129
Matteo’s POV.
The train rocked gently as it sped through the countryside, the rhythmic clatter of the wheels against the tracks almost soothing. Almost. If it weren’t for the looming pressure of the deal we were chasing, I might have actually enjoyed the ride.
Gianna Lorenzo sat across from me, her laptop open, her eyes flicking between the screen and the papers she’d spread out like a fortress around her. She hadn’t said more than a handful of words since we boarded, and those were all business-related.
I shifted in my seat, clearing my throat. “You know, I’ve read that working too hard can cause premature wrinkles.”
Her eyes didn’t leave the screen. “I’ll take my chances, thanks.”
I grinned, leaning back in my seat. “I’m just saying, a little small talk never hurt anyone. We’re going to be stuck together for two weeks. Might as well get comfortable.”
Now she looked up, arching an eyebrow. “Comfortable? We’re not on a vacation, Matteo. This trip is about closing deals, not bonding over shared hobbies.”
“Who said anything about hobbies?” I replied, shrugging. “I’m just trying to keep things lively. You’ve been glued to that screen for three hours. Do you even know where we are right now?”
“On a train,” she said dryly, and went back to typing.
I chuckled, shaking my head. Gianna was all sharp edges and laser focus. I’d known that from the moment I started working under her. She was the kind of boss who could command a room with a single glance, who didn’t take excuses, and who expected nothing less than perfection.
Honestly, it was impressive. Also a little intimidating.
“So,” I pressed, undeterred. “What’s the first stop again? Chicago?”
“Cleveland,” she corrected without looking up. “Then Chicago, then Dallas. Do you even read the itinerary, or do you just show up and wing it?”
“Winging it works for me,” I said, giving her my most charming smile. “But don’t worry, I’ll let you handle the details.”
Her lips twitched, just barely, before she quickly masked it with her usual no-nonsense expression. “Matteo, this isn’t a game. If we don’t secure this deal, we’re going to be left scrambling to recover. And scrambling isn’t in my vocabulary.”
I held up my hands in mock surrender. “Got it. No scrambling. But seriously, Gianna, you’ve got to loosen up a bit. We’ll close the deal, and you’ll still have time to enjoy the scenery.”
“Enjoy the scenery,” she repeated, as if the concept was foreign to her.
“Yes,” I said. “You know, trees, lakes, the occasional gas station-pure magic.”
This time, she didn’t bother hiding the small smile that crept onto her face. “You’re impossible.”
“I’ve been called worse,” I said lightly.
She sighed and closed her laptop, finally giving me her full attention. “Fine. Since you’re so determined to talk, let’s talk. What’s your plan for the Cleveland pitch?”
I blinked, caught off guard. “My plan?”
“Yes, your plan,” she said, leaning back in her seat. “You’re the one who’s been so eager to prove himself. Consider this your chance.”
I swallowed, sitting up straighter. “Well, I thought we’d start with-”
“Stop,” she said, holding up a hand. “Don’t just tell me. Show me. Pretend I’m the client. Pitch it to me.”
I hesitated. This wasn’t exactly what I’d had in mind when I said we should talk, but backing down wasn’t an option. Taking a deep breath, I launched into the pitch I’d been preparing, trying to channel every ounce of confidence I had.
She listened intently, her expression unreadable, nodding occasionally but giving nothing away. When I finished, she sat in silence for a moment, tapping her fingers against the armrest.
“It’s… a start,” she said finally.
I frowned. “A start? That was gold.”
“It was rough gold,” she corrected. “The kind that needs to be refined before it’s worth anything. You need more data, more specifics. And for the love of God, stop using buzzwords like ‘synergy.’ It makes you sound like a walking cliche.”
“Synergy’s a great word,” I muttered, but I couldn’t help feeling a little deflated.
She leaned forward, her tone softening just a fraction. “Look, Matteo, you’ve got potential. But potential doesn’t mean anything if you don’t put in the work. These clients aren’t going to be swayed by charm alone. You need to show them you’ve done your homework.”
I met her gaze, surprised by the sincerity in her voice. “I’ll work on it,” I said.
“Good.” She opened her laptop again, effectively ending the conversation.
K
As the train continued its journey, I found myself watching her out of the corner of my eye. She was intimidating, sure, but there was something else, too. Beneath the steel exterior, I could sense a genuine passion for what she did. She wasn’t just dedicated-she cared.
It made me want to prove myself even more. That I actually deserved the job even though it was Alaric who helped me get it.
The rest of the day passed in a blur of meetings and travel logistics. By the time we checked into our hotel in Detroit, I was exhausted.
The receptionist handed Gianna one key and me another, explaining that our rooms were across the hall from each other.
“Well,” I said, pocketing my key. “Looks like we’ll be neighbors.”
“Try not to make too much noise,” she said dryly.
“Come on, Gianna,” I teased. “You think I’d throw a wild party on a work trip?”
“I think you’re capable of anything,” she replied, a hint of amusement in her voice.
I laughed, shaking my head. “Good night, boss.”
“Good night, Matteo,” she said, already turning toward the elevator. “And make sure you’re up early. I wouldn’t want us to miss the flight because of your tardiness. Okay?”
“God that boss,” I called out after her as she got I to the elevator.
I smiled as she turned around, her eyes meeting mine for a brief moment before the elevator doors closed. Hurrying back into my room, I locked the door and plopped down on my bed, ready to fill Emilia in on how my day went.