BEFORE THE STORM
Florence , Italy - afternoon sunlight filtered through the latticed cafe windows, dancing over the soft glint of designer coffee cups and half eaten pastries. Ira was already there, buried under swatches of silk and lace, her macbook open, eyes darting between emails, sketches . her energy was electric - the kind only a born designer radiated. I slipped into the seat across from her, brushing wind from my face. she looked up and grinned. "minie , five minutes late. for a woman who designs spaces with clockwork precision , that's rare". I laughed. "five minutes late and still better dressed than you". She rolled her eyes, adjusting her oversized sunglasses. "that's not possible. I'm the queen of fabric, remember?" we both burst out laughing- it felt easy, natural. like home. two Indian girls who had clawed their way to the top of Italy's fashion and design world, now sipping overpriced espresso like we belonged here. "so", she said, taking a sip. "what's going on at Svelter interiors? still turning ancient Italian ruins into billionaire bachelor pads?' I smiled. "not ruins, just a creepy old penthouse, I've been redesigning it from the bones up- minimalist structure, post-renaissance influence, with a dark-modern twist. it's complicated".
she raised an eyebrow. "client cute?". I shrugged, stirring my espresso. "I don't know. he give's some kind of stalker vibes". Ira narrowed her eyes ." that sounds like a creepy client" . "feels like it" I muttered. she giggled." you and your mystery men. meanwhile, I have leonardo". I leaned forward. "right! leo. so, when's the ring coming? we've all been waiting". Ira looked down, then smiled softly-a rare, genuine smile. "I think....soon. he's been weirdly nervous". "girl, if that man doesn't propose, I'm designing your wedding stage anyway. with or without him". we laughed again, and just then, our assistants arrived. Giulia, Ira's Italian assistant, was a fashion student- petite, fierce, and always on trend. she handed Ira a fabric sample without breaking her stride. Marcello , my assistant - tall, curly- haired , sarcastic-dropped beside me like a tired cat. "boss , why are you glowing? did someone finally confess their love for marble countertop designs?" "shut up, marc", I said, grinning. "we're having a real conversation". "right, sorry. I'll just sit here and look pretty then". "you never do', I teased. he smirked. "that's rude" ,and our assistant left together, umm hmm that's strange they came together and left together.
we ordered lunch- spicy barbecue chicken for me and Ira, Spaghettti tossed with fresh tomatoes and basil, and our usual dessert: tiramisu, soft and sweet, soaked in espresso. 'this is the only part of the day i don't hate", I said, taking a bite. "same", Ira mumbled through a mouthful. "why does work taste better when it's followed by sugar?".
just as we were finishing up, my phone buzzed- a text from Marco work number. Marco:- Boss . Emergency at svelte. massive deal just landed. you need to come now. like now-now. I sighed, standing reluctantly. "duty calls". Ira smiled." Go make your millions. I'll stay here and hope leonardo doesn't faint when he gets on one knee".
"I better be your maid of honor".
"you already are".
I stepped out into the warm street, wind brushing against my face. my fingers wrapped around my car keys as i clicked the unlock button on my Star Ruby Ferrari. she purred like a beast awakened. Sliding into the seat, I exhaled and whispered to myself: "let's close that deal." Svelte interiors was calling- and I had no idea that soon , this day would change everything.
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