Chapter 14 - THE DINNER THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
Eighteen months after my contract ended, Massimo invited me to dinner.
This time, I said yes.
We met at a small Italian restaurant overlooking Boston Harbor.
No guards stood beside the table.
No entourage followed him.
He arrived using his wheelchair.
He wore a dark blue jacket.
His hair was slightly longer.
And when he smiled, there was warmth in his eyes.
“Elena.”
I smiled.
“Massimo.”
He looked at me.
“You look happy.”
“I am.”
He nodded.
“Good.”
We talked for hours.
About school.
Work.
Family.
Rehabilitation.
And the strange ways life changes when you least expect it.
At one point, Massimo looked at me.
“Do you remember what you said the first day?”
I laughed.
“That you were rude?”
He smiled.
“Yes.”
“You were.”
“I know.”
He paused.
“I'm glad you said it.”
I looked at him.
“Why?”
“Because everyone else treated me like I was either a king or a tragedy.”
His voice softened.
“You treated me like a person.”
I smiled.
“You were a difficult person.”
He laughed.
“Still am.”
“Less difficult.”
He raised an eyebrow.
“High praise.”
I laughed.
Then he reached across the table.
“Can I hold your hand?”
I looked at him.
Then placed my hand in his.
“Yes.”
May you like
And for the first time, our relationship began without fear, obligation, or professional responsibility.
Just two people choosing each other.
