“I will try.”
“Let me take you out sometime.”
“No,” she says, stepping back from me. “I don’t think that would be a good idea. You are my boss, for one. Also, I don’t think your wife or girlfriend would approve.”
“Tasha?” I laugh. “She isn’t my wife or girlfriend, I assure you.”
“But…” she looks away, “I’m sorry. It’s none of my business. I’m not sure why I’m here. I don’t know if this is the right place for me.”
“How do you know if you don’t even give it a chance? Do you give anything a chance, Maddie? Or are you used to watching from the sidelines and making up your mind to walk away before experiencing what life can truly give you?”
She opens her mouth to defend herself, but closes it before saying a word.
“That’s what I thought. You were one of the top students in your class. My co-owner and I hand-picked you because we feel you can give this place what it needs. And maybe this place can give you what you need. Don’t be scared before you find out what that might be.”
She looks around as if trying to validate why she is still here. Nodding in agreement gives me hope that I still have a chance with her. I just have to play it cool.
Chapter 3
MADDIE
My mind tells me to leave, to find employment elsewhere. If they chose me to be part of Bistro Italiano, I shouldn’t have a problem getting a job someplace else, right? So why am I still standing in front of this man? This gorgeous Italian who seems to look directly into me? He isn’t like any of the guys back home. He is clean cut, the blackest of hair slicked back to show his dark features. His eyes are penetrating, his jaw chiseled and strong, flawless dark skin, his lips. I force myself to pay attention to his words and wonder if this is honestly something I should be doing. I feel so out of my league.
That woman he was with is not his girlfriend, so what? He randomly sleeps with women for the hell of it? Where is the love? Where is the romance? Is chivalry really dead? I’m thinking it was never discovered in New York.
I convince myself to give this a chance, trying to prove to my boss and to myself that I can try something before walking away from it. I can do this, I just need to keep my mind focused on my career and not on Rocco Santoro.
“I’d like you to meet my colleague, co-owner of the business and older sister,” he says. “This is Joanne Santoro. Joanne, this is Maddie Levere. She will be starting tomorrow.”
I realize it is the first time he takes his eyes off me since we have officially met. Deep down, I feel a sense of abandonment. It is something I had never felt before. What is it? Why do I feel the need to have his attention? I force my hand out and smile.
“It’s nice to finally meet you,” I say. “I like to put a face with a voice.”
“Yes. We have spoken over the phone several times. Welcome to Bistro Italiano.”
“Thank you.”
“You’ll be starting tomorrow?”
“Yes.”
“I look forward to seeing what you have to offer. You’ll have to pardon the many changes that will be going on here. We will be revamping the look as well as the staff.”
“That’s not a problem.”
“I’ll start you off at the salary we had discussed and review in three months. Does that sound fair?”
“Absolutely. Thank you, again, for this opportunity. I am looking forward to it.”
“We have strict rules here as well. They are set in place so we continue to run a successful business and take care of our customers. The best advertising is word of mouth and with so many high-end restaurants to compete with in Manhattan, we have to stay on top of our game.”
“I completely understand.”
“So, as with most places of employment, if you are late more than three times without sufficient notice, you are fired. If you screw up a dish more than three times a month, you are fired. There will be no relationships within the company.” She glances at Rocco before continuing. “This includes heavy petting and casual sex.”
It’s my turn to glance at Rocco. Did that apply to everyone?
“Some of these rules are fairly new, but will be adhered to. Here is an employee handbook,” she says, handing me a thin booklet. “Inside are other health and safety regulations, contact information, benefits and other information. Do you have any questions?”
“No, ma’am.”
“One other thing. If you want to work here, don’t call me ma’am. Call me Joanne, please, and welcome on board.”
“Thank you, Joanne.” I smile at her.