Page 74 of Challenged By You
“Because you mentioned she had kids, not that they were twins. How old are they?”
Dropping back into the chair behind the desk, I pick up my phone. I hold out the picture I was looking at when he came in. “Two. We went to the zoo the other day.”
“Ah, I remember your mother taking you both there,” Karlson reminisces.
“So did I, which is why I suggested it.” My uncle and I exchange smiles.
“I don’t see the problem, Jonas.”
I say two words which cause his swarthy face to pale. “Mia Palazzo.”
“Oh, God.” Karlson immediately stands and begins to pace.
“Why are both of you so afraid of this woman?” Julian demands.
“It’s not a fear,” I start.
“It’s terror,” Karlson clarifies.
“For Karlson, it’s terror,” I amend. “For me, I’m not worried. Mia has no bearing on my career. But for Trina? That’s her boss. What if she thinks the review is being influenced in some manner?”
Now, it’s Julian’s turn to pace—his own mannerism he picked up from our uncle—while Karlson regulates his breathing again after hearing Mia Palazzo’s name. Suddenly, Julian pauses before whirling around to face both of us. “So, call this Mia Pizzeria.”
“Palazzo,” the two of us correct automatically.
He waves his hand. “Whatever. Just call her and have her tell her chefs to make the menu out of your most hated foods. This way, if they manage to knock it out of the park—”
“It’s based solely on the individuals themselves,” I conclude slowly. “That’s brilliant, Jules, but that solves only part of the problem.”
“What? The interview?” My brother scoffs. “You said that was your idea, right?”
“Well, yes.” It’s rare for me to do a spotlight on a chef, but when I do, it gets noticed in a big way.
“Then why don’t you do it in my column? Who says it has to be this dry, boring piece only a handful of people are going to read anyway? Tell the world about the captivating chef you’re starting to fall for.”
“Because,” I immediately start to protest before stopping myself. I turn the idea over and over in my mind looking for flaws. Other than getting Mia’s agreement, I can’t find any fault with this plan at all. “God, it could work,” I admit aloud.
“You know, Jonas, Julian’s right. Your biggest issue’s going to be keeping it a secret once you secure Chef Palazzo’s agreement. We all know Julian has a big mouth.”
“Hey!” Julian protests before he admits, “I only resemble that remark with family.”
“For which we all appreciated when it was time to find out what we were getting for the holidays,” I tell him dryly.
“Chelsea particularly appreciated it,” Julian retorts. “But back to this Palazzo, do you think she’ll go for it?”
I hide my smile as Karlson shudders when Julian mention’s Mia’s name. It’s too bad he’s only witnessed her ballbuster side; Mia has a heart of gold. “Make the call, son. You know it’s the right one.”
Picking up my phone, my screensaver appears. And there she is—Mom. Her arms are wrapped around me and Julian when we’re not much older than Annie and Chris. She’s smiling at us with each of us tucked in on either side. Her easy smile is encouraging me.
“I have no doubt your mother loved you, Jonas. After all, she peeled the apple, didn’t she?”
Unlocking the screen, I find a picture the picture of Trina, Chris, and Annie. My heart picks up in tempo. “You have apizzamy heart, T. Let’s see where this thing goes.” Calculating the time difference, I pull up Mia Palazzo’s cell phone. Aiming a withering look at my brother, I say, “You don’t have to stay for this.”
“I’m not going to miss a moment of this. After all, it’s my column you’re using to come out to the world.”
Exchanging a resigned glance with Karlson, I press Call. “Then you’d better brace,” I warn him.
Mia picks up after the second ring. “I have children speaking in tongues to one another. The one that actually speaks English is demanding food. Make this quick, Rice,” Mia snaps.
