Chapter 25
Antonio
I’ve keptmy distance from Daniella for the last couple of days, as I stay focused on things that need to get done before the show. I’m glad she’s agreed to go to pre-show events in my place and gave up on venturing out shopping alone inMilan.
I know how men are, and I don’t want anyone trying to woo his way into herlife.
Maybe I’m just wary of such instances since it’s how my mother and father met. Sometimes men seek out young, beautiful women and don’t care about breaking theirhearts.
Although I guess I don’t have to worry about anyone breaking Daniella’s heart; she’s ‘sworn offmen’.
I still shake my head at thatstatement.
BecauseIwanther.
It’s Friday and Liza and Jonah are due to arrive thisevening.
Uncle Carlo has dropped off the samples and will need to make only a few tweaks before he brings the finished pieces here on Sunday—two days before theshow.
There are only a few pending items left on the list, all of which, I hope, will make it to the completion list within the next fewdays.
1.Accessories and clothing needed for the walk—Daniella is to take care of this with Liza this weekend and purchase items based on her sketches. The woman has amazing talent and I trust her with this projectimmensely.
2. Make contact with Ramon, my set director—although he has called me four times and each time I miss the call. And when I call or text him, I get no reply in return, which concerns me, but perhaps his cell reception is poor on the ski slopes inAspen.
3. Confirm Daniella will wear the showcase piece at the ball—she has it and was to try it on and let me know if she’s up to wearing it. That piece will look stunning on her—as if it were made especially forher.
Maybe I should just ask her again now, via text? It could be she doesn’t want to wear it, and is too afraid to tell me inperson.
Me: Hey. How are the events going? Are you taking notes, Miss PersonalAssistant?
In all honesty, I feel odd calling her my assistant, not only because I secretly have the hots for her, but also because she’s done far more than I expect an assistant to do. Sure, Dottie was excellent, but she lacked the fashion expertise and passion I see inDaniella.
Daniella: Hey, boss. Yep. Taking copious notes like a goodgirl.
Her bite still drives mecrazy.
Me: Good! So I have aquestion.
Daniella: Then why didn’t you just text the question, instead of texting ‘so I have aquestion’?
And it seems there is no end to hersassiness.
Me: Are you going to indulge me and wear the showcase piece to theball?
At least a minute has passed…and no reply. Maybe I freaked her out. I mean, she’s even mydate—
Oh wait. She’sreplied.
Daniella: Yes. I’m so gonna rock the hell out of thatshit.
Item #3 officially crossed over to completionstatus.
Me: Great! Don’t forget we need to head to the airport in a couple of hours to pick up Liza andJonah.
Daniella: Yep. I’m on it, boss. I’ll meet you in the expolobby.
A few hours later, Jonah and I load the suitcases into the trunk of the car at the arrivals terminal at the airport, while Liza and Daniella have both settled in the back seat, chatting-it-up girl-style.
