Chapter 12 - THE MAN WHO ASKED INSTEAD OF ORDERED
Two years after the night at Cardinale, Maya graduated from her social work program.
Roman attended the ceremony.
He sat near the back.
No bodyguards beside him.
No special treatment.
Just a man in a dark jacket watching someone he admired achieve something important.
Afterward, Maya found him outside.
"You came."
He smiled.
"Of course."
She laughed.
"I thought you'd be busy."
"I was."
She raised an eyebrow.
He continued.
"I changed my schedule."
Maya smiled.
"That's new."
Roman laughed.
They walked toward the parking lot.
Maya looked at him.
"Roman."
"Yes?"
"Can I ask you something?"
"Anything."
"Are you happy?"
He thought for a moment.
Then nodded.
"More than I used to be."
She smiled.
"Good."
He stopped walking.
"Maya."
She turned.
"I'd like to take you to dinner."
She studied him.
"As friends?"
He smiled.
"I was hoping not."
Maya laughed softly.
Roman continued.
"I'm divorced. You're no longer working at Cardinale. And I think we've both had enough time to understand what we're asking."
Maya looked at him.
Then smiled.
"One dinner."
Roman felt absurdly relieved.
"One dinner."
She pointed at him.
"And no bodyguards."
He laughed.
"I'll arrange appropriate security at a distance."
Maya raised an eyebrow.
"Roman."
He sighed.
"Fine. We'll discuss it."
May you like
She laughed.
And for the first time, Roman Duca realized that the most important negotiations in his life were the ones where he had to listen.
