Later on, as I watched how the people from Locatelli worked, I wondered why we didn’t choose them as the general contractor for the expansion. In reality, given the size of their company and their leadership in this field, they wouldn’t need a third party to speed up this project. They could handle it on their own.
I was in awe; we were wealthy, but as I looked at my husband’s family businesses, I couldn’t help but feel insignificant. They were always ahead. From their hotel and restaurant chains, logistics, development corporation, hospitals, pharmaceuticals, and more, their name always stood out and prospered. It’s like anyone associated with them, no matter how wealthy you are, will always fall short.
But, as I observed them during the times I was with them, they weren’t arrogant. Even at the top, you’d never hear them making judgmental remarks. They stayed humble, even though their presence could often be intimidating.
I had my laptop with me because I decided to work on some tasks here. I wasn’t very much needed at the office, and I told them to call me if my presence there was required. I didn’t have any meetings today. This was one of those days when my schedule was clear.
An engineer and an architect approached me. They had some suggestions to improve a facility in the expansion. I stared at their tablet as they showed me the suggestions. I listened to their explanations and, upon reflection, I agreed to their suggestion, thinking it would lead to better results. After they moved away, I returned my attention to my laptop. I stretched my neck because it was starting to ache from my work.
I wondered where Gio was. I hadn’t seen him since I had focused on my laptop. Perhaps he was occupied as well.
I stood up to look for him. Should I invite him to have a meal? We had lunch earlier, but… I don’t know. Just to have an excuse to spend time with him. I didn’t want others to think we were being overly affectionate here.
I chuckled at my own thoughts and shook my head. I stepped out of the small office space created for us and immediately started searching for Gio.
I asked a few people I encountered if they had seen him, but they all replied negatively. My brow furrowed. Had he left already? Maybe he needed to return to the office suddenly. But if that were the case, why didn’t he at least inform me, even with a text?
“Dario,” I called out when I saw them.
“Ma’am?”
I approached his location while scanning the area to see if I could spot Gio.
“Have you seen Gio?”
Patrick and Dario exchanged glances, and when Dario turned his attention back to me, he shook his head. I arched an eyebrow.
“I know you know where Gio is. Tell me.”
“I won’t reveal Gio’s whereabouts, but I can tell you who he’s with. He’s with Rory Green. It seems like they have something to discuss.”
My eyes widened at what Dario had just disclosed. I firmly gripped his arm. He stepped back, but I didn’t let go.
“Where are they? Tell me, Dario! Gio might do something to Rory.”
“Ma’am, Sir Gio may have a quick temper when men get too close to you, but he wouldn’t hurt anyone without reason-or maybe not at all. I don’t think he’d do anything to Rory Green.”
I bit my lip, realizing that Dario had no intention of revealing more to me. I released him and thought.
“Do you need anything else, Ma’am Millie?”
I shook my head and turned away from them. I walked back to the office on the site and took my seat.
For an hour, I was lost in thought, contemplating what Gio and Rory might be talking about and why they were together. I felt uneasy for no apparent reason.
I glanced at my watch and thought about getting a coffee to awaken my senses. I felt like I needed a caffeine boost.
I was just about to stand up when someone placed a cup of coffee on my desk. I stared at it before shifting my gaze to the man who had put it there.
“Caramel Macchiato for Millie.”
I froze when I saw Rory. He smiled at me before taking a seat across from me.
“That was your favorite when we were in college. I’m not sure if it has changed now.” He also had a cup of coffee in his hand.
I studied Rory carefully, checking for any injuries or signs of a fight. I breathed a sigh of relief when I found nothing.
“It’s still my favorite,” I replied. “Thank you.”
I reached for the coffee cup and took a sip. I saw Rory’s broad smile. I wanted to ask him what he and Gio had talked about, but I hesitated. I thought I’d ask Gio about it instead.
Rory and I chatted for a while. I laughed, especially when I remembered some of Rae’s college shenanigans.
There were moments when Rory would touch my hand. I would subtly pull away, so as not to offend him.
When it was time to return to the office, I bid farewell to Rory, and he let me go.
“Thanks again for the coffee,” I said with a smile. He smiled back and nodded.
I looked for Gio once more, and this time Dario accompanied me. There was something about the way Dario looked at me that made me feel uncomfortable.
“Where’s Gio?” I asked. I still hadn’t seen him.
Dario didn’t respond immediately. He just stared at me, and when I gave him a stern look, that’s when he answered. “He left earlier.”
I stopped in my tracks. “He left? Why didn’t he even say goodbye to me?”
Dario gave me a meaningful look before deciding to speak again. “It seems like Sir Gio didn’t say goodbye because you were quite busy earlier.”
I was dumbfounded by Dario’s words. He opened the car door for me and gestured for me to get in. I stared at him, waiting for an explanation, but Dario remained silent.
I swallowed hard, feeling a sense of unease for an unknown reason. I got into the car and quickly checked my office for any pending paperwork before heading home.
I tried calling Gio, but no one answered, so I decided to send him a text. I had this nagging feeling that I was somehow at fault for what Dario had told me, even though I couldn’t figure out why.
Even though I was busy, Gio could always approach me. I would always make time for him.