Chapter 8 - THE MAN WHO HAD NEVER BEEN CHOSEN
Leo took Christa to dinner a week later.
Not at Valerius.
A small Italian restaurant in Brooklyn.
No velvet booths.
No chandeliers.
Just checkered tablecloths and the smell of garlic.
Christa looked around.
“This is unexpected.”
Leo smiled.
“Disappointed?”
“No.”
She sat.
“Just surprised.”
He ordered pasta.
She ordered the same.
For a while, they talked about ordinary things.
Architecture.
Books.
Food.
The terrible weather.
Then Christa asked:
“Have you ever been married?”
Leo shook his head.
“No.”
“Engaged?”
“No.”
She studied him.
“Why?”
He looked toward the window.
“People usually want something from me.”
Christa smiled faintly.
“Money?”
“Power.”
“Protection?”
He nodded.
“Sometimes.”
She looked down.
“And what do you want?”
Leo was quiet for a long moment.
Then answered:
“To be chosen without being useful.”
Christa's chest tightened.
She understood that feeling.
Gregory had wanted her property.
Thomas had wanted her obedience.
Most people wanted her professional skills.
Leo wanted someone who saw him beyond his reputation.
She reached across the table.
Touched his hand.
He looked startled.
Then slowly turned his palm upward.
Their fingers intertwined.
May you like
Neither spoke.
But something important had changed.
