Page 34 of Finding Love in the Clouds

“How did you manage to hold onto the commission from our watch sales?”

“That was all Anthony. He and Enrique picked up on my work dynamic right away. When the sales started to be rung up, one of my ‘trainers’ decided you all were suddenly worth his time and stepped up to process the sale. Anthony put his foot down hard. Enrique had asked me if I was still in training, as my professionalism and knowledge told him otherwise. I said not really, but they kept me at that level so they could ‘share’ the commissions on any of my sales. He asked if I had to ‘share,’ and when I said no, but it didn’t seem to matter to my male colleagues, who took it anyway if they could run it through theregister, he and Anthony started whispering. The next thing I knew, my colleagues were glaring daggers at me from the other side of the room but left me and the BBC alone for the rest of the afternoon.”

“That sounds like my brothers. They never would have stood by and let a woman be taken advantage of. I’m sorry I wasn’t more aware that day. I was too busy focusing on you and trying to ignore Gabe’s whispers.”

“No worries. Anthony put them in their place. Before he left, he made sure they understood that I had five billionaires in my corner and all I had to do was call, and they would be back, and my colleagues wouldn’t like it. I heard him drop some employee conduct and workplace laws as well, so my manager, who was in on all of the mistreatment, was duly warned. Things improved, and the commission check caught us up on our back rent and gave us some breathing room. What did you mean by Gabe’s whispers? What was he saying?”

“My brothers had been pressuring me to get an assistant. I was not managing my life or business well, as you noticed when you came on board. Gabriel spent the afternoon pointing out all the qualities you possessed that would make you excellent for the job. By the time you rang up my purchase, I was sold in more ways than one, so I dropped my card and offered you the job. Honestly, I was worried that your appealing looks would get me into trouble, so it took a little convincing on Gabe’s part. I had been interviewing little old ladies for the job prior to offering it to you, but they didn’t work out well in my fast-paced world.”

“No, I can’t imagine a granny doing well working your kind of hours or keeping up with your scattered tendencies. You keep me on my toes. I haven’t noticed an attraction, though. Not ever!”

“I worked really hard to keep it hidden. Eventually, I convinced myself my attraction wasn’t a thing, and then one day it wasn’t anymore.Mind over matter can be a powerful tool. Julio taught me that. You were my lifeline, and I wasn’t going to do anything to mess that up. Keeping myself buried in my work helped; I didn’t have time to think about anything else.”

As the bus rolled along the scenic route, Alicia took the microphone and began her presentation about Tuscany. “Welcome to Tuscany, the heart of Italy. This region is famous for its rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval towns. Historically, it has been a center of art, culture, and politics. The Renaissance, a cultural rebirth that swept through Europe, began right here in Florence.”

Fernando and Sophie paused their conversation to gaze out the window as the bus passed through picturesque landscapes. The fields were a patchwork of greens and golds, interspersed with tall cypress trees lining the roads. Vineyards stretched into the distance, their neatly ordered rows basking in the late afternoon sun. Occasionally, they spotted charming farmhouses and grand villas.

“Tuscany’s architecture is a blend of ancient Roman, Gothic, and Renaissance styles,” Alicia continued. “In Florence, you’ll see the magnificent Florence Cathedral with its iconic dome designed by Brunelleschi, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery, home to masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli.”

Sophie glanced at Fernando, her excitement evident. “I can’t wait to see all that. Imagine standing where these great artists once stood.”

Arriving in Florence, as the sun dipped towards the horizon, the bus navigated through the narrow streets of the city. They passed elegant palaces with their stone facades, intricate ironwork, and large wooden doors that hinted at the grandeur inside. The streets were alive with people, locals and tourists alike, all drawn to the city’s historical charm and vibrant energy.

After settling into their rooms, they reconvened for dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. The view was breathtaking, with the city’s iconic landmarks silhouetted against the evening sky. They enjoyed traditional Tuscan cuisine—fresh pasta, succulent meats, and rich, flavorful sauces—all paired with local wines.

“This is truly a feast for the senses,” Fernando remarked, savoring each bite of his meal.

As they lingered on the rooftop terrace, watching the sun set behind the iconic Duomo, Sophie felt a sense of contentment wash over her. “This is perfection,” she said softly, leaning against Fernando’s shoulder.

He smiled, wrapping an arm around her as they watched the city come alive with the glow of streetlights and the sounds of laughter drifting up from the streets below. In that moment, surrounded by beauty and immersed in each other’s company, Sophie knew this journey was just the beginning of their adventures together.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Fernando and Sophie awoke to a bright Florentine morning. After a delightful breakfast of cappuccinos and fresh pastries at a quaint café near their hotel, they set off for a day filled with adventure and shopping.

Sophie and Fernando had a few specific items in mind, and Alicia was happy to help. She suggested most of the shop locations, but they needed an escort to the first store. Fernando was looking for a special piece of jewelry for Hannah to celebrate her new baby. Alicia led them into the heart of Florence, guiding them to a simple-looking store that seemed unremarkable from the outside. Alicia spoke rapidly in Italian to the doorman, who permitted them entry.

They walked through the store to a back room, where Alicia tapped on a door with a specific rhythm. A peephole slid open, and she exchanged a few words in Italian. The scene reminded Sophie of an old speakeasy from Prohibition days, where a secret code was required for entry. The door opened, revealing a small elevator that took them to an opulent showroom fit for royalty. Gold fixtures, polished blackmarble, and dim ceiling lights created a glittering wonderland. The staff, dressed in formal attire, added to the elegance.

A salesman approached with a slight bow. “Buongiorno. How may we assist you today?”

Fernando explained their needs, and the staff sprang into action, bringing out trays lined with black velvet and filled with exquisite pieces. Fernando picked up a delicate peridot pendant. “This will be perfect for Hannah, as long as she has the baby in August. If she has them in July, I guess I will need to get her a second gift for that month,” he said, admiring the craftsmanship.

Meanwhile, Sophie chose a simple diamond-studded ring with yellow and white gold, creating bands that looked like stacked rings but were actually one piece. The tiny diamond chips glittered, looking stunning without breaking her budget. After nearly an hour exploring the treasure trove, they left with beautifully wrapped packages and a sense of satisfaction.

Their next destination was Misuri, Arte Del Cuoio, in Piazza S. Croce. As they approached the historic piazza, the imposing Basilica di Santa Croce loomed over them, its Gothic facade intricate and awe-inspiring. The leather shop, tucked in a corner, exuded an old-world charm. The rich scent of leather wafted through the air as they stepped inside. Master artisans worked behind the scenes, their skilled hands transforming hides into beautiful pieces of art.

Fernando couldn’t resist a finely crafted leather belt, perfect for his professional image. Sophie, on the other hand, fell in love with a soft, buttery leather jacket. The store also offered personalized gilding services, so they decided to have their names embossed in gold leaf on their purchases, adding a unique touch.

As they exited the store, Sophie giggled, “I never imagined having my name stamped in gold on my clothing. It seems so… decadent. It’s a little ridiculous.”

“It may be ridiculous,” Fernando agreed with a grin. “I certainly can’t see doing it on everything I own, but you have to admit it was fun to do on this, and it adds to the memories that jacket will always hold for you. That was a great choice. That jacket will last several generations, and it is a timeless style.”

Sophie glowed under his praise for her selection, and shivers ran up her arm as he took her hand in his. They strolled through the streets and came across a Murano glass store. The vibrant colors of the glass sculptures and jewelry caught their eyes. Sophie selected a necklace with a pendant resembling miniature artwork; its delicate beauty captivated her. The colors and style were perfect for her mother. She selected a similar yet smaller design that had been used to create earrings for her brother’s fiancé. As they left the store, her wallet was a little lighter, but her heart was full of joy, knowing she had made wise choices for her family that they would enjoy for years to come.

For the final item on their list, they made their way to L’Antica Cantina del Chianti. The store, located in Piazza Duomo, was renowned for its selection of the best wines, extra virgin oils, and other Tuscan products. The storefront was charming, with rustic wooden barrels and inviting displays of wines and oils. The staff guided them through a tasting of various wines, each sip revealing layers of rich, complex flavors. Fernando chose several bottles of Italian spiced wine to bring back for his family, knowing it would be a hit at their next BBC gathering, while Sophie picked up a selection of olive oils, each infused with different herbs and spices, perfect for elevating their home-cooked meals. The shop’s rustic charm and the enthusiasm ofthe owner, who spoke passionately about each product, made the visit an unforgettable experience.

They decided to take a break and enjoy a leisurely lunch before continuing their adventure in the famous Academy of Fine Arts. They found a cozy trattoria nearby and settled in for a meal of traditional Tuscan cuisine. The pasta was fresh, the sauces rich and flavorful, and the wine flowed freely. They chatted about their purchases and the incredible sights they had seen on their journey, both feeling a deep sense of contentment and enjoying the companionship.

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