Page 198 of Valentino

“Merry Christmas,” everyone chants.

There are ten of the management team here, along with their partners, we’re celebrating a record-breaking year.

The highest-grossing in all of Ferrara history.

Seated around a circular table in a private dining room at our favorite restaurant. The mood is happy and jovial. Cocktails are flowing, and the women are chatting as the boys laugh and tell stories.

I sit alone.

The only one who didn’t bring a date, I didn’t have it in me tonight.

My acting skills just aren’t that good.

It’s the nineteenth of December and tomorrow, I go home to spend Christmas with my family. Perhaps the last one of its kind.

My mother is dying.

Enrico slaps me on the back. “You were incredible this year, Val.”

I force a smile. “It was a team effort.”

“No, it was your strategy that changed the game for us. I hope you know how valuable and loved you are.”

Olivia begins to speak to Francesca across the table. “How’s Anna doing?”

My ears prick up.

“She’s going great,” Francesca gushes. “Oh my God, she’s loving her job.”

“You know that deal you negotiated,” Enrico continues. “I couldn’t….”

I stare at Enrico but I’m homing in on the girls’ conversation.

“Where is she working again?” Olivia asks.

“Vogue. She’s a location scout. Travels the world.”

“What made you think….” Enrico’s voice drowns over Olivia’s.

“Rome,” Francesca replies.

“She’s living in Rome?” Olivia gasps. “Oh, how beautiful. What part?”

“Old town.”

What?

She’s living in Rome.

“Hey?” Enrico laughs as he slaps me on the shoulder. “Am I right?”

I smile and nod. “For certain.” No idea what he just said but….

“And the funny thing is…” he continues.

“Is she still seeing that guy?” Olivia asks.

Romeo squats down beside me. “Come to the bar,” he says loudly.