Page 55 of Robert

He chuckled and reached over to dab red sauce from the side of her lips. “I asked him if he wanted to make another go at it and he did not understand what I was asking him at first.

I had just started making money and I was looking for lucrative investment ideas. The meal was excellent, the best I have ever tasted, and something told me Antonio would do very well, if given the chance.”

She shook her head. “The restaurant business is dubious at best. What prompted you to take the risk?”

He smiled at that. “I wanted to be daring in business, go with my instinct and so far, it had not failed me. Besides, I told myself if this was the point that it was going to, then so be it. I had to do it.”

She stared at him in wonder. There were so many facets of this man she had accidentally married that she did not understand. On the surface, he was tough and seemingly unapproachable. The papers dubbed him as being ruthless, a force to be reckoned with and she was certain he was.

But underneath, he was caring, compassionate and kind. She experienced his passion every single day and night. And was bowled over by his intellect. “I am still trying to get accustomed to you calling him Antonio.

This guy is a celebrity chef. Yes, I read about his story in the magazine and when he was interviewed by Oprah and CBS, I watched the entire thing.” Her eyes rounded. “He spoke of a very close and personal friend who saved him and gave him a much needed second chance – it was you! Why didn’t he mention your name?”

“That was part of the agreement. I remain a silent partner only.”

“Why?”

He shrugged. “I wanted him to get his due. The restaurants are his. All I did was put up the capital. He did most of the work.”

“You gave him a chance.” She pointed out, still in awe that he was associated with that famous brand. She had been fortunate to get a reservation when she was in Venice one summer and the place had bene packed to capacity.

People waited months to get reservations which were as coveted as fine gold. “Does that mean you can walk in without calling?”

He chuckled at the animated look on her exquisite face.

“I have no idea. I never usually take advantage of my position. He was the one who taught me how to make the sauce.

When we worked out the details of the partnership and he decided to go for it, he insisted on giving me a crash course in cooking. Whenever I am in Milan, he will not hear of me staying anywhere else, but with him and his wife. He met someone while he was starting up the restaurant.”

“I read that too. He spoke about his tragedy and how much life had turned around for him. Oh Robert, that is such a beautiful story.”

He was about to respond when his phone pinged. Tugging it from his pocket, he looked at the LED with a frown. “It’s my sister.”

“I’ll put the things in the dishwasher.”

He nodded and answered the call.

“Hey.”

“Where are you?”

“Good evening to you too.”

“I am at your apartment and you’re not here.”

“Obviously. What’s the matter?” His frown deepened at the sound of her voice.

“I need to see you.”

“Cat, you are scaring me. What is going on?”

“Oh Robert! It is awful. A nurse on my rotation committed suicide. She was a friend.”

“I am on my way. Don’t leave.”

Hanging up from her, he turned to see Sonya coming towards him. “I’ll get dressed and come with you.”

“Are you sure?”

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