CHIARA
The helicopter landed in about thirty minutes, right at the skyscraper's helipad where my gallery was located. Black held the door for me, and I stepped down, cursing the hair for getting into my mouth. Chong was already waiting for me with his blue suit and his signature round eyeglasses, with an iPad pressed to his chest. Black and four other men were behind me, all in black suits. I had to quarrel my way out of having six bodyguards as Melo wanted. They were five in total, and I'd already felt suffocated let alone six of them.
"Good morning, Madam. I see you have officially become a boss lady." He blurted as we headed inside, smiling. He had no idea. "I was made for greater things." I teased back, putