Pg2
Slinging her bag filled with art supplies over her shoulder, Elizabeth grabs an orange from the fruit bowl before locking up her studio apartment and rushing to her scooter to get to the Trevi Fountain. Since landing in Rome, most of her days were spent securing a short-term apartment.
From the moment she stepped off the plane, she felt Maria's presence, her words echoing through her mind. As promised, Elizabeth's first sketch is of the Trevi Fountain and she could wait to finish it. She struggled on the medium for a few hours the first day, but eventually settled on sketching, finding it brought more out of the image for her than the other mediums.
"Excuse me?" a voice calls to her, pulling her out of her artistic trance. "Sorry, I don't mean to disturb your process..."
"That's okay," she waves away the man's concern for her art, coming to know that a lot of the locals are very respectful of those in the art world. Respectful in general, actually. "How can I help you?"
"I was passing by when I noticed that necklace you're wearing," the man explains. "It's a very particular necklace that I just had to ask where you got it."
"Oh, this?" Elizabeth lifts the pendant into her hand, a soft smile touching her lips. "It was a gift."
"It wouldn't happen to have been given by a woman named Maria Romano, would it?"
"You knew Maria?"
"I did," he confirms. "Apologies, how rude of me...I'm Maximus Giambetti. Maria worked for my family in her youth."
"Ah, yes, she used to tell me so much about her time in Italy," Elizabeth replies, a twinge of sadness in her voice as she remembers all the stories Maria used to share with her. "It's actually what fueled my love for this country. I've only been here for a couple of weeks, but I have to say it has lived up to her stories."
"I'm happy to hear that."
"I don't know if you're aware, but she passed away recently," Elizabeth says carefully. "I tried to reach out to as many of her friends as I could, but I wasn't able to get through to anyone here in Italy."
"I'm aware," he assures her. "I was sad to hear she was no longer with us, but I'm told she lived out her last days with much love. That's all we can truly ask for."
"Yeah," Elizabeth smiles in agreement before the realization dawns on her and she quickly holds out her hand. "Sorry, I forgot to introduce myself, I'm Elizabeth Webber. Maria was like a mother to me...well, she was a mother to me."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Elizabeth," Maximus shakes her hand, unable to fathom the kind of kismet that would bring him face to face with the child that brought motherhood to Maria. "If it's not too much trouble, would you care to join me for breakfast? I'd love to hear more about Maria's time in America."
"Only if you do the same," Elizabeth counters as she secures her bag. "I'd love to hear more about her time here and the kind of person she was in her youth."
"You have yourself a deal."
Not wanting to take her too far out of her comfort zone, being new to the country, Maximus takes her to a nearby cafe where they sit and enjoy talk of the past over breakfast. Listening to her speak, Maximus couldn't help but see a bit of Maria in her. Though he knows that the girl isn't Maria's by blood, you could never tell the difference. She has so many of Maria's mannerisms as well as her bright outlook on a world that hardly deserved it.
True to form, Maximus in turn told Elizabeth about the kind of person that Maria was in her youth and, to her surprise, Maria was a lot like her. It was no wonder Maria found such a deep connection with her. More than anything, Maximus wishes that he could have witnessed Maria in her motherhood, knowing that she deserved it after all she had been through, but life is what it is.
"How set are you on Rome?" Maximus finds himself asking as their breakfast together comes to an end.
"Why do you ask?"
"Well, it just so happens that I'm planning on opening an art gallery in my home city of Palermo," Maximus explains as he pays for the bill and gestures for her to follow him out of the cafe. "If you're not too set on residing here in Rome, I'd love it if you could come work for me. The job comes with room and board as well as health benefits."
"What would I be doing?" Elizabeth questions, trying to wrap her head around his proposal.
"The gallery is still in its planning phase, so, you'd work with the designers to create the gallery layout," Maximus explains. "From there, once the gallery is finished, you'll take on the role of gallery curator."
"I don't think I'm qualified for such a position," Elizabeth counters. "I wouldn't know the first thing about what art qualifies to be displayed in a gallery."
