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Little does Dad know, I’ve already met the woman he hoped I would find.
Alexandra.
My body craves her, needing to be close to her. I need to see her.
I crave a future with her.
Fuck, I’m stupid.
Nick’s voice drags me out of my thoughts. “Dad, I’m still young. I have plenty of time to meet a woman and settle down.”
I chuckle. “You’re older than me, so if you still have time, then there’s still hope for me.”
John frowns. “There’s no woman waiting for you back home?”
“Waiting for me? No.”
Alexandra isn’t waiting for me to get back home. Not after the way I left things.
He tsks. “That’s a shame.”
I shrug, not wanting to open Pandora’s box. “The right woman will come along at the right time.”
When we are finished eating, the servers remove the dishes from the table, leaving just our water and wine glasses.
John greets Mr. Eastly as he steps into the private room. “Is everything alright?”
Mr. Eastly blushes. “Yes, sir. I was informed to let Mr. Marino know it is time to head back to the hotel. His team will be expecting him shortly.”
I place my napkin on the table and stand. “Ah, yes. Thank you.”
Turning toward the men, I stretch my hand across the table to give each of them a handshake.
John shakes my hand and says, “It was a pleasure meeting you.”
“You, too. I’m sure we will be speaking again soon.”
Nick adds, “Let me know if you need anything, and I’ll get it to you as soon as I can.”
“Thank you. I’ll let you know.”
I’m sure what they already gathered, plus what information I can dig up will be enough.
“Thank you for the meal. It was delicious.” I say before I walk over to where Mr. Eastly is waiting for me.
I follow him outside to his car. He opens the door for me before closing it after I am settled inside.
I don’t normally like having a private driver, but today, with my mind preoccupied with Alexandra, it’s a welcomed privilege.
Speaking of Alexandra, I grab my phone and dial her number.
It rings several times before her voicemail picks up.
“I’m sorry to have missed your call. If this is urgent, please call me at the office. If not, please leave your name, number, and a brief message, and I’ll call you back as soon as I can.”
I end the call and immediately hit the redial button. Once again, the call goes to her voicemail. I end the call before I hear her voice again.
Why isn’t she answering? She knows I’m meeting with potential business partners. She should be near her phone today.