Total pages in book: 106
Estimated words: 102833 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 514(@200wpm)___ 411(@250wpm)___ 343(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102833 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 514(@200wpm)___ 411(@250wpm)___ 343(@300wpm)
26
Daniella
“… and this is your office.” Lorenzo points to the plaque on the door that reads Daniella Russo, Vice President.
“Lorenzo,” I breathe, “you can’t give me that title. This is my first day.”
He chuckles. “It was given to you the moment you decided you wanted to be a part of the family business.”
“But won’t people be mad? I’m sure there are more qualified employees.”
I might’ve done several internships at various companies while I was in college, but my experience wouldn’t equal Vice President status.
“This is a private company,” he explains, opening the door so I can walk into my new office. “There are no board members or anyone to answer to. When Dad died, I stepped in as the president, and since you said you wanted to come to work for Russo once you graduated, I left the position open for you.”
Tears prick my eyes. “Thank you,” I choke out. “I promise I’m a quick study, and despite the crazy title, I know I have a lot to learn.”
“Since you seemed to do a lot with marketing at the companies you interned for, I was thinking you could start there. Patrice is the marketing director, and she can show you the ropes. You can sit in on meetings and learn about Russo Property Group. Once you feel comfortable, you can move on to another division.”
“That sounds amazing.”
“Perfect. Kathleen is our assistant …” His words trail off, and a frown mars his features briefly before he plasters on a fake smile. “She was recently promoted,” he continues, “but she’s worked for Russo for a long time, and she seems to be catching on quickly.”
“Hey.” I place a hand on my brother’s arm. “How are you doing with the whole Hillary thing?”
While what Enrique did was beyond fucked up, Hillary played a significant role in his scheme, so it must be hard for Lorenzo since he genuinely loved her and planned to marry her.
“I’m okay,” he says. “It was a lesson learned, one that I won’t be making again. Matteo always tells me that I let people in too easily, and now, I get why he doesn’t.”
I nod in understanding since I can relate. “I’m here if you need anything,” I tell him. “Not just here.” I wave my hand, indicating the company. “But as your sister.”
“I appreciate that,” he says with a soft smile. “I’ll get together with Patrice and let her know you’ll be spending some time with her team, and I’ll have her reach out to you so you two can talk. In the meantime, spend today getting situated. I’ve sent out a companywide email to welcome you home, so everyone is expecting you.
“Check out the different divisions and get a feel for Russo. As you know, this is our main headquarters, but we have thirty-five housing markets spread out across the East Coast.”
“Thank you.” I hug him. “I’m really glad to be here.”
“Maybe we can do lunch?” he asks once we’ve broken apart.
“I’d love that.”
“Good,” he says, heading for the door. “I hate that you never had a chance to work with Dad, but I’m so damn glad you’re here, Dani.”
“Damn, you’ve been here for half a day, and you already got your name on a plaque? I need to tell my brother to step it up. I’ve been working for him for … well, shit, my entire life, and I still don’t have a plaque on a door.”
Matteo walks in, and I roll my eyes at his sarcasm.
“Probably because he knows you’d lose your shit if you had to be confined to four walls,” I say, standing to greet him.
“True,” he agrees, closing the door behind him.
Then, he shocks me when he grabs a handful of my ass with one hand and lifts me onto my desk. Since I’ve been visiting all the different departments, I’ve barely been in here, so the desk is empty, save for a computer that I haven’t even fired up yet.
“What are you doing?”
“Visiting my girlfriend at her job. I heard it’s a very boyfriendy thing to do.”
“Oh, you did, huh?” I laugh.
“Yep. And so is this.” He pulls a small bouquet from behind his back.
“What is this for?” I ask, taking in the pretty white Cala Lilies he’s holding.
“The lady at the flower shop said they symbolize new beginnings.” He places them on the desk next to me.
“Matteo,” I whisper, glancing down at them. “You got me flowers?” I lift them up and inhale their fresh scent. “Thank you.”
I look at them again and then back up at Matteo, who shrugs nonchalantly.
“Nobody’s ever bought me flowers before,” I admit. “And they’re so meaningful,” I choke out, having no idea why I’m so emotional.
I mean, they’re just flowers, right? But they’re from him, and he went out of his way to find out what they meant. And maybe to some people, that’s not a big deal, but to me … it’s everything.