"On the contrary, I think you're exactly what I'm looking for to run my gallery," Maximus says honestly. "You see, galleries displaying high-end art is a dime a dozen in this country. That's not the kind of gallery I'm looking to open. I want to open a gallery for up-and-coming artists. I want art, not for their monetary value but for their emotional value, if you get what I mean."
"I think so."
"Your connection to Maria aside, I have a feeling that you're the kind of person that can appreciate what I'm trying to do with this gallery," Maximus says before pulling out his card. "It's a big decision, of course, and I don't want you making any rash decisions. Take your time to consider my offer and then call me when you've made your decision. Sound good?"
"Yeah," Elizabeth smiles softly. "Thank you...for everything today."
"Thank you for entertaining my request," Maximus counters. "I'll wait to hear from you. Take care."
Glancing down at the business card that he gave her once he was gone, Elizabeth can't help but wonder if this was Maria's doing, her way of taking care of her even though she wasn't here anymore. Deciding that she'll take him up on not rushing to a decision, Elizabeth makes her way back to her spot by the fountain to finish up her sketch.
Over the next week, Elizabeth put a lot of thought into Maximus's offer, doing her due diligence by looking into the kind of man that he's perceived to be. Though she has her first impressions from their breakfast, she wanted to know the kind of man that he's presented to the world as. It surprised her to find two conflicting images of the same man, but inevitably she decided to trust her gut. Maria held love for him and his family, that being enough to tip the scales in his favor.
Wanting to be open and honest with her new employer, Elizabeth told him that she looked into him, wanting to know the man that would be her boss. To her surprise, he told her that he expected her to do as much and he holds respect for her having done so. Appreciating that even with his notorious image, she has chosen to give him the benefit of the doubt and accepted the position. Meeting him at his office, they go over the finer details of her employment before they both agree to the terms and her employment is made official.
If only she knew just how much her life would change from this one decision, Elizabeth never would have hesitated. From being at the center of designing the gallery to being welcomed into Maximus's family as one of their own, Elizabeth just couldn't have imagined ever being so lucky to have found her place in the world. To think that she could find family after losing Maria, she just couldn't find the words for that.
It seemed, to her, that the universe was trying to make up for her lack of love from her birth family ever since she first stepped foot in Italy. Then, as she was putting the finishing touches on her plans for the gallery, he walked through the door, and she was certain that the universe was working on overdrive to make it up to her. Whatever the case may be, she sure as hell wasn't complaining.
"Hey," she greets him, seeing he was clearly confused. "Need help with something?"
"Um, maybe," he replies. "I'm supposed to be meeting with Max Giambetti."
"Ah, you overshot a bit," she explains, gesturing for him to follow her back outside so she can show him where he went wrong. "At the end of that street, you'll find a huge building with a couple of armed guards at the door, you can't miss it."
"Thanks..."
"Elizabeth Webber," she provides, holding her hand out to him.
"Jason Morgan," he replies, shaking her hand. "Thanks for the help."
"Anytime."
Leaning against the doorjamb, she watches as he walks off down the street before taking the turn that'll put him on the direct path to the Giambetti warehouse where the brothers, Max and Milo, are stationed. Jason Morgan. Now that's a man she won't soon forget. Making her way back into the gallery, she continues her work, needing to get the plans finalized so the decorators can finally get things in place.
It was nearing dinner time by the time she was finally finished with the plans, deciding to take it home with her to run things over with Maximus before sending it off to the decorators. Checking with the staff at the estate, she makes her way to his office, knocking briefly before walking inside at his instruction.
"Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to intrude," Elizabeth voiced when she finds him in a meeting. "I can come back later..."
"No need, come on in," Maximus instructs her. "It's actually good that you're here. These are some associates of mine, they'll be staying in the estate for a few weeks. Francis Corelli, Johnny O'Brien, and Jason Morgan. Fellas, this is Elizabeth Webber."
"It's nice to meet you," Francis replies, realizing that this was the girl that Maximus had mentioned was brought into his family, meaning under his protection. "We'll try our best to not be underfoot."
