Mira passed Eve over.
Franco’s office was in the back, surrounded by windows shielded with blinds. As soon as they neared, Mira could see through the parted slates. Franco was seated behind his desk twisting back and forth in his chair just slightly in a teasing move. He was actually blushing. She strained to see who his companion was that elicited the response. Noticing a young man seated on the edge of Franco’s desk leaned over sharing a private joke, Mira frowned. Narrowing her eyes on the two of them she found the scene odd.
Just then Franco laughed. He looked up and the color drained from his face. Mira pushed the door open and stepped in smiling. “Ciao. I hope we aren’t interrupting?”
“No…no…of course not. Benvenuti, umm… so… come sta?” Franco stammered. A nervous flutter of his hands, and stammered words of greeting preceded his volleying gaze between Mira, Catalina, and Eve.
“We were out shopping and I insisted Catalina bring me over. I just had to see where you made the magic for the family.”
Franco nodded, wearing an uncomfortable smile. “Excuse me but this is Arturo, he works here. Arturo this is Mira. She’s the fiancé of Don Battaglia.”
Arturo’s hazel green eyes stretched wide with recognition. He extended his hand. “Piacere.” He said he was pleased to meet her. Mira shook his hand. She guessed his age to be early twenties. He had jet-black curly hair and thick wavy eyebrows that framed the most expressive eyes. Features soft and chiseled he looked like one of the runway models Fabiana would sneak away with to have some torrid affair after a runway show. The handshake he offered was feminine and his hands were softer than hers.
“Likewise.” Mira smiled.
Franco walked over to Catalina and kissed her cheek. Eve lifted her head from her aunt’s shoulder and slapped Franco in the face for coming so close.
“Eve!” Mira gasped. She grabbed her little hand and gave it a soft warning tap. Eve spat a short cry then popped her pacifier back in her mouth, lowering her head to her aunt’s shoulder. Catalina was the only one who found humor in the incident.
“I’m sorry, Franco. She knows better.”
“Eve and I are friends. Remember me Eve? It’s Uncle Franco?” Eve turned her face away. Franco gave an awkward chuckle. “This is a pleasant surprise.” Franco said.
Mira walked around the office taking it all in, pretending to be interested. She kept glancing back at Arturo. “So what were you two laughing about?” she asked Franco.
“We weren’t laughing,” Franco replied.
“That’s odd, looked like you two were in the middle of—.”
“Arturo!” Franco snapped his fingers. “Arriverderci.” Franco nodded toward the door.
Arturo hastily left the office. Catalina spoke up. “Giovanni was very upset that you didn’t attend dinner last night. He feels you work too hard Franco. He asked me what was going on that would keep you from dinner.”
“Non importa. I’m sure he can understand, being a businessman himself.”
He spoke to Catalina, but his glare remained fixed on Mira.
“That is true,” Mira said. “However, I’m told he owns this business. Right?”
Franco nodded slowly.
“I think it only appropriate that you honor his request and wrap things up early this evening. I’m new to the family, but he’s expressed his desire that we all dine together. Catalina?”
“Sí.”
Franco’s cheeks flared red and his lips thinned into an angry line of disapproval.
“Shall I tell him that you will be at dinner tonight?” Mira asked sweetly.
“Va bene. I will be there.” Franco leaned over and kissed Catalina’s cheek. He smiled at Eve then nodded at Mira. Mira smiled in return. She ran her finger across his desk.
“Oh, I have an idea!” Mira clapped her hands together. “How about you invite Arturo?” she said.