Huffing, Santo said, “So Corinna finally pried you out of your house, then?”
“So not the point. Anyway, he was all shy and nervous, and so was I. It was awkward but sweet. And then I told him about Nicholas. He walked me outside and held me while I cried.”
Grimacing, he answered, “Wow, that’s a lot for one night. How are you feeling about all this? Did he ask to see you again?”
“He did better than that. He offered to do the headshots for the new author I was telling you about. He’s a photographer.”
“Interesting. Not the same as a date but you’ll get to see him again.”
“No dates, Santo. Go ahead. Look him up now.”
Santo looked away to grab his laptop and she heard clicking and lots of “whoa’s”.
Aria’s prediction of his reaction was spot on as she saw his bushy eyebrows go up when he looked back at his phone.
“Oh, wow, Aria. He's a pretty big deal. And he's coming to do headshots for you? Yeah. I'm going with Mama's bones that something more is happening. Someone as well-known as this guy isn't going to do a menial job for a girl he once sort of knew in school. He’s into you, sis.”
“You think so?”
“Yeah, I do. Hey, speaking of male attention, has Gio made a move yet?”
“No, he hasn’t, but I’m pretty sure I don’t want him to. I’m so confused.”
“Well, be clear with Gio if he does. I know the kiss and embrace with Alex was a surprise, but you said you felt something. That's a big step for you. Maybe it’s time to consider dating. You'll never forget Nicholas, but you have the rest of your life to live, and I want it to be filled with joy. I loved Nicholas, too. But he would have wanted to see you happy,” he said, his eyes searching her face.
Aria took another sip of her drink. “Daniela said the same thing recently. I don't know, Santo. I'm confused but mostly scared. And guilty, nervous, excited. I'm a mess. Plus, Alex doesn't live here permanently. He travels all over the world. Maybe I should just say yes to Gio if he finally asks me out. At least I know him.”
“Look, don’t say yes to Gio or Alex if you’re not ready. And I know you love running the publishing house, but when are you going to take your writing seriously and publish your own book?”
When she didn’t answer him, he continued, “I've got to go finish up some emails before it gets too late here, but promise to keep me updated, okay? I love you, Aria. Remember, you deserve to chase your dreams, too. That's all I'm saying.”
“Love you too. And thanks for always listening,” Aria said as she ended the call and brought her cozy blanket up closer to her chin as if she could disappear in it completely.
Chapter Eighteen
The next morningwas a flurry of activity in the office. Aria arrived early to make sure everything was in place.
Aria met her new author, Michael Benson, and his agent, Thomas Nola, at the front desk when they arrived for the photoshoot. Shaking hands with them both, she asked them to take a seat in the waiting area so they could go over some last-minute details before Alex arrived.
“Good morning to you both. How are you feeling, Michael? Are you ready for your trip back home?” Aria greeted them.
“I'm a little nervous about the shoot. I've never been good in front of a camera, but I trust whoever you’ve chosen can help with that. And yes, I’m so ready. Italy has become home, but I’m so excited about going back to New York,” Michael answered.
While they spoke, Thomas clicked furiously away on his phone, not even stopping to look up.
“Wonderful. No need to be nervous. Alex will take good care of you. Also, Natalia has been giving me regular updates about the editing. We are all so excited for this book. You should be very proud, Michael,” Aria answered excitedly. “Care for some coffee or a snack before we get started?”
“No, I’m alright but thanks. Thomas?”
Thomas looked up for a moment and mumbled, “No, thanks,” before going back to his phone.
Natalia joined them after an early morning video call, apologizing for being late.
“I was just telling Michael how much we’ve all enjoyed the manuscript so far,” Aria said.
“Yes, he gets daily updates that I share with Aria. We’re so impressed,” Natalia said to Michael.
“It’s been years in the making to get to the point that I was ready to put it down on paper. It’s been such a labor of love,” Michael answered humbly.
