“I’m very serious.”
His eyes darted between Mylos and me. “You’re finished. You know that, right? You’ll drive the final nail in Valentini’s coffin.”
“Actually, I intend to remove some that you have driven in yourself.”
Georgio stepped closer still.
“Watch it,” warned Mylos.
“I’ll give you some time to put a report together, explaining the cost overages. We’ll meet back here tomorrow.”
Georgio stormed out.
“You okay?” Mylos asked.
“Yes. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt as okay as I do now. I have you to thank.”
“You handled that all on your own, Pia.”
“I need to discuss this with my mother.”
Mylos looked as if he was about to say something, but only nodded.
We walked up to the house hand in hand. My mamma wasn’t on the terrazza, but it was chillier today. Perhaps she was having her morning meal in the sitting room. When we went inside, she wasn’t there either.
I saw Lucia coming down the stairs.
“Have you seen the countess?”
“She’s not feeling well. She’s still in bed.”
“Go ahead,” said Mylos. “I’ll chat with Lucia for a minute and then come up.”
I wanted to ask what about, but if he’d wanted me to know, I suppose he would’ve said.
I knocked on my mother’s bedroom door. “It’s me, Mamma,” I said when I didn’t hear a response. I opened the door and found her in bed with the sheets pulled up to her chin. She looked over at me and motioned me closer. “Lucia said you were feeling poorly.”
“Sì. Come closer.”
I sat beside her on the bed.
“What is bothering you, sweetheart?”
“For one, I’m worried about you.”
She reached out from under the bedclothes and patted my hand. “I’ll be okay. I sense there’s something else, though.”
We heard a knock at the door. “Who is it?” I called out.
“Lucia.”
“She’s bringing me some tea. Open the door.”
When I did, she walked in, carrying a tray. “I thought you might like to try to eat something.”
When my mother thanked her, I waited for Lucia to leave, but she didn’t.
“What were we talking about?” my mamma asked.