Page 33 of (UN)Bounded

“That’s very noble on your part, Miss Bianchi. But have you thought if it would be profitable? Is there a market for such a niche in Santiago?”

“To be honest, I don’t think there wouldn’t be. I mean, people are dying to have fresh and authentic pieces in their spaces. But maybe I should include new artists from around the world, not only Chileans. Do you think I should make a poll?”

“I think your idea has great bones; it’s new and fresh, but you should do some marketing research. If you have the funds, maybe even hire a marketing company. Food for thought, Miss Bianchi. I’ll see you tomorrow,” he says with a smile and starts walking faster.

I stop and turn around to find my Bug. He does have a point; if I want to have a profitable business, I cannot only be guided by my heart.

When I’m back in my car, I see Aldo and Rocco parked in the spot next to me. I give them a little wave, and Rocco waves back. Taking my phone out of my bag, I see I have a couple of messages waiting for me.

Gabo: Do you have time to stop by my office before heading home today? I want you to meet with HR to see if any of the open positions interest you. We can go to dinner afterward.

I smile at his text. We didn’t have a chance to talk this morning, but as usual, a huge bouquet and delicious fresh fruit were waiting for me in the kitchen.

I check the other message and hold my breath before reading it.

Luca: I’m sorry, Isa. I know I screwed up big time by being a nosey ass. Let me know a good time to call and apologize. Also, I returned your money transfer. That money is yours, no strings attached.

I can only imagine what Karina told him. “De seguro lo cagó a pedos.” (I’m sure she gave him an earful.) I’ll have to text him soon.

Lowering my window, I motion for Rocco to do the same.

“I need to go see Gabo in his office,” I inform them, and Rocco nods as he raises his window again.

I punch the address into my phone, and as I’m making my way out of the parking spot, Giacomo blocks my way with his motorcycle. I hit the brake so hard that my car rattles, causing me to yelp in shock.

“What the hell?” I raise my hands to Giacomo. Rocco gets out of the SUV and has Giacomo off his bike and in his hold before I can even get out of my car. I need to help Giacomo before Rocco hits him or something.

“Rocco, it’s okay. This is Giacomo. We are in the same class,” I say as I approach them, but Rocco doesn’t even move.

“I know who he is, miss. But he jumped in front of your car. Was he expecting you to run him over?” Rocco says through his teeth, and I can see the terror in Giacomo’s eyes.

“Rocco, let him go. Please,” I say politely but firmly. Rocco doesn’t reply; he simply lets him go, and Giacomo bends his middle while gasping for air.

“I was just coming to see if you wanted to have dinner with me. I didn’t mean to startle you,” he says after a couple of beats.

I try hard not to laugh at how small he looks right now, still terrified from Rocco having him in a chokehold. I’m sure his intentions are good, but no man will ever match the BDE Gabo has.

“I know you didn’t mean anything by it. Maybe next time, text me and don’t jump in front of a moving car?” I say, and he chuckles, his cheeks blushing.

“Okay, yeah. That’s fair. I’m sorry.”

“And I’m so sorry to have to say no, but I really need to get going.”

His gaze drops.

“Listen, Giacomo. You’re a good friend but that’s all we’ll ever be. I hope you’re okay with that.”

He gives me a sad smile with a little wave, and even though I feel bad for saying no again, I can’t wait to go see Gabo. It doesn’t matter if I keep telling myself that all I want is a fling with him; my feelings for him are growing. He’s so thoughtful, sweet, and kind to me. I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be able to keep these blooming feelings at bay.

“One day, you’ll say yes, Isabella Bianchi,” Giacomo says out loud with a smile on his face as he walks backward. I hear Rocco grunt beside me, and I simply shake my head as I get back into my car. He’s persistent—I’ll give him that. But at this point, I wish he’d focus that persistence elsewhere.

I start driving toward Gabo’s office while listening to my soft summer vibes playlist. A song is stuck in my head, and I need to create choreography for it—another thing to add to my to-do list.

“Hello, I’m here to see Mr. Godoy,” I tell the woman outside of Gabo’s office after I make it to the top floor of the building. She pulls her glasses down on her nose and eyes me like I have dirt on my face. I look behind me to see if Rocco and Aldo are around, but they’re nowhere to be seen.

“Is there something wrong?” I ask because her staring is making me uncomfortable.

“Is Mr. Godoy expecting you?” she asks, and I pin her down with a glare.

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