His face lip up. “And that’s awesome! It would help you tremendously if you ever decided to start your own thing!”
Shyly, she tucked her hair behind her ear. His enthusiasm for something that didn’t even exist as a concept was endearing, in a way.
“But forget about what you studied. What do you really love doing? Like… when you start doing that thing, you lose track of time, and you can work for hours on end without eating or drinking, and you don’t feel tired afterward.”
“Wow. I… Yeah, that’s an interesting question. I haven’t thought about it.”
“Do it now.”
“I like many things. Fashion, make-up, art…”
“So, you like being creative.”
“I guess. Yes.”
He leaned over the table and placed his hand over hers. He looked deep into her eyes, as if he was trying to read her soul. His smile was warm and encouraging.
“Penelope, you can do anything you want to do. You don’t have to follow the rules or live your life like the rest of the world. I see you love your job, but will you love it in five years? In ten?”
She chuckled. “If I’m still a personal assistant in five years, then I’m doing something wrong. No, this isn’t my dream job.”
“Exactly.”
She pulled her hand away, leaned against the backrest, and crossed her arms over her generous breasts.
“Wait. How did you know I’m not one hundred percent happy with what I’m doing? Why are we even having this conversation? It seems so… out of the blue.”
Enzo shrugged. “I can see it in your eyes. I’ve been my own boss for…” he hesitated, “… many years. I’m very passionate about what I do, and I can immediately tell when someone feels the same for their job, career, or business. You don’t. And I’m not saying this to criticize you… Please don’t think that! Far from me the thought! I just… I care about you. I want you to be happy and have all the time and the money in the world for all the things you truly love.”
“Hmm…”
“Hmm… what?”
“I’m not sure. You’re such a mystery to me, Mr. Salvador.”
He grinned. “Looking at you right now, I’d be tempted to say you like a good mystery.”
“And you wouldn’t be wrong.”
“Alright. Then, how about I give you another chance to solve it? Dinner tonight? I discovered an amazing Italian restaurant nearby.”
“Spanish two days ago, Italian now?”
She didn’t hate the suggestion. And he was asking her out to dinner, not to his place. No one said she had to spend the night with him. She could simply enjoy a nice meal, then go home and sleep in her own bed. Alone.
“Maybe I’m trying to make you fall in love with Europe,” he teased.
“And, maybe, I don’t mind.”
It was on. She wanted to play his game. Two nights before, he’d been hot, and charming, and had done all kinds of sinful things to her body. Now, he was being interesting, considerate, and a great conversationalist. What else might she discover about Enzo Salvador?
“Then, it’s settled. At eight? Should I pick you up?”
“N-no. I’ll grab an Uber.”
He laughed. “That’s ridiculous! I’ll pick you up, just give me your address.”
Penny finished her coffee, checked the time, and stood up.
