-NINA-"Tesoro, ero in pensiero!" My mother's loud voice came through the cell phone speaker."Mamma! There's nothing to be worried about," I sighed heavily, looking at her delicate features. My mom has fair skin, delicate bone structure and chestnut hair. Even in her late fifties, she is still a beautiful woman, with the grace of a movie star from the fifties.I inherited part of her refined features, but I look more like my father, with my dark brown hair and slightly darker skin. However, my eyes aren't brown like his, but a dark shade of green."But we haven't spoken for nearly a week!" With the look of shock on her face, you'd have thought I'd disappeared for a whole year."That is not true. We've been texting every day. I just couldn't call you sooner because of the time difference." Italy is 6 hours ahead of New York, making it difficult to find time for a proper telephone call."It's not the same when I can't see your face. I was feeling uneasy about you living in New York. It
-NINA-Chris was talking with a bald older man in a brown suit with a white mustache when I approached them near the elevators."Can I speak with you for a second, Mr. Hayworth," I corrected myself for my earlier mistake. It's better that our connection stays private.Their heads turned to look at me. "Of course. We'll continue this conversation later, Mendelson. Call my assistant to schedule a meeting," he addressed the bald man, who I think tried to smile behind the thick mustache, before getting into the elevator. After Chris and I were alone, he started to talk to me again."We're on a last name basis now, Ms. Benedetti?" his tone was playful, his hands inside his pockets.I lifted my chin to him, straightening my spine. Even with high heels, he was still at least a foot taller than me. "I'd prefer it if people didn't realize we knew each other."“I can be quiet. It’s you who tend to scream when I’m around.” he gave me a cheeky smile.My blood started to boil. The audacity of this
PRESENT DAY _____________ -NINA- "We're doing things differently on this project," Mark was explaining to me as our team arrived at the client's large conference room. "For private clients, there isn't usually this kind of competition, but this company is trying to establish itself in the US for the first time. Three architectural firms were chosen to develop a pilot project that will be expanded around the country as a second step." I was nervously fiddling with one of the buttons of my navy V-neck midi dress. After assisting Mark on this project for the past few weeks, he invited me to be part of the small team that would present the proposal. It was a huge opportunity for my career to be publicly acknowledged in Mark Atwood's team. Back in the office, I was sure Lilian was grinding her teeth because of that. "All those three firms are attending the meeting today?" I asked him. "Yes. We'll be the second to present. I'm not worried though. The sustainability aspect was
THIRTEEN YEARS AGO _______________________ -NINA- "Come on Nina. It's Friday. You're not staying at school after hours just to study. Is that even allowed? Besides, it's too hot inside. Let's have frozen yogurt," said Harper, trying to drag me by the hand to the parking lot. "Sorry, I can´t. I have a history test next week and still have to learn about World War II. You know how Mr. Williams looks at me sideways every time Italy is mentioned. I'm sure he'll give us a particularly tough test." I let go of her hand and gave her an apologetic look. "We can have a regular ice cream tomorrow. It's better than this frozen yogurt stuff." "How are you going home afterward? Is your mom picking you up?" Since I don't have a car, Harper is the one who usually gives me a ride home. "Yes, don't worry. I'm only staying for a couple of hours at the library. Just enough to read those thick books that they don't let us borrow. You can go, I'll call you later." "Okay. But if you cha
-CHRIS- "WHERE IS HE?" someone shouted from outside the conference room. After that meeting, I'll need to talk to someone about acoustics, as I specifically requested that this room be soundproofed. "DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?" The people outside could not know who the other person was, but I knew that voice very well. And before the commotion got any bigger, I decided to intervene. "Gentlemen, we unfortunately have to cut this meeting short. Please excuse me, as something came up. My assistant Ben will reach out to you to reschedule." I addressed the table, and they proceeded to leave the room. The last person had barely crossed the door frame when he barged in, two security guys from our company on his heels. "Hello uncle." I greeted him from my seat at the head of the mahogany table, refusing to stand up in his presence. "To what do I owe this surprise visit?" "Mr. Hayworth, do you know this man?" Owen Wilson, my head of security, asked me. He's a big guy, an ex-Marine
-NINA- “And your name is?” the administrative assistant asked me, assessing me up and down as I arrived at the office for my first day at Triad architects. She was a woman in her late thirties with short red hair and striking blue eyes. With her look of sneer, you'd think I was dressed in a sack of potatoes. I´m not. I put on my fanciest blouse, a cream-colored silk shirt with a big bow inlaid at the neck. I paired it with high-waist black tailored pants and pointed toe loafers. My normally wavy hair is now straight, which gives me a tidier look, and I used a minimal amount of make-up, just enough to hide my jet leg fatigue. I was feeling pretty confident about my physical appearance until meeting this fashion police officer here. "Carolina Benedetti. But you can call me Nina.” I answered her with a smile, trying to win her over. It didn't work. She didn't bother introducing herself to me. “I'll need a photo from you for your company ID card. Can you please lean against th