Mike, you rock the lunch lady look,” laughed Jack.
“Yeah, well, I rock everything I wear.”
Joining the group in laughter, Bella told them she’d see them in the lobby when they were finished.
“Aren’t you coming in with us?” Jack asked Bella.
“Covering up these shoes would be a crime against humanity. I’ll meet you all when you're done.”
It would indeed, Ms. Genovese,He thought as he put a hair net on and followed the others into the lab.
Carrie and Jerome kept up a running commentary throughout the tour, pointing out what equipment did and showing how the jars were filled and packed. Jack noticed thatall the employees seemed really happy and enjoying what they did - from Luis, their head chemist to the men and women packing up boxes of products to be shipped. He’d bet Bella was a good boss, she seems the type to care about their wellbeing. He also struggled to pay attention - he was impatient to finish this up so he could see Bella again.WTF is going on? She’s not the first pretty woman you’ve seen, get it together, Jack.Tour completed, they all gathered in front of the building for the group photo and waited for the shuttle to return to take them to the next stop on their tour, while the Bella Pelle employees went back to work.
“Okay everyone, can I get your attention?” called out Carrie. “The shuttle will be here in about 10 minutes. After your last tour of the day, it will take you back to your hotel; you’ll have time to shower and change for dinner. Our reservations are for 1900 hours. We will be dining at Al Biernat's - dress code is business casual. I’ve arranged a private room for us. We will see you there.”
“Damn, she’s as tough as my drill instructor at OCS. It’s kinda hot,” said Mike.
“Your brain is hot from standing in the sun too long,” Jack replied. Mike wandered off to try to talk to Carrie, and Jack found himself scanning the group - looking for Bella. He was about to give up when he glanced down and caught sight of those shoes — just a few feet away. Keeping them in his line of sight, Jack walked over to where Bella stood, speaking to her father.
“Thank you for the tour today, very informative. And I appreciate the bag of goodies - Sloane and Piper will be overjoyed. They asked me to send their hellos by the way. So hello, ha,” Jack told her.
“Well, please give my hellos back. Did you meet my father? Dad, this is Captain/Commander Calloway. This is my dad, John Genovese.”
“Really, either Captain or Commander is fine, you don’t have to use both.”
“Okay, then Captain it is. Well, I will see you at dinner tonight. I’m glad you were all able to make it today,” Bella said before walking away, leaving him with Big G. Jack watched as she walked away.Damn those shoes!
Jack felt a firm clap on the back.
“Commander. So, you’re the boss.”
“Mr. Genovese. I’m the commander of the mission, yes, but I’m not sure I’d say I’m the boss.”
“Call me Big G. You're in charge of the mission, the crew, keeping everyone safe, yes?”
“Yes sir, it’s my number one priority, getting us to the moon, and then home safely.”
“This means you know the importance of responsibility for people. I understand you are a widower. I’m sorry, I know how painful that must be, having watched Isabella lose her husband. You are both far too young to have such a tragedy in your lives. But you know what is just as much of a tragedy? Not keeping your heart open to love. A man is lucky to know a great love once in his life, but sometimes you get two great loves.”
“Yes sir.” Jack wondered where this was going, and where it was coming from.
