Page 58 of The Wrong Move

“My Gigi.”

“Morning, Isabella.”

“Yes, good morning. I forget.” I check the time, and in Southern Italy, it’s an hour before midnight. “I’m glad you’re awake, as I have fabulous news. I need you here for the weekend.”

“This Friday?” I croak.

“Sì, but only for a few days, mystellina. We have meetings. Saturday, we have to attend a… hmm, what do you say in America… a gala? Then you’re free to go home.”

“It’s late notice, Isabella.”

“No. Not late. First, let’s discuss your new artwork. While I love the colors, we want something to pop.”

“A brighter background color for a more vibrant contrast? We could do yellow and burnt orange or hot pink? Vivid backgrounds make me think of summer.”

“Bellissima, mystellina. I can see it now. And it’s perfect for our next project.”

“We have another project?”

“Sì. Cibo Creativowants your designs on their appliances. Their mixers, toasters, kettles… all in the kitchen will have your beautiful artwork.Arrivederci noiosa cucina,” she says grandiosely.Goodbye boring kitchens.

It takes me a while to comprehend it’s not a fashion contract. I laugh and shake my head to unravel my thoughts. “Their appliances will be bright yellow and orange, covered with my flowers and nature art?”

“Sì.”

“This is exciting.” My lips are tight with a wide smile.

“We will discuss the terms, and you can meet thedirettore generaleat Cibo Creativo on Saturday.”CEO.

“This weekend?” I hesitate.

“Yes. Stay for four days. We have much to discuss.”

“Okay.”

“I’ll book your flights. Dante will be happy you’re coming home.”

Although Italy felt like home for a while, I’ve come to realize it’s not. Comfortable, yes, and safe. Then there’s Dante.He is her nephew, but it is an uncomfortable conversation. I repeatedly drag my foot along Byron’s cool bathroom tiles.

“It’s nice Dante feels that way.”

“He misses you. He is sorry for what happened between you.”

Why is he not telling me this?

“Sometimes things happen for a reason. I’ve met someone, and I’m happy.”

“Stellina, you know Dante. When he gets something in his head, he acts like a bull with a red muleta.”

Certain types of fixations annoy me, and bulls have dichromatic vision—they can’t even see the color red. I struggle to hide my irritation. “Byron isalsoa determined man.” Though the last thing I want is for these men to come face-to-face, and I refuse to be a trophy.

I spin around, thinking. If Byron is with me, maybe Isabella will ask Dante to leave me be. “May I bring someone to the gala?”

“We can discuss it later. I need to go,stellina, my ride is here.”

“Of course.” I shake my head. I do not want to step on Isabella’s toes, especially since this will be a great career advancement. Who knew I would come this far?

Byron.He always believed in my talent. But we both have careers we need to focus on, and neither one of us is ready to give that up for love. I’m still getting to know the man, not the boy I loved who broke my heart.

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