Page 98 of Two Chances With You

I open a beer, and at that exact moment, the cell phone rings. An undisclosed number. I shouldn’t take the risk but, who knows why, I feel like it, and I go ahead and answer. It’s Romani. I recognize his voice. I shoot a glance at the TV. In fact, they’re showing a commercial. The first commercial break of the show, almost always at 9:45. I look at the clock. They’re running a few minutes early. Who knows who even made up the schedule. Maybe those three had already completed it.

But I forget about all those thoughts. I try to understand what he’s saying and, as I listen, I’m surprised.

“So what I wanted to tell you, Stefano, is that I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I could never have imagined such a thing.”

And he continues with his customary tranquility, with his effortless elegance, with his calm, firm voice, so resounding. A voice that instills confidence. I listen in silence, and I remain speechless, even if I had wanted to say anything. Two other young women have now reported the same thing, an occurrence dating back some time. They’d lacked the courage to speak up for fear of losing their job or worse. And maybe there are others.

“And after what you did, Stefano, they’re gaining confidence. It wouldn’t have been uncovered for who knows how much longer, and possibly never. So, Stefano, I feel guilty for having put you into a situation like this one. And of all people, your girlfriend…”

I shake my head. There’s nothing to be done about it. Romani knows it too.

“So please accept my apologies and thank you. Seriously, thank you very much, Stefano.” Again, a thank-you. The one word I never would have wanted to hear.

“Well, now, I bid you farewell, I have to go back to work on the episode. Come see me though. I have something for you. It’s a gift. After all, I can’t use it. I have another show that starts in just two months, so I can’t even get away.”

He tries not to put too much emphasis on his generous gesture. No two ways about it, he’s really something.

“That way, you two can get some peace of mind. Then, if you like, we can work together again. He pauses. “If you like. But it would certainly make me happy. I’ll wait to hear from you…Stefano?”

I still haven’t said a thing but I end it nicely. “Yes, Romani, all right. I’ll swing by tomorrow. Thanks.”

As if by magic, the commercial ends, and the show starts up again. I drain my beer. Well, at least I managed to say one thank-you myself.

Chapter 38

At the TdV theater, they’re already breaking down the set. Bits of scenery and stage decoration are being hauled off, one after the other. A team of demolishers laugh among themselves. They almost seem to take pleasure in their destruction.

“It’s easier to destroy than to build…”

Romani’s voice catches me by surprise, coming from behind me. But it’s still reassuring. I smile and shake his hand. He’s been the most interesting person to get to know. The most unexpected, the one with the complex personality. The true winner of the rat race, which has proved disappointing and worrisome in so many ways, in the end even manages to make you appreciate it.

We walk together while tiny bits of stage dressing continue falling from above. Constantly and necessarily moving forward, the importance and the stupidity of success, the narcotic that is success, the beauty of success. To believe for a fleeting moment that you won’t be forgotten. But don’t worry, youwillbe forgotten.

“Here.” He hands me an envelope. “These are the contracts for you and for Ginevra for the next broadcast I do. If you like, you’re both already on staff. In March, a game involving music. A broadcast that will be super easy to put together, already tested in various European countries. It has more than thirty-five percent ratings in Spain.

“Marcantonio will be working on it, so will the same choreographer. I signed up some of the same dancers. I got rid of other members of the staff…” He smiles, clearly alluding to the three writers. “In part because I honestly don’t think they’ll ever work in this town again.

“All right, then, I hope that you and Ginevra will accept this contract. I’ve raised your salaries, both of you.” Then he remains silent. “Well, think it over…”

“Listen, Romani, can I ask you something?”

“Certainly.”

I look at him for a moment. What the hell. I just go ahead and ask him. “Why do you always wear one of your collar buttons unfastened?”

He looks at me. Then he smiles. “It’s very simple. To understand the character of the people I’m dealing with. Everyone wonders the same thing, everyone wants to ask me, to figure it out. But people are split into two groups: those who don’t dare to ask me that simple question and those who do. The first group will never know the answer to their curiosity. The second, on the other hand, will learn the reason for this idiotic detail!”

We laugh. I don’t know if it’s the truth. But I really like it as an explanation, and I decide to accept it at face value.

“This, on the other hand, is an envelope from me. An excellent place to go and think over the contract. The occasional beach in a hot place can help you get toyes.”

And he smiles allusively at all those hypotheticalyesesthat we’ll be able to get to. Then he strides quickly away. But by doing so, he’s beaten me to the punch. This time I didn’t get a chance to thank him.

Chapter 39

Ican’t believe it. Gin said yes. She had to invent a story that, aside from me, there are going to be three or four other people on the trip, but her parents said she could go.

That’s not all. They even threw in a reassuring phrase. “After all, as long as he’s there…” That “he” would be me. Which is just absurd. For the first time in history, there are parents who imagine that their daughter is safe if she’s with me. Yes, Gin is safe in my arms.

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