"Um, that's okay, I'm not around the estate that much anyway," Elizabeth assures him, trying not to focus on the fact that Jason would be staying at the estate, turning back to Maximus. "I just finalized the plans for the gallery. Did you want to look it over before I send it to the decorators?"
"No, that's okay, if you think it's set, send it off," Maximus waves away her offer. "Matter of fact, have Mario send it off tonight."
"Will do," Elizabeth says before turning to the guests. "It was nice to meet you guys. I may be biased, but you're going to love it here. The place is definitely a dream."
"We'll only be a moment longer," Maximus tells her as she's getting ready to leave the room. "We'll see you at dinner."
Smiling softly, she nods in agreement before making her way to the door, unable to stop herself from glancing at Jason as she's leaving the room, only to find that he was looking at her, as well. Meeting his eyes for a moment, she gives him a slight nod before making her way out of the room, knowing just from the look of the other guys that they weren't on the same side of Maximus's business as she is. Meaning that it was best for her to not linger as they were meeting.
Dinner was definitely an event, making it easy for her to grow comfortable with Maximus's associates, nothing like good food and great company for people to find common ground with each other. From the look of it, though, she could see that Jason wasn't as familiar with his people as they are with each other, giving them something else in common. Though she's only a recent addition to the Giambetti clan, she's finding her footing quite easily and she can see that Jason is slowly gaining that with his people.
As much as she wanted to, she wasn't able to spend that much time with the guests, having her hands full with getting the gallery underway. Max and Milo tell her that it was probably for the best, given that their association wasn't exactly on the legal side of things, something they always warn her about getting involved in. She knows it's for her safety but also finds that people from that side of their business seem to have the biggest hearts of all the people she's ever met.
It wasn't until the grand opening of the gallery that she's able to see the guys again, only this time they've come with their boss, Sonny Corinthos. For whatever it's worth, the guy sure was a charming man, not at all surprised when the female staff of the estate fawn over him, waiting on him hand and foot.
She had just finished getting ready for the grand opening when she makes her way to the top of the stairs, finding Jason standing by the front door, clearly waiting for someone. Smiling to herself, she takes a moment to appreciate the man in his suit, god can the man wear a suit. Though it was clear he wasn't used to wearing one, made evident by the frequent adjustment of the tie.
She isn't sure how it happened, almost certain she didn't do anything to give away her presence, but somehow he's aware of her presence and his gaze finds her. If she weren't already captivated by this man, the look that graces his face at the sight of her would surely have done her in. His eyes trail the length of her body before meeting her gaze and it was like the whole world melted away. God, the kinds of things this man can do with just his eyes.
Before they could say anything to each other, the others join them, Milo being the gentleman he is helped her down the stairs and out to the waiting limo. The two groups ride separately to the event, linking up at the front door before walking in together. For the rest of the night, her attention is pulled everywhere, making it almost impossible to get any time with Jason or the others. Just as well, she supposes, having poured many hours into this gallery and thankful to see it come to fruition so seamlessly.
"You sure you want to stay?" Maximus asks her, the event at its end.
"Yeah," Elizabeth assures him. "I'm not quite ready to let the night end if that's okay?"
"Of course, take your time," Maximus smiles softly. "I'll have someone stay behind to make sure you get back safely."
"I'll..."
"No argument, huh?" Maximus counters. "It's getting late. They'll just stand to the side and make sure you're safe."
"Okay," Elizabeth accepts, knowing he worries.
"Thank you," Maximus says, placing a kiss on her forehead. "See you in the morning."
Turning away from Maximus as he makes his way outside, Elizabeth slowly makes her way around the gallery to finally take a good look at the art pieces. To think that she was able to put this place together in the span of time that she did, she couldn't be more thankful that this night went down without a hitch. To see the up-and-coming artists' faces as they realized that their art was being appreciated and even purchased made her so thankful to have been a part of it all.
"Elizabeth?"
