Hidden Heart

by Camelia Miron Skiba

  Tessa narrowed her eyes and tilted her head. She looked at him trying to decide if she could trust his words.

  “How about the Santinelli guy?” She feared what Victor might say about Alessandro, but she needed to know.

  “Well, I can’t speak for him. Nor was I able to read him. He is not an awful man as you think he is; he behaves very professionally, comes across as a rough guy, keeps to himself and asks direct questions. I took him for dinner the other night and the tough guy image was gone; he is actually very funny. He made it very clear work is work and private is private. Not once have we discussed your case or the office.”

  Tessa’s heart made a leap. Alessandro had been tight lipped about their adventure. She’d have to fight her case and prove her innocence, but would she have to face him again?

  “Okay, so now that we’ve cleared the air, let’s move on. Change of subject.” Victor went for a third glass, but Tessa moved faster and removed the bottle from his hands.

  “Nuh—uh, ain’t going to happen!”

  “What, are you my wife or what?”

  “You had enough and you can’t crash on my sofa. As a matter of fact, let me have these.” She took his car keys from the little table he placed them on when he entered and put them in her jeans pocket. “Here, problem solved.”

  “And how am I supposed to get home, Miss I-know-everything?”

  “Your mocking doesn’t faze me; I’ll get you a cab.” She reached for the phone, but he stopped her.

  “Wait, I’m not done talking.”

  “But I am. It’s getting late. I had a disaster of a week, thanks to you, so let’s wrap up for tonight.”

  “I know and I’ll try to make it fast. I need you in the office Monday morning.”

  Tessa didn’t think she could take more surprises. One rollercoaster ride per night was more than sufficient.

  “We’re starting negotiations with R.O.C.A., you know, the French supermarket chain. They came to make us an offer. I want you to be part of the team.”

  “And what is our CEO going to say? Or Santinelli for that matter?”

  “Well, I told them I couldn’t finalize such a deal without you. I either have you back or the deal is off. The investigation has to wait until the negotiations are over.”

  Tessa shook her head. She drew in a deep breath and said as calmly as she could, “There is no turning back for me, Victor. I spent the last ten years in your company, learning all I could and giving more than I had to give. I can’t face anyone there, not after what happened. I have no regrets, but it’s time to leave. Things happen for a reason, and I’ve arrived at a point where I need to rethink what I want to do with my life.”

  “If you don’t want to come back for the company, could you at least do it for me?” Victor’s eyes searched her face for an indication of how to take this; he became nervous when he realized she meant every single word.

  “Please, Victor, don’t make this more uncomfortable than it already is. I’m not coming.”

  He bowed his head and clenched his jaw, then walked towards the door. Before he left her apartment he turned to face her one more time.

  “I think I’m too old for this…I really need your help…I’m asking you as a friend, not as your boss, please think about it.”

  ***

  Waiting for a cab down the street from Tessa’s apartment, Victor placed a call. After the second ring, a strong male voice answered.

  “Santinelli speaking.”

  “Hi, Alessandro. Just wanted to give you the heads up. She’s not coming back.”

  “Did she say why?”

  “I guess she is ashamed to face everyone.”

  “What about the investor’s agent, will he negotiate with us?”

  “I doubt it. The old fart said Tessa is the only person he’d talk to.”

  “You don’t like him.”

  “No, not when he drools over her like a dog in heat.”

  “Well then, we need to convince her somehow.”

  Chapter 5

  Saturday morning Tessa woke up feeling no better than the night before. Maybe a good workout would cheer her up. She went to the gym located in the same building where her office—actually former office—used to be, but she hoped she wouldn’t meet any of her co-workers; nobody should be there anyway. Her membership was up in a few months, and she really liked the classes and trainers, the modern equipment and the large swimming pool. She decided to continue using the gym until at least she found another one she liked in a different location.

  Tessa drove to the sports center and parked her car. She went to the locker room, changed into her swimsuit and entered the pool area. It seemed deserted with only one other swimmer. She jumped in the pool and started swimming laps. She aimed for fifty laps without stopping. She paced her stroke at first at an easy tempo, and then began picking up the speed. She swam one direction when the other swimmer—she decided it was a he—would swim the opposite, and when he got out of the pool, she had the whole pool to herself. What a pleasure!

  Her laps over, her heartbeat elevated, Tessa walked to the jacuzzi. She removed her goggles, rinsed off in the shower and stepped in to the jacuzzi. Up until then, she hadn’t looked much at the other swimmer who enjoyed the jets, but once there she saw him.

  “Ciao, Ms. Cosma,” Alessandro said.

  Tessa froze in the middle of going down the stairs into the tub. “Hi,” was the only word she could articulate. She thought of turning around and running away, but she decided to stay put and went for the other side of the tub, against the other jets.

  “Long time no see,” Alessandro fixed her with a stare.

  She ran the tip of her tongue over her lips, nervousness settling in her stomach.

  “Alessandro, what a surprise…” If she could hold her breath and sink under the water, without looking stupid, she would’ve. Moreover, she so wished she could smack that smirk of his face.

  “Indeed, this is a surprise.”

