Page 64 of The Fall Affair

Matteo pushed the buttons to start his espresso brewing, then walked over to rub my shoulders. My entire body was one big ball of tension, and my head immediately lolled forward, a low sigh slipping out.

“God, that feels good.”

He kneaded my achy muscles until his coffee finished brewing. When he went to get it, I stretched my neck left and right, feeling like I’d gotten some range of motion back. “Thank you.”

“Anytime.” He sipped his espresso. “What time is your appointment?”

“Ten thirty.”

“Have you decided if you’re going to tell her who you are?”

I shook my head. “Not yet, but I do need to decide what kind of a business I’m pretending to start here in Italy. That’s what the consult is for. I was thinking I’d tell her I’m starting a winery.”

Matteo smiled. “A winery, huh?”

“I don’t want to say I’m an attorney. I’m probably being paranoid, but I look like my father, and on the off chance she knows what I do, I figured I shouldn’t make it any easier to guess who I am.”

“What if she asks you about the business operations?”

“I thought of that. I’m going to say that I own some land, I’m partnering with an experienced winemaker, and I’m going to run the business end of things—like keeping the books and doing marketing and advertising. So it won’t seem strange if I don’t know what types of grapes make different wines.”

“Is there anything I can do?”

“If you don’t mind dropping me off, I’d appreciate it. I think I’m too nervous to drive.”

He nodded. “I was planning on it. And I wait for you outside, in case you need me.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“It will make me feel better.”

I smiled. “Thank you, Matteo.”

***

“Buongiorno.” The woman behind the desk smiled.

My heart thumped. “Buongiorno. My name is Al—” Jeez, I’d already almost messed up. “Cassie Norman. My name is Cassie, and I have an appointment with Camilla Bianchi at ten thirty.”

“Ah. I get to practice my Inglese today?”

“Yes, sorry. My Italian is a bit rusty.”

“No problemo. It is fun. You like some caffé?” She gestured to a seating area that had a coffee station.

But I was already jumpy, so I didn’t think any more caffeine was a smart idea. “I’m good. Thank you.”

“Okay.” She nodded. “I tell Signorina Bianchi that you are here. Please, you have a seat?”

It was strange to have someone else called by that name. I looked around the office while I waited. It was modern and clean, but nothing like the fancy firm I’d worked at. Though if I were here as a legitimate client, I would probably prefer walking into a law firm like this. It wasn’t ostentatious or intimidating, and I would’ve bet money that the hourly rates were a lot more reasonable.

A few minutes later, the receptionist called, “Signorina Norman.”

I jumped, and she smiled and waved.

“Come. I will take you back now.”

I followed the receptionist down a long hallway. She walked briskly, each click of her heels making my heart beat faster. I lagged behind, seriously considering turning around and bolting for the exit. At the end of the hall, we made a right, and then she stopped in front of a closed door and said something I couldn’t hear over the loud sound of blood swishing in my ears.