"Jason," Elizabeth turns to find him walking over to her, a soft smile on her face. "You draw the short straw?"
"I volunteered."
"Really? Huh," Elizabeth looks at him curiously. "You volunteered to guard me while the other guys go out to enjoy the local nightlife?"
"Nightlife's overrated," Jason says simply. "Do you mind?"
"That you're here?" she questions, continuing when he nods. "Not at all. I actually like having your company."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah," she smiles softly. "How did you like the gallery?"
"Not really my thing," he admits. "I couldn't really make much of it out."
"That just won't do," Elizabeth says seriously. "Tell you what, you show me which ones you don't get and I'll do my best to explain it, what do you say?"
"Sure."
Without hesitation, sending butterflies soaring within her, Jason slides his hand into hers as they walk around the gallery, him pointing out pieces that simply confounded him while she takes the time to thoroughly explain the meaning behind each piece. Though she knows it's technically not a date, she definitely put this one down as the best date she's ever been on, being able to share her love and understanding of art with someone.
"So?" Elizabeth voices as they stand facing each other, their hands joined on either side of their body. "Has the verdict changed?"
"About the art...yeah," Jason lifts one of their joined hands to tuck her stray bangs behind her ear, trailing one of his fingers down the side of her face. "About you...no."
"And what's the verdict on me?"
As the words left her lips, she could swear that time itself stood frozen as his eyes dropped to her lips before meeting her gaze once again, a slight smirk tugging at his lips. God the way this man makes her feel, it had to be illegal, right? Heart pounding in her chest, her eyes slowly closing as his lips take claim to hers, her body practically melting into his.
There was no telling where this was going or how far this would take them, seeing as they lived in two different worlds, but she didn't care. They're there now and whatever it was is happening and she'll take it for whatever it is. Just to have this one moment is more than enough. Whatever comes next, she'll gladly take it, whatever it takes for this moment to just be.
...
...
...
Present Day
It was yet another busy day trying to get the last gallery set packaged and sent out for delivery while also bringing the new batch of pieces for the next gallery showing. For the most part, things are running smoothly, finally getting a schedule down for how long each gallery set stays in the gallery on display before being shipped out to the buyers and a new set comes in.
These last few weeks, however, have been particularly hectic because she has also been training her replacement. It didn't help that they were smack dab in the middle of a gallery switchout, but she'll make do with what she has. On the bright side, it gives her replacement the opportunity to see a switchout in person, nothing like hands-on training, right?
Pulling out her phone, she smiles to herself as the daily text reminder (You're beautiful.) from her boyfriend comes through, never failing to put a smile on her face. Even on the most hectic of her days, receiving a text or call from him always puts her in better spirits. Shooting back the usual teasing text (Only because you love me) to which he responds (Only because you are.). Sliding her phone back into her pocket, she gets back to work. More than ready to hand the reigns off to her replacement. All in due time.
By the time she's done sorting things out and getting things situated for the next day, it's nearly one o'clock in the morning. Calculating the time difference, Elizabeth decides to chance that he isn't still busy with his cooking lesson and calls him as she gets ready to take her bath. Lord did she need a good bath right about now.
"Hey," Jason answers almost immediately, bringing a smile to her face.
"Hey," she replies as she climbs into the warm bath and relaxes into the tub.
"Thought you'd be asleep," Jason points out. "Everything okay?"
"Yeah. Just wanted to say happy birthday...so...Happy Birthday, Jason."
"Thanks," he replies softly. "Sonny taught me how to cook lasagna."
"That's great. I know you've been itching to get that one down."
"Yeah," he confirms. "I'll cook it for you the next time we're together."
"I'm looking forward to it."
"I miss you, you know."
"I miss you, too...soon, Jason."
"I know," Jason assures. "I have to get going, but I'll call you in the morning."
"I'll hold you to that."
"Do that," Jason replies. "I love you."
"I love you, too."
...
...
...
Author's Note: Thanks for showing your interest in the story. I really appreciate the feedback. Hope you enjoy the update and I can't wait to hear what you thought. Thanks.
