Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 27545 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 138(@200wpm)___ 110(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27545 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 138(@200wpm)___ 110(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
“I’m sorry about my boss. He can be demanding,” I apologize for Fabio’s behavior.
“I wasn’t aware you were working here.” He arches his brow, like it bothers him to believe I would be a server or something.
“I don’t. I don’t believe my sister mentioned it, but I own a graphic design company and last week Mr. Fiore inquired about using my services.” I’m still taken aback by Fabio’s reaction. It was overboard.
“Oh. I didn’t know you were not only beautiful, but talented and ambitious.” John smiles as if genuinely pleased. His expression changes as he looks over to the corner of the room and then back toward me. “I don’t believe those are the only services he’s interested in.”
“Considering he’s always wining and dining beautiful people, I doubt he’s interested in anything other than business when it comes to me. After all, my sister and I are identical, and he hasn’t put the moves on her.” It’s true, as far as I know. Isabelle has never mentioned any interest or moves made by Fabio in the many years she’s worked for him.
“Maybe to the general public, but I can see the difference between you two. Not that your sister isn’t beautiful as well, but there’s something in your eyes that drew my attention,” he says, taking a drink of water. Needing to work, he has to stay sober. I do the same thing because my mouth is suddenly dry.
“I believe those were tears.” I’d been emotional and happy when my sister got out of surgery just fine. I even threw my arms around the doctor here.
“And a sense of humor.” We both laugh slightly, and I see why women fall all over this man too. He’s got a killer smile, and yet I don’t see any future with him. I almost want to end the night now, but I don’t want to be a bitch since he went out of his way to take me out.
The waiter that interrupted Fabio earlier arrives at our table, taking our drink orders—we both stick with more water with lemon.
“Have you ever eaten here before?” he asks, his eyes trained on mine over the menu.
“Just what Isabelle brings me home in a doggie bag.” I wink.
“This is a first for me. Any recommendations?”
“It depends. When my sister’s cooking, I’d say anything on the menu would be great, but I don’t know who the chef is tonight.” I glance over the menu, seeing that they don’t really need an update, but businesses are told they should refresh their brands from time to time.
“That is a shame. I hear she’s fabulous when it comes to the kitchen.”
I nod, because Isabelle is the best I’ve ever had cook for me. “She’s amazing, and I’m sure Fabio can’t wait to have her back.” I rub my neck, feeling a tingling sensation. My stomach becomes uneasy, but I take a drink of water and relax.
“If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to use the ladies’ room.”
“Absolutely.”
There’s tension in John’s shoulders, and I wonder if he regrets going out with me tonight. I excuse myself because I could swear that Fabio was staring at the back of my head the entire time. I look around the room to find the sign for the restroom and spot Fabio’s eyes directly on me. “It’s that way.”
“Is it hidden?” I ask John.
“For the most part, yes. I had to wash my hands when I got here, and I had to ask the hostess.”
“Good, so I don’t feel like a total spazz.”
“Anything for you.” He winks and I walk, feeling slightly better about our date, although there’s another part of me that’s completely torn because I want to be sitting with Fabio. I shouldn’t, but I do.
As soon as I enter the bathroom, I head to the sink and check out my reflection. I knew this night wouldn’t be good, but damn, this sucks so far. John’s a wonderful guy who I should be grateful to get to know, but all I can think about is Fabio and why he’s being strange. Fabio’s acting like a disgruntled lover, and John’s being a gentleman about it. So why do I feel so guilty?
I brush my fingers over the loose strands of hair and take a deep breath. I shoot a text message to Isabelle. Things aren’t going well. I should have canceled.
Call me.
“What’s going on, Ana?”
“John’s great, but I feel like a bitch for even saying yes because I don’t see any future with him.”
“You don’t need a future, just the present.”
“It’s more than that. Fabio’s here, and lets just say he’s actually pissed off that I’m here. It’s so freaking weird.”
“And he knows it’s you and not me?”
“Yes. He’s made it clear that he knows, but he’s acting like my time is his.”
“Strange. That’s not like Fabio at all. I can talk to him if you want.”