"Did we really have to cross half the city to come to this particular restaurant?" Sky exclaims as we get out of the taxi after twenty minutes of slaloming through the crazy traffic in the center of Rome. "We could choose one closer to Parco Savello."

   Di cosa stai parlando? Neanche per sogno! (What are you talking about? Not a chance!) I lead him down the narrow, cobbled street between the typical rusty ocher buildings. "This is the best place in town. Once you try their food, you'll be willing to fly all the way from New York just to have lunch here."

   The enclosed space, where the small trattoria has set up a few tables with snow-white tablecloths, is situated directly on the road. They are separated from the constantly passing vehicles only by low metal fences and numerous flower pots. The invariable scooters nimbly pass within millimeters of the customers, but no one seems to pay attention to this fact. The only free table is right next to the entrance. It is so small that it can hardly hold food for two people. However, this have never prevented the hospitable owners from accommodating an entire family of four if they have to. It has always amazed me how, with an absolute lack of space, waiters somehow manage to fit everything. 

   "Are you comfortable?" I ask when Sky finally manages to settle on the tiny chair, squeezing between a tall weeping fig and the neighboring couple's sleeping Labrador retriever.

   "I love it." He grins from ear to ear. "If a restaurant is packed, then it is a damn good one."

   "I agree. Do you mind if I order for both of us?" Before I can finish speaking, the waitress is already standing by the table serving us water and the typical local bread with a hard crust and soft middle. There are no menus. Everyone who comes here knows what they offer. Today's special is written in chalk on a blackboard propped against the wall. Skylar nods in agreement, so I turn to the girl. "We will take carciofi alla Romana* twice, gnocchi di patate** twice, and saltimbocca, of course."

   *carciofi alla Romana - braised artichokes with parsley, mint, and garlic

   **gnocchi di patate - primo piatto (first course), pasta consisting of small lumps of  potato dough, served with sauce

   "Mio Dio (My God)," the girl mutters and rolls her eyes. "Jason, aren't you going to eat something different for once? You've been coming here at least twice a week for the last two years, and you haven't picked anything else. Dad told me to kick you out if you refuse to try his coda alla vaccinara (oxtail stew) again. You won't even let your friend order what he likes."

   She winks at Sky. He turns bright red. I cover my smirk by pretending to drink water.

   "No, thank you!" I firmly state. "I am a traditionalist when it comes to food."

   "And I thought you were the adventurous one." Skylar smiles at the waitress and adds, "Bring one portion of saltimbocca and the stew. We'll share. Jase, I will try your favorite dish if you promise to try mine. No master chef should be denied the opportunity to present the food they are proud of."

   "Wow! You are dangerous, dude. How can I refuse?" I glance at him with admiration. "If the Big A hears about your negotiating skills, he might put you in charge of the entire De Angelis Corporation. Now I understand why he was so keen on hiring you. By the way, how did you find this job? It's not that I'm interested in HR department's methods, but I don't remember any announcements coming out for the position. Did they use a recruiting agency?"

   Sky heavily chokes on his water and starts to cough. Tears fill his eyes. They look like crystal clear mountain lakes. My poetic digression is interrupted too quickly by the girl's reproachful glare. She has just returned with the antipasta (apetizers).

   "What?" I bellow. "I didn't do anything. What is this bottle?"

   "Dad said the wine you ordered did not go well with coda alla vaccinara," she points, shoving a glass in Sky's hand. "You should drink Pecorino from Marche.* Take this, love. You do need a sip. What did this tease say? Before I got to know Jason better, his jokes made me choke quite a few times."

   *Pecorino - light white wine, originating from Marche in eastern Italy

   "N-Nothing," my deputy barely rasps, wiping his eyes. If it was physically possible for a person to get redder, Skylar surely would, but poor boy has reached the limit. He takes a big gulp of whine. The heavenly liquid seems to finally put him at ease. He sighs in delight, "Perfetto! It's one of my favorites. Cincin (Cheers)!"

  "For the best business deal of the year!" I raise a toast.  We clink our glasses. "Sorry for asking too many questions."

   "No, it's ok," Sky mumbles, rolling up his sleeves. "You have all the rights to ask about your employees' qualifications. I... umm... did not apply for the job. I got an invitation... Ugh, it is very hot today, isn't it?"

   "It is always hot in Rome." I am sweating, too, although my shirt is thinner than his. "We should have stopped by your place for you to change. A tight business suit and a starched collar are not the best options for lunch outside in the heat. But you look great, very stylish. I have always been impressed by how carefully you choose your clothes. So, you were invited? By whom?"

   "Well, the company has an internship program in collaboration with the University of Bologna. They interview the top three graduates and usually hire them," he replies and hurries to stuff his mouth with food. 

   Why do I feel like he made this up on the spot? Very strange. Too many suspicious circumstances. Skylar dated a celebrity. That ex-boyfriend of his thought he was rich. Sky definitely looks like someone with no shortage of money. I bet only his watch has at least a five-figure price, and the expensive, branded clothes. He is humble, but those little things that show someone is well off are there. He was pretty sure Mauro did not know the boss and his sons as well... Perhaps his family is from the same circle as De Angelis. Probably The Big A did Sky's father a little favor by hiring the son after graduation. There is nothing wrong with that. I know how things happen in high society. The boy is talented and smart. He deserves the chance. I wouldn't have minded if someone greased my wheels when I was starting out. I better stop asking questions and keep making him nervous.

   "That's awesome." I pretend that everything is clear and the topic is brought to a close for me. "In any case, I am more than happy we came across each other again, and even more that we will work together. You are a big deal. Honestly. Somehow, you managed to become invaluable in only two days."

   "Can you please stop complimenting me," he groans. "I appreciate it, but it also makes me really uncomfortable. What about you? Rising to the rank of Executive Marketing Manager in two years is quite an achievement. What is it like to work with Conte de Angelis?"

   "It is like a constant, never-ending, burning pain in the ass," I answer. I am not at all exaggerating. This person can squeeze you like a lemon, drain you completely, and you will still feel like you did not do enough. I can not imagine what it is like to be part of his family and live with him every day. It must be exhausting.

   "I know exactly what you are talking about," Sky says, nodding in understanding.

Saltimbocca alla Romana

***

A/N

Hello, at the end of Chapter 18.

Thank you so much for reading and supporting ❤️❤️❤️

Things are getting dangerous for Sky.

How long do you think he will be able to keep his secret? 😉

Will Jason manage to find out soon?

Love: Anny

Photo by lucky-photographer from istockphoto.com

Photo by Piotr Krzeslak from istockphoto.com

Photo by Irina Shatilova from istockphoto.com