Episode 3

Matteo narrating

This morning I woke up with a horrendous hangover... Spent last night downing drinks. If only I had someone to be with... I wouldn't drink this much!

Today's the worst because my office is swamped with tasks and I can't afford to be late or skip it!

I rise and head for the bathroom... Pop a headache pill and step into the shower. I let the water wash away the stench of alcohol, then I start to get dressed.

I slip into my suit, tie my shoes, and adjust my tie...

Grab my watch, my wallet, and head downstairs... The breakfast table is set as it always is.

Marta - Good morning, sir!

Marta's been our housekeeper for 8 years... The only one who's stuck around this long, the rest always quit.

I don't reply and she stays put. I sit at the table and she serves me coffee.

I sometimes think Marta knows me better than I do... The coffee's as strong as I need it to be.

I finish my coffee and get up...

Matteo - I won't be home for lunch!

Marta - Yes, Sir!

I grab my briefcase and leave... The driver is already waiting with the door open and I step into the car.

Matteo - Straight to the office!

Driver - Yes, Sir!!

It's a 40-minute drive to the office... He parks right at 8 a.m. and I go inside. I like arriving at this time because there aren't many people around... I detest having to greet these folks.

Those who know me don't even make eye contact as I pass... Believe it or not, I've fired people for wishing me a good morning!

Is it such a crime not to want to talk?

I press the button for the private elevator... Only Luna and I use this lift. She uses it mostly when she's with me. Unlike me, she's a sociable person!

The elevator arrives and I step in, hit the button for my floor, and head straight for my office!

When I arrive, my secretary gets up and by her expression, I know something's up!

Matteo - Whatever it is... I'm not in the mood!

Secretary - Sir...

Matteo - Damn.. Didn't you hear me? I've got a headache and zero patience... You wouldn't want to annoy me!

She lowers her head and I walk into my office...

Luna - What's with the performance?

She enters just as I take a seat at my desk...

Matteo - I'm not feeling great today, Luna!

Luna - And when do you ever? Haha

Matteo - Not in the mood... It's your fault I woke up with such a splitting headache!

Luna - My fault?

Matteo - Yeah.. If I had gone out with the babe who was flirting with me, I wouldn't have drunk so much!

Luna - Haha You drank because you wanted to!

Matteo - Happy now, huh? You probably hooked up last night!

Luna - Shut the hell up and get to work... Your clients are waiting!

Matteo - Clients?

Luna - Did you hit your head, Matteo? Mr. Jose and Mrs. Luana!

Matteo - Damn!

Luna - You've been chasing a meeting with them for months and now they're here, you're going to screw it up?

Matteo - I'm on it!

I grab the folder with their company information and proceed to the meeting room...

Matteo - Mr. Jose... Mrs. Luana! Sorry I'm late.

Jose - It's all good, my boy!

Luana - An advantage of age... patience! Haha How are you?

Matteo - I'm well... Please, have a seat!

Jose - You're quite persistent.

Matteo - Persistence is how I got where I am!

I crack a smug smile and he returns it to his wife...

Luana - You sound like my husband when he was younger!

Matteo - Then I'm honored!

Jose - No, my dear... I was arrogant and presumptuous, my wife changed that! Ha

Matteo - I see... But I was only speaking the truth!

Jose - Yes... but sometimes our determination brings consequences. Thankfully, love can heal us!

Matteo - Ha... I've got nothing against those who believe in love. But for me, it doesn't exist!

Luana - You're still young, dear... You will learn the meaning of that word.

Matteo - No offense, Mrs. Luana... Just not for me!

Jose - I used to say the same haha

Luana- You just haven't met the right woman yet!

Matteo - There's no right woman for me... She doesn't exist haha

Jose - I will see you married and in love with a woman someday haha

Matteo - Married, yes... I have a fiancee, and our wedding is soon.

Luana - And yet you don't believe in love?

Matteo - Love is overrated.. People value something so trivial! But back to business...

Luana - As Jose said... We will see you head over heels for a woman someday haha

Jose - Yes... But let's get down to business!

Matteo - Exactly... Well, your company is a dream for any law firm worth their salt. Your annual revenue is exceedingly high and there are many who'd take advantage of that. We run a serious firm and treat our clients' companies as our own... No other firm does that. I'm strict, yes... But 100% honest, and I demand that from my employees.

Luana - We did our research before agreeing to this meeting.

Jose - Yes... And you come highly recommended!

Matteo - Our clients are our best advertisement haha.

Jose - Yes... Dear, it's your call!

He looks to her and she looks back at me, smiling...

Luana - We'll sign the contract... But only because I know you'll change your mind about love!

Matteo - Much appreciated... But don't count on it haha

I hand them the contract which they read and sign...

Matteo - You won't regret this!

Luana - I'm sure we won't!

She smiles and shakes my hand...

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