  The jets’ cycle stopped and both Tessa and Alessandro reached for the switch. The touch sent an exhilarating jolt through both of them and both jerked, but pulled back their hands almost instantly. She sank deeper; he moved farther away on the opposite side of the tub.

  “See you around,” Alessandro said then left the tub, wrapped a towel around his waist and walked towards the exit.

  His hair seemed a bit longer than she remembered; his athletic figure just as impressive. Those dark eyes that could see deep in her soul, and those provocative lips that knew what to do to her body…. He looked sexy with that towel wrapped below his waist and water running down his trained body.

  He reached the door and touched it. He stopped and hesitating to leave, he turned around and came back to the tub. He knelt next to it, so close to Tessa’s face she could feel his warm breath on her face. His left palm on the floor held his balance while he squeezed the other into a tight fist and placed it against his lips.

  “I never pictured you a coward,” Alessandro said, straightened his back, then stood and left the pool area without once glancing back at her.

  A coward? How dare he talks to me like this? What gives him the right to treat me so rude? Why did I have to see him again? Tessa felt a wave of rage taking over her senses. She stood to run after him and give him a piece of her mind, but dizziness forced her to drop back down. Maybe she needed some time to adjust from the cold water of the pool to the hot one in the jacuzzi. Maybe it was because of the feelings and emotions Alessandro awoke in her.

  When she caught her breath and felt back to normal, Tessa hurried out and went to the locker room. She went for a quick run on the treadmill and hoped her mood would somehow change; this episode affected her more than she wanted. Alessandro appeared back in her life when least expected under very uncomfortable circumstances. She felt exposed, vulnerable and unable to take immediate control of her life, a situation that irritated her tremendously.

  She left the gym and went to shop for new bed sheets
, some groceries and then went home.

  A single message from Daniel on her answering machine, “Honey, please pi—.” She erased it mid-sentence. She knew what he wanted; apologizing again and telling her how much he loved her, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera, but she had no interest; there was no return for her. She made a mental note to change her phone number.

  For some reason, Alessandro’s words resonated in her head the whole day. And for the same unknown reason, Tessa felt restless. She decided to confront him.

  ***

  Stop ringing, stop ringing, please stop ringing. Tessa grabbed a pillow and covered her ears only to continue hearing the cell’s muffled sound. She’d had a horrible night. She’d come home late after the play, and since two in the morning she’d been up vomiting. She met Paula for sushi before going to theater only to feel uncomfortable throughout the play. She swore off sushi for the rest of her life.

  She didn’t want to answer the phone. If only she could sleep longer. If only.

  “Hello?”

  “Tessa, thank goodness I found you, I’m almost at the hospital they called me from the office saying Victor is short of breath and then they called the ambulance and by the time I got there they already took him to the emergency room. It’s crazy, and Elena is out of the country and so is her husband and I, I…I just hope and pray he’ll be alright!”

  Tessa bolted straight up in her bed.

  “Dina dear, listen to me, you need to breathe; yes, just like that keep breathing. Good, you’re doing great. Everything is going to be okay, you are a strong, very strong woman.”

  “Okay, now it’s much better, thanks Tessa…sorry I blurted all that out…I think I just had a panic attack.” Dina’s voice sounded haggard.

  “So, you’re on the way to the hospital. Go there and call me once the doctors tell you what’s going on with Victor. I’m sure it’s nothing serious,” Tessa tried to sound reassuring. She saw another call coming in; it was Eva, but she ignored it.

  “I promise, I’ll call. Can you call my daughter later in the afternoon, she should be back from her trip, and she needs to know…” Dina’s cry tore at Tessa’s heart.

  “I’ll take care of this, don’t worry. Now, you need to stay focused, Victor doesn’t need to see you cry, I’ll talk to you later!”

  Tessa’s mind raced a hundred miles an hour. She called her assistant while pulling a dark gray two-piece outfit and a white silky blouse out of her dressing room.

  “Eva, hi. Listen, is R.O.C.A. still there? Okay. Here is what I want you to do. Find a way to hold them, even if you have to lock them in; I’ll be there in twenty minutes max.”

  ***

  “Good morning, everyone, I apologize for the late arrival.”

  Tessa’s entrance forced everyone to silence. Four pairs of eyes focused on her. Pleased to have everybody’s attention, a candid smile brightened her face.

  She recognized three of the men in the conference room; one of her co-workers from the Management Department, R.O.C.A.’s representative and…Alessandro. Her stomach did a somersault but she forced herself to remain calm. No time to feel sick.

  “Monsieur Deuvault, what a pleasure to see you again.” She walked catlike towards the older gentleman, shoulders back, her head held high and extended her hand. They met during one of her trips to London months ago when she presented her project to future and possible investors. Since then, she met him on two different occasions and each time the man fussed over her more than allowed by business protocols. She pretended not to notice it.

  “Ah, Miss Tessa, finally a familiar face,” he said, took her hand between both his and kissed it. “You have no idea how terrible we feel for what happened to Monsieur Victor and we were getting ready to leave.”

