Chapter 6.
By Isabella.
After dinner, I assisted in clearing the dishes. Of course, they insisted I didn't need to, but it was difficult to resist. I'm uncomfortable visiting a home and just sitting idle while others cater to me. All this was done under Valentino’s watchful eye, who has been observing me since the meal. We then moved to the lounge for some delightful chocolate cake and a cup of coffee.
"Papa, you haven’t told me about your trip yet," Valentino exclaimed.
"Son, you're getting ahead of yourself. That's what I want to discuss. With both of you," Lorenzo exclaimed.
Valentino and I exchanged puzzled looks before turning our attention to the man addressing us.
"Isabella, I'll fill you in. I traveled to California to survey the wine cellars and vineyards. I must say, things are going well. We should focus on the upcoming production, so I’ve decided you and Valentino will visit California to oversee things personally.”
“What?” I blurted out.
"You're one of the best employees in the company and my right-hand person. I insist as my final act as president. You must accept.”
“But, dad. I can manage on my own. There's no need for Miss Moretti to come along. I just showcased your recent production. I just have to go, select the grapes, ensure everything's fine and return as soon as possible."
"It’s just that I believe you’ll do better with company," Mr. Lorenzo interjected, revealing his thinking. Why? What could be the issue with Valentino?
"Dad... I’ll be alright."
"Miss Moretti is joining because she’s your assistant, and because I say so, son," Lorenzo stated decisively. "And about the last production, I understand, but you need to start planning the next one. We can’t fall behind. The market moves fast; you can't be left out, or that would be a significant loss. Opt for a rose or white that contrasts with the last wine range. I know you're new to this business, son, hence my help."
Valentino sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Fine, dad. When do we leave?"
"Next week. Matias will handle the company during your absence. He has Felipe’s support, right?" Lorenzo queried.
"Well, yes, dad, I know. I suppose. After all, he's the vice president of the company."
At that moment, I was stunned. In all these years, I had no idea that Matias is the vice president of the company I work for. Of course, I never inquired, but I guess I've been too focused on my matters rather than concerning myself with my friends.
"Are you talking about Matias Ferrari?" I asked, puzzled.
"Indeed. When I took over, I decided he would be my vice president. It was a recent decision. And it was my oversight not to inform you," Valentino responded.
"Valentino, son, why don't you show Isabella the garden?" Cristina suggested. "Perhaps catch her up on these matters."
"I was actually about to leave, Mrs. Cristina, don't worry," I said.
"Oh, that's a shame. Maybe another time then?"
"There’s no inconvenience if you want to see it now," Valentino interjected.
"Alright," I conceded, though I knew refusing again would be impolite to the Marshalls. "Cristina... You asked me to call you by your first name."
"Of course, dear," the woman exclaimed with a smile.
"Then you can call me Issi. That's what my friends call me," I said, smiling warmly. "I genuinely appreciate the dinner invitation. It was delicious."
"I'm glad you enjoyed it. You’ll always be welcome here," Lorenzo stated encouragingly. "Valentino, take good care of the young lady."
"Yes, dad," he replied, leading me out. I bade farewell to everyone present and followed my boss. Oddly, I felt very strange in these circumstances. We started strolling through the garden quietly. The Marshall mansion was impressively large, with a lovely garden encircling the house and a vast pool at its center. Valentino seemed at ease, hands in his pockets, as I walked alongside him, admiring every detail of the estate.
"Your home is very pretty," I said, breaking the tension.
"Thank you. Though it belongs to my parents.”
"But you live here, right?"
"Well, yes, I suppose in that sense it's mine too," he answered. "Who would have thought the ruthless scoundrel would be escorting you through his garden?"
"In that case, he's giving a tour to a worthless employee."
Valentino laughed aloud.
"What an ogre you have for a boss," he said, his laughter filling the air.
"Yes, I suppose so."
"I apologize, Isabella. I'm not the man you think I am. I just don't like losing control. I admit I was wrong."
"That's alright. The fact is you didn't even hear my side and insulted me."
"I know. I apologize. I shouldn't have disrespected you. I had a tough day, though that's no excuse. Still, don't expect a friendly boss from now on."
"Your apology is enough for me," I stated.
Valentino nodded and offered a friendly smile. As we continued around the mansion, I admired some beautiful roses, reminiscent of a similar gift from Ezequiel. When the tour ended, I bid Valentino goodbye and drove away from the mansion under his attentive gaze.
The following days were routine. I updated my friends on the dinner with the Marshalls, and Julia appeared displeased with my rapport with them. Yet, getting along with my boss, Valentino Marshall, is best. Mariana arranged another date with Nick, believing it best before my trip. She seemed overly anxious, and rightly so, keeping an eye out for any upheaval. I am grateful for her concern. To assure her, I followed her advice and visited my psychologist, requesting her company.
Visiting the psychologist isn’t my preference; it feels like I'm an anomaly to him. Yet, it's something I must do. This time, I could not run away.
"Isabella. I see you've come at last," Nick said upon seeing me.
"I know. I thought everything was fine. But, I've had relapses."
"Tell me about your relapses."
"I've been sleepless for days, unable to stop thinking about Ezequiel. When I do sleep, I dream of what happened. I'm in agony. It feels like starting over."
"That's not the case, Isabella. We will address your problem, okay? But remember what we discussed last session."
"I'm aware. But I really need those sleeping pills."
"I'm sorry, Isabella. We agreed to drop the pills and keep up with regular sessions. Let's try that, shall we? You’re still on antidepressants."
"Okay. You're right. I've come this far, I can't back down now."
"And tell me, how did your dinner at your employers' go?"
"It went well, I believe... I did mention Ezequiel at one point, but... we managed to change the subject quickly, and I didn't feel so miserable," I shared. "I guess it was somewhat distracting."
"That's good; it means you're starting to control your emotions."
"I guess so."
"Yes, Isa," he said. "You might not see it, but you used to cry during our sessions. We've been talking today, and you didn't. That's progress."
"Thanks, Nick. I'm sorry for not wanting to come," I said with a shy smile.
"Well... I want to be updated on anything during your trip, okay? Call me, leave a message, or see me after you return to Chicago."
"I will. Thank you, Nick."
After a while chatting with my psychologist, I left his office and assured my friend who was waiting. Back at my apartment, she helped me pack for California. Mariana stayed the night to see me off, promising to look after my place in my absence.
The next day, I picked a casual outfit for the travel. We had about a four-hour flight. I hugged my friends goodbye – Julia came over, though not thrilled about me leaving with Valentino. At the airport, the boss was waiting, sporting casual attire with stylish sunglasses. We boarded the plane and found our seats together. I took the window seat with Valentino beside me.
"Right, now we just wait four hours and hope the plane stays airborne," he half-joked. I suppressed a laugh.
"Don’t tell me Valentino Marshall is afraid of heights," I teased.
"Of course not. It’s just that…"
"Forget it. I won't say anything," I stated, smirking.
"Don't laugh, or I swear I'll make you sleep outside."
"Okay, I'll be quiet," I said, but laughter was brimming inside me.
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