Renato stepped off the plane, his emotions a mix of thrill and a touch of melancholy. Now he regretted not whisking his secretary away at the last moment, yet he clung to the hope that they would reunite soon.
At the airport, a man held a sign with his name. Renato approached and announced:
"I'm Renato Rinalde."
"Welcome, Mr. Rinalde. I am Nestor, your new personal chauffeur. The company sent me to pick you up."
"Thank you."
"Let me handle your luggage, sir."
The driver directed him towards the exit, made their way to the parking lot, stored all his bags in the trunk, and then got into the car. On the way to the hotel, Renato checked his phone only to find it dead. He longed to call Helen but would have to wait.
"This is it!" announced the driver as the car pulled over to a stop, welcoming him with a broad smile. "Welcome to the Hilton."
"Thank you."
"Sir, if you need anything, just call this number." The chauffeur handed him a card. "I am at your service 24 hours a day. Your secretary Helen hired me so you wouldn't feel alone here."
"That meddler," he murmured with a smile. "Thank you very much, you may go. I'm just going to rest now. See you tomorrow at nine."
"Rest well, sir."
Renato entered the hotel lobby, unfazed by its beauty and extravagance, proceeded to the front desk, checked in, received his room key, and took the elevator to the top floor. Once in his room, his priority was to find an outlet for his charger.
"Excuse me, sir, do you need anything?" asked the bellhop who had followed him into the room, noticing Renato's movements.
"An adapter, plug, power socket, anything to connect my phone charger."
"I'm sorry. The system here is different; you'll need an adapter."
"Then fetch one. It's urgent."
"Right away, sir."
The bellhop left the room, took the service elevator, went to his locker, and rummaged through his things to find a charger. He returned to the room and knocked on the door.
"Come in."
"Sir, since it's late and no shops are open, I offer you my charger." The young man offered his own charger, cord wrapped in tape. "It's seen better days but works just fine."
"Is it safe?" Renato queried, eyeing the battered cable.
"Yes, sir, it's reliable."
"Here." Renato handed him several notes. "Tomorrow, get a new one for yourself, too. This is hazardous!"
"Thank you, but this is too much," the bellhop tried returning the bills, but Renato declined.
"The rest is a tip," Renato said, testing the device in the wall socket. "I'll need your services frequently while I'm here. Perfect! It works!" he exclaimed joyously.
"I'm here to help. Do you need anything else?"
"Just a light dinner and some mineral water."
"I'll be right back with your order."
"Thank you," Renato said, his eyes following the glowing phone screen. "Come on, come on, don't want her thinking I've forgotten."
Once the phone had some power, he dialed Helen's number and waited for her to answer.
"Hello," she said groggily.
"Hi Helen, it's me," he spoke nervously. "Did I wake you?"
"Yes. What's the matter? Is everything okay?" she sat up, realizing she had fallen asleep in her boss's apartment. "It's three in the morning."
"Nothing's wrong, I just wanted to hear your voice."
"How was your flight?" her voice softened as she realized he had thought of her.
"Smooth, but there was a delay at a layover." He felt odd chatting about mundane things with her. "Did you like my surprises?"
"Yes, but how did you know I'd come to your apartment?"
"It was a given you'd bring the key. I know you wouldn’t take my car. Are you at my place?"
"I fell asleep hugging the teddy bear," she confessed, cheeks reddening. "I'm sorry."
"Stay as long as you like."
"I'll go home tomorrow, it's already late."
"There's no rush."
"I must rest, tomorrow is my first day at the new job, and I can't be late."
"I'm sure you'll do great, you're the best. And if you don't like your new boss, you can quit and come join me. I need you."
"Renato, tempting as it is, I've given my word. I can't quit on the first day."
"I know. But make them fire you."
"I won't do that, sorry but you'll manage without me. Rest."
She laughed at his antics and was about to hang up when he interjected.
"Wait, how did I do for our first conversation?"
"It was perfect."
"May I call you again tomorrow?"
"Yes," she answered, more than happy. "You can call anytime. Goodbye."
"Goodbye."
She ended the call. It was odd conversing this way with him, yet she liked it and hoped her former boss wouldn't regret this, as she was starting to get her hopes up about this new version of him.
Renato took a deep breath, feeling fairly satisfied with their first exchange. Then he noticed his hands were sweaty and smiled; he needed to get a grip on his nerves, another point to discuss in his next therapy session. He left his phone charging on the nightstand and stepped into the bathroom for a quick shower, the water loosening the tension in his muscles and mind. Afterward, he wrapped himself in a hotel robe while searching his luggage for underwear and pajamas. When a knock on the door indicated his dinner's arrival, he left everything on the bed and opened the door to the cheerful bellhop, bearing a tray.
"Your dinner, sir." The bellhop revealed a chicken salad. "Enjoy."
"Thank you, you may leave."
"Excuse me."
The bellhop exited the room. Renato sat down to eat, savoring every bite, and then changed into his nightwear, reclining on the bed, his thoughts on the lovely Helen.
Throughout the night, he dreamed of the young woman in the arms of a dark-haired man named Simon. He awoke agitated, recalling that on his mother's birthday she had danced with this man and he became furious. It was too late to call Italy, better to try and sleep again; after all, it was just a dream.
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