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“Mr. Marchetti has arranged for some music in the ballroom of his own personal villa. I assure you, you’re in for a terrific night of dancing ahead.”
His villa?
I cannot help but be surprised. All this time, I’d assumed that this property was just reserved for business-related events. The fact that he lives here adds a personal touch—an odd kind of intimacy—that I’d not anticipated.
“Thank you. We’ll be right there.” I smile.
“One last photo next to the wine table?” Lilly grins, pulls out her phone, and then snaps a hasty photo. “Lest anyone forgets, we’re in Italy.”
She links her arms with mine, and the two of us proceed indoors.
Already, this trip has had so much to offer. There hasn’t been a dull moment, and everyone seems to be in good spirits. It’s a total hit, and I can already imagine how much the company’s revenue is going to benefit from all the great endorsements.
I add smart businessman to the list of things I’m discovering Enzo to be.
“Whoa,” Lilly breathes out once we enter the ballroom.
I’m about to laugh at her reaction when I see it for myself.
The place is massive. The interior is a perfect blend of both modern and traditional, the high ceiling adds a touch of grandeur. It’s like this place was built for royalty.
And to think Enzoliveshere is wild.
“Still not convinced about trying your luck?” Lilly nudges me playfully in the stomach. “As far as hookups go, this easily tops any guy you’ll meet back home. I’m convinced they’ll roll out a red carpet for your morning walk of shame out of this place.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “Stop it. Don’t put ideas in my head.”
“I’m just asking you to live a little.”
I know that she means well and just wants me to be happy.
These last few months, she’s been at the receiving end of one too many tearful phone calls from me. I don’t blame her for wanting me to experience some excitement for a change.
“Living only happens outside of work hours.” I purse my lips. “We’re here to network.”
I majored in Arts in college. In the circles I ran in back then, networking got a major bad rep as being ‘vapid’ or ‘opportunistic’. But as I’d grown my career as a traveling wine reviewer, I had learned the value of making the right contacts.
Tonight was no different. I felt excited at the chance to meet new people and exchange ideas.
Lilly and I go our separate directions, and I quickly find a group of people to speak to. Conversation flows freely, and even though Enzo still lurks in the corner of my mind, I admit that it’s a nice change to not have my heart racing over a simple conversation.
I’m laughing at something one of the other influencers says when we are interrupted by a tall man.
“I trust that you’re enjoying yourself?” he asks as he approaches us.
I blink once, resisting the urge to rub my eyes.
Am I seeing this right?
The man speaking looks like a younger version of Enzo. I wonder if they’re siblings.
“Ah, everything is terrific, Mr. Valentino,” Darrell, one of the influencers from the group answers.
That’s when it clicks. Valentino is the Head of Marketing for the company. Of course, it makes sense to keep business in the family.
I smile. “Especially the red wine. It has a sweetness to it that I’ve only tasted once before during my travels to Oporto.”
“Ah, Oporto wine?” His attention focuses on me.