The Trouble with a Small Raise by Camilla T. Crespi

Author:Camilla T. Crespi [Crespi, Camilla]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781491722275
Publisher: iUniverse
Published: 2003-07-30T00:00:00+00:00

Luis stood by the elevator, smoothing down his double-breasted blazer. It was his favorite place. With brass buttons shining, he looked like a general reviewing his troops.

“Ehi, Luis, grazie,” I said. “You’re a real amigo *

Luis gracefully waved some people into the elevator and winked at me. “We Latins got to stick together. They got it now?”

“Resealed and delivered.”

“And I’m still looking for a leather jacket,” he reminded me, laughing, as he escorted my elbow to the waiting elevator.

“I talked to Gregory,” Ellen Price said over the telephone. I held my breath.

“Yes,” she said, “I would like to come to New York.” This day was continuing to be glorious.

“I’ve already looked into the flights to save you the trouble.” She was too good to be believed. “I could arrive tomorrow at LaGuardia at four-fifty-one p.m. I really can’t get away any earlier. I hope that’s not too late.”

“No, Ellen, that would be perfect. I’m so happy you’re coming, but I do want you to remember that the whole thing might not work out. I mean, I don’t want you to build your hopes up too much.”

Ellen laughed. “You sound just like Gregory. Don’t worry. I’m not really counting on becoming a famous model. I’m just happy to get to New York. I’ve never seen it, you know. Well, I guess I must have seen it since I was born there.” She laughed again. Bertrand was going to like her laughter. It came so easily. “But I was taken away when I was so little, I don’t remember. And I can’t wait to see my father and where he lives.” I was glad to hear her finally acknowledge her relationship to Gregory.

“You just reminded me I have to make a hotel reservation for you. I have to set a few things in motion, so I’d better hang up.”

“No hotel room for me. I’m going to stay with Gregory in New Jersey. That’s not an inconvenience for you, is it?”

“Not at all. He doesn’t live that far. We’ll just hire a limo for you. Does he know you want to stay with him?”

“He’s the one who insisted.”

“That’s great.” I was glad Gregory had welcomed her. “I’ll meet you at the airport with your father. Have a good trip.” I hung up and ran to Gregory’s office. He sat there, his usual tight hunched self totally absorbed in drawing a band of marching socks. I stood behind him and kissed his bald spot. He didn’t stop drawing.

“What’s that?” I asked.

“Some new client we’re pitching.”

“Cute idea.”

“Nothing new.” He didn’t sound very excited by the ad or by the fact that his daughter was coming to New York and staying with him.

“I just came in to tell you I love you,” I said.

“That’s nice.” Gregory was used to hearing my indiscriminate declarations of love whenever I was happy.

“Hungry?” he asked and reached for a small packet wrapped in foil. Sweet, nurturing Gregory. He had forgiven me.

“No, I’m in love.”

“You already said that.”

“No, I mean I’m really in love.

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