  She moved sideways, placed a hand between his shoulder blades, leaned towards him, and tilted her head slightly. She had his full attention. “Well, it’s unfortunate what happened to him, but since we are all here, why don’t we continue our meeting?”

  Monsieur Deuvault introduced her to his business partner. He told the story of how he met Tessa and how she captivated him with her knowledge and experience.

  “That’s an exaggeration, Monsieur Deuvault, and paying me compliments won’t help you negotiate a better deal. You know that, right?”

  Everyone except Alessandro laughed. He just smirked, an expression that Tessa wished she could simply rub off of his handsome face.

  With skilled hands, she took the bull by the horns, leading the discussion until lunchtime, effortless and knowledgeable. They came up with a meeting plan for the remainder of the week. Both companies would bring in more experts and work closely with lawyers to draft a business agreement.

  Alessandro absently rubbed his chin. Victor was right, this guy is eating out of her palm…it makes me gag…and she is so damn good…she is a natural leader…God, it’s hard to be in the same room with her…look at the way her lips move up and down, her smile, I need to stay focused…those green eyes could make anyone lose their mind…she looks like she’s lost some weight, and a bit tired…but she knows her job, better than anyone I know...being here with her is heaven and hell at the same time; what am I going to do? How am I supposed to investigate her when she has such a hold on me?

  The meeting ended and everyone walked towards the elevators. Alessandro pushed the button.

  “I look forward to doing business with you, Monsieur Deuvault.” Tessa smiled her million-dollar smile and inclined her head.

  “Please, Miss Tessa, call me Francois. How about dinner tonight, at my hotel around seven o’clock; would you like to join me?”

  He kissed her hand again, holding it longer than necessary. His eyes reminded her of a vulture ready to attack its prey. Involuntarily, Tessa shrugged. She removed her hand and pushed a lock of hair behind her ear.

  “That would be a fantastic idea, sir. Matter of fact, we all should meet for dinner. That’s wonderful of you to suggest it. Seven o’clock, see you there,” Alessandro answered before Tessa said a word. He smiled innocently, took Tessa’s elbow and walked away with her. He pretended not to see Deuvault’s shock and, when Tessa tried to escape his grip, he whispered, “Keep walking.” Once around the corner and out of sight, he released her.

  His cell rang the same time as Tessa’s. They stared at each other while they flipped open their phones. Both turned around at the same time; he went to his office, she to hers. She signaled Eva to follow her and shut the door. Eva came in with a cup of hot green tea and gave it to her boss, then sat quietly waiting for Tessa to finish the call.

  “The doctor thinks it was a mild heart attack and they’re still running tests on him. Not sure how long he’ll be in the hospital, but for sure for the next three, four days.” She held her head between her palms and closed her eyes. What a nightmare. She wasn’t supposed to be here, and Alessandro’s presence made everything even more complicated.

  Eva didn’t say a word, unusual for her. Tessa lifted her head and looked at her assistant’s serious face.

  “What now?”

  “If you ever disappear for so many days and not answer your damn phone, I swear I’m going to kick your butt. Do you have any idea how sick with worry I was, we all were? I understand you needed to cope with your mama’s death, but out of courtesy and all the years we’ve worked together you could’ve returned at least one call. That’s all I ask for, one damn call. Would that be too hard, huh?”

  Tessa took the cup of tea and came to sit next to Eva. She owed her an explanation.

  “So, you don’t know?”

  “Know what?”

  “About the accusations, about the fraud?”

  Eva’s consternation told it all. Her jaw dropped open and her eyebrows shot high on her forehead. Then she covered her mouth with both her palms and pressed hard on it.

  “I…it’s difficult for me to talk about it, but yeah, someone sent a letter saying I took money from the farmers. The new guy is here to investigate me…I…D
ina called me and told me about Victor, that’s why I came, otherwise I no longer work here. I’m so sorry I didn’t call you back…I just…I couldn’t face anyone…” Tessa cleared her throat and stood. She felt somehow relieved being able to talk openly about it.

  “What? Are you serious? Victor told me you asked for a vacation because you were struggling with your mama’s death. Why all the secrecy? It doesn’t make sense! And what about these negotiations? If they think you are a thief, why do they have you back here?”

  “Well, they don’t really…When I got in the conference room this morning, you should’ve seen Santinelli’s face. He probably would’ve kicked me out of there if he could. But the French guy, he wouldn’t continue any further discussion without me, so now I have no idea what’s going to happen. Until then, I’m leaving. It’s enough for one day and I’m starving. Let everyone know about Victor’s situation. I’m going for lunch, then I’ll stop at the hospital later in the afternoon. I have dinner plans with the French people. Call me if you need anything. I promise I’ll answer.”

  On her way to the elevator, she made a stop in Alessandro’s office. He signaled for her to enter while he talked on the phone. He spoke Italian and Tessa understood very little.

  How can someone’s voice sound so sexy? He looks great with or without clothes on… come on, Tessa, snap out of it, you’re here for business and not for daydreaming, for God’s sake!

  “Ms. Cosma, what can I do for you?” Alessandro finished his conversation then looked briefly up at her before resuming typing on his laptop.

  “Mister Santinelli, how long are you going to keep up this masquerade?”