Page 41 of Roberto

“Yes, Grandma,” I said.

I took Mei-ling’s arm in mine and guided her away from the bar.

Han made a sour face, then turned back to his glass of whisky.

“What is he, your chaperone?” Mei-ling asked humorously.

“Not for the next three hours, he’s not.”

21

We arrived 20 minutes later at La Giaconda. The name meant ‘the joyful woman’ – and was also the alternate title for the Mona Lisa.

La Giaconda was reportedly the best Italian food in Hong Kong. At least, that was what the concierge at the Continental had told me. The restaurant had two Michelin stars, just one star shy of perfect.

As we exited the limo and walked inside, Mei-ling said, “I’ve been here before. It’s excellent, but I’m not sure this will qualify as one of the most interesting experiences I’ve ever had.”

“We’ll see,” I replied.

“You know what I’mreallyenjoying?” she asked playfully.

“What?”

“Imagining all the punishments I could inflict on you.”

“Too bad you won’t get to do any of them.”

“We’ll see,” she said with a grin.

I smiled back at her. “Touché.”

“I’m curious, though.”

“About what?”

“You’re Italian, and this is an Italian restaurant.”

“…yes?” I asked, likeAnd…?

“Don’t you want to try something new?”

Translation:

Are you so boring that you only eat Italian food, even when you go abroad?

“I wouldvery much enjoy sampling the local cuisine,” I replied. “But rather than force you to be my tour guide, I thoughtImight play tour guide foryou.If there’s anything I know outside of finance, it’s Italian food and wine… and I thought I might share some of that with you.”

She looked thoughtful, then nodded. “I like that.”

“Good.”

The restaurant lobby was gorgeous, an artistic space filled with ornate wall hangings and mobiles of blown glass baubles dangling from the ceiling.

The maître d’– an Italian man – smiled at us as we approached. “Good evening, and welcome to La Gioconda. Do you have a reservation?”

“Actually,” I answered in Italian, “I’m the one who spoke with you earlier over the phone – Roberto Rosolini.”

“Ah!” he exclaimed happily, then replied in Italian. “So good to meet you in person, Mr. Rosolini! Right this way.”

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