Page 42 of Matteo

“You're eating at your desk.”

Matteo’s voice makes me jolt, and when he steps in front of me. I suddenly feel self-conscious, more self-conscious than is normal. “I thought I'd soak in the ambiance of the lab,” I manage to say, feeling grateful that I haven’t yet started eating my lunch.

Resorting to humor has always been my go-to, but my uneasiness grows heavy as when Matteo’s eyes examine my lunch.

“I had to rush out this morning, so I quickly put this together,” I explain, lying through my teeth. Food is functional for me, not something I particularly indulge in. It was fuel to stay alive.

“I'm going out. Want me to grab you something?” he offers.

Humiliation sparks inside me. He's judging me and he clearly feels sorry for me. But I don't want his pity.

“I've got something to eat, thanks.” But my little sandwich looks even more pathetic as I hold it between my hands.

Matteo's eyes meet mine. “I know you are. I'm just saying, since you rushed this morning, maybe I can get you something else ... if you want.”

It's there once again. Tenderness in his eyes. I catch a glimpse of that man again, the one who seemed so caring. I soften. “Thanks, but I'm good.”

I watch as he walks away, noting the slight swagger of his hips, and the way everyone glances at him, like he has their utmost respect.

I'm curious as to how he got this role. He obviously got it because he's a Knight. Too bad the rest of us must work hard to get where we want.

Chapter 13

ELIZABETH

Friday comes around and we all go to lunch. All of us, except for Matteo.

The sandwich bar is busy but not crowded. With wooden panels, wooden tables and chairs, it's a welcome change from the artificial glow of the tech lab. We grab food and end up at a long bench.

Joel and Sonny sit facing me and Alex.

“Where did you work before?” Sonny asks. I feel a dryness in my throat, and reach for a sip of water. I’m not sure I want to talk about my past, because there isn’t a version of that story that doesn’t raise more questions than I’m willing to answer. I cough lightly, feeling my stomach churn as I struggle to answer.

“I’ve got a small company that I set up.”

“You formed a company? Already?” Alex sounds impressed.

“It's not that big a deal.” I hold my sandwich in both hands, wondering how to tackle it without making a mess.

“You're the only female we've ever had in the tech,” Joel states.

Alex chuckles. “Don't mind him. You'd think he'd never seen a woman before, the way he's behaving.”

“It's true. She's the first one,” Joel replies, indignant.

Alex rolls his eyes. “Steady, boy. Ignore him, Elizabeth. Sometimes he’s so feral he shouldn’t be let loose.”

“Thanks.” Joel huffs loudly, but still good-naturedly.

Alex lifts his bottle of water to his lips. “My niece is interested in tech. I’m always encouraging her because we need more women in this industry.”

I turn to him in interest. “That’s great. How old is she?”

“Fourteen.” A tiny smile tugs at his mouth. “She's already building little apps and breaking things she shouldn’t be able to break.”

Those words hit so hard. She sounds just like I was at that age.

“That’s amazing,” I cry, liking her already.