AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yes, of course, he bought all six. They are kind of a set. You, of all people, should know that. You can’t buy one without buying them all.” Mathew laughs.
“But there are only four in the shop.”
“Well, he definitely bought all six. I have the money here to prove it. Minus my commission, of course.”
“Wow, I’m a little gobsmacked.” I gasp, trying to calculate how much he must have paid for all six.
“Well, the money is here waiting for you when you have a chance to pop in, and if you have any more work you would like framed, I’d be happy to help.”
“Great, yes, that would be wonderful, and thank you. I’ll come by the shop after my shift.”
“Okay then, I’ll see you later.”
“Okay, bye.” I end the call, my hand tingling as if the news traveled down the handset into my fingers. He bought all six. There are four paintings in the shop, so what did he do with the other two?
* * *
My paintings arrived in the shop two weeks ago, and I’m still in the dark about why Gianni bought them and what he did with the other two. I decided to ask him as soon as he came to the shop, but as the days ticked by, Gianni made no appearance. I asked Lewis where Gianni was, and his reply was quick and jubilant—he didn’t know and didn’t care—the shop ran much smoother without him. I didn’t want to risk asking Piero. It would only make it look like I cared. But I can’t ignore the growing sense of unease about the fact Idocare. His absence is bothering me. A sense of despondence dwells within me, and I dare to admit Imiss him. But how can that be possible? What’s there to miss about someone who makes others feel so worthless?
My wonderment about Gianni is momentarily shelved as Piero flounces into the coffee shop, excitement on his ever-cheerful face. Faith and I are on the late shift and have been taking in the quiet after a hellishly busy lunch that seemed to last for hours. I stop cleaning the table as Piero breezes past me, positioning himself behind the counter and tapping the worktop with a long-handled spoon.
“Everyone, I have an announcement!”
Lewis emerges from the office, annoyance on his face showing he hasn’t been privy to this announcement.
“You have a son?” Faith smiles as she moves in to listen, the animation on her face lighting her cheeks and highlighting her white teeth. Piero’s wife is due to give birth any day now, and Faith keeps asking every time Piero arrives in the shop.
“Not yet. And it might be a girl.” Piero is buzzing. “This involves everyone, so gather ’round.” We all move a step closer, no one wanting to commit to whatever he is about to say. “I’ve booked a table at Le Rouge for us all on Friday night. I think it will be a good chance for us to socialize, a little team bonding,” Piero continues as his eyes focus on our reactions. “I thought staff morale could do with a little boost, and by the look on your faces, I think I’m right.” He couldn’t have been met with three more sour expressions. Even Faith doesn’t appear excited by the prospect. I feel sorry for him. He’d obviously taken on board what I’d said about morale.
“That sounds great.” I try to drum up some interest, glancing at Faith first for support.
“I suppose I could do Friday, although I’ll have to speak to Gregor first.”
“Bring him along. All spouses, partners, and other halves are welcome.” Piero offers. Faith glances at Piero, a dull, unamused look crossing her face.
“I have plans on Friday, so I’m afraid you’ll have to count me out,” Lewis announces, moving away from the counter in case anyone probes him further.
“Well, I’m sure Casey will be up for an evening on the town. It’s all students do, isn’t it?” Piero laughs, pulling a sheet of paper out of his briefcase. With swift dexterity, he scribbles down a crude invitation detailing the date and time. “I’ll stick this up in the office.” He flashes us all a smile as his last-ditch attempt at engaging us in his fanciful night out.
As Piero makes his way into the office, I return to the tables.
“Well, that was unexpected.” I throw this out to either Faith or Lewis, hoping one of them will bite.
“Yeah, a little strange if you ask me,” Lewis responds.
“What do you mean by that?” I ask.
“Well, arranging a staff get-together so early on is unusual. We’ve only been open a few weeks. You think he’d hold out until Christmas for some sort of function.”
“It’s May. Christmas is a pretty long way off.”
“It makes me a little suspicious.”
“Why? Do you suspect some ulterior motive other than what Piero said? That it’s not simply for team building? I, for one, think it’s a great idea.” I do not think it is a great idea. I don’t want to hang out with my work colleagues, with the possible exception of Faith. Even though Piero is great to work for, I can imagine him being irritating in a social setting. His cheery disposition would grate on me as the night wore on.
“It’s not what I would’ve done, that’s all.” Lewis shrugs, his jealousy painfully clear. “And if you think I’d want to sit and eat a meal with Gianni, then you’d be wrong. I’d rather stick pins in my eyes.”
I shoot a look at Lewis. “You think Gianni will be there?” I’m trying to be natural, but heat rises in my cheeks at the mention of his name.
