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“That’s okay, darling. I was calling to tell you that they have found asbestos in the building. You will have to work from home for a week or two.”
“What?” I frown. “Really?”
“It wasn’t in the building, just in a wall structure that had been added over the years. It’s being removed this week.”
“Oh.”
“It will be completely safe to return.”
“So, I’ll just work from home tomorrow?” I ask.
“Yes, unless you would rather have some time off. I can arrange that, too.”
I frown over at Enrico. He frowns back in question. “Did you tell him?” I whisper.
He shakes his head. “No,” he mouths back.
“Okay, that’s great. I’ll call you tomorrow, Giorgio.”
“Goodbye, sweetheart. Have a nice day.” He hangs up.
“Jeez.”
“What?”
“They’ve found asbestos in the building. I have to work from home for a few weeks.”
“Oh.” He picks his drink up and sips it, not saying anything else.
I stare at him. He can’t lie for shit. “Did you organize this?”
“No.” He rearranges his napkin on his lap.
“Enrico.” I gasp. “I have to work.”
“And you can… from home.” He takes my hands over the table. “My guards are super busy at the moment and it’s easier if you work from home for security reasons. Giorgio didn’t mind at all and, well, I just thought that now might be a nice time to bring your mother over.”
I frown. “What?”
“I haven’t met her yet. She can come to the engagement party next weekend, and you can tell her about the baby in person. You don’t want to do it over the phone, do you? As soon as she knows, we can tell everyone else.”
I sit back in my chair in shock. “Really?”
“Yes, I want to get to know her, and who knows?” He shrugs. “We may convince her to move to Lake Como for a while. I can get her a house of her own on the lake so she will be close while you’re pregnant.”
I put my hands over my mouth. “That would be so amazing,” I whisper. “You are so thoughtful. Thank you. I’ll call her tonight.” I take out my pad and paper and write the words:
To do
“My friend is going to help me organize this party,” I say as I begin my list.
“What friend?”
“Jen.”
“Who’s she?”
“My friend from the gym. Remember? You met her the night you carried on like a pork chop and punched Franco.”
