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A small laugh escaped my lips at how her feelings mirrored my own. It was hard not to harbor similar sentiments towards my father, given our complex history.
"Yeah, he doesn't make it easy," I admitted, trying to keep the mood light, although it was becoming increasingly difficult.
She sensed it, too. I could tell by the curiosity in her eyes. She wanted to know about the rift between my father and me but that was a chapter I wasn't ready to read from out loud just yet.
I glanced at the time. "Getting late. You should get some rest," I offered, my tone gentle, trying to convey that some things were better left unspoken for now. “We’ll be picking up your things in the morning.
She seemed to get the hint, and I was grateful for her understanding. She glanced at her phone.
"You're right," she agreed, setting our plates in the sink. Then, she made her way toward the guest room, ready to call it a night.
However, before she disappeared into the room, I couldn't let the moment pass without expressing my gratitude. She had given me a chance. I needed her to know how much that meant to me.
"Griselda," I called out, stopping her just before she entered the room.
She turned to face me, her eyes meeting mine with a mix of curiosity.
"Thank you," I said sincerely.
She responded with a small smile before disappearing around the corner.
Maybe there was hope for the two of us.
The morning sun cast a gentle glow across the city as I drove, the hum of the engine filling the otherwise silent car. The atmosphere between Griselda and me was somewhat awkward, both of us lost in our thoughts.
Suddenly, a beep from my car interrupted the quietness, signaling an incoming call from Enzo. I saw Griselda glance over, her curiosity piqued. With a small smile, I swiped to answer the call, connecting to Enzo on the other end.
"Emilio, siamo pronti per la sperimentazione del nuovo prodotto. Stai arrivando?(Emilio, we're ready for the new product testing. Are you on your way?)" Enzo's voice came through the speakers.
"Sì, sarò lì presto, (Yes, I'll be there soon,)" I replied, glancing at Griselda, who was listening intently to the conversation even though she couldn’t understand.
"Va bene, a presto, (Alright, see you soon,)" Enzo said before ending the call.
Griselda looked thoughtful for a moment before finally speaking up, "I could have gone to pick my things up by myself if you're busy."
I glanced at her in surprise. "Lo hai capito?(You understood that?)"I asked in Italian.
She smirked, a playful glint in her eyes. "While I'm not proficient in speaking it, I understand more than you'd think. My mother was of Italian descent, after all. Come on, wasn’t it obvious from my name?"
I chuckled at how I had been fooled. Luckily, I hadn’t discussed any important matters around her. It seemed there was more to Griselda than met the eye.
"I see,” I replied, returning to English.
The journey continued in a lighter atmosphere.
We arrived at Griselda's apartment, and I prepared to follow her inside to help with the packing. However, she stopped me as I began to unfasten my seatbelt.
"I can handle it myself," she said with a warm smile, sensing my intention to assist.
Not wanting to make her uncomfortable, I agreed, "Alright, if you're sure. I'll wait for you here."
She disappeared into her building, and a few minutes later, she returned with a couple of pieces of luggage. Stepping out of the car, I helped her load them into the back.
As we set off again, an idea sparked in my mind. I thought it might be a good opportunity to show Griselda a glimpse of my work. I turned to her and asked, "Do you mind if we make a quick detour?"
Curiosity flickered in her eyes as she questioned, "Where are we going?"
"I want to show you something," I replied, not giving away the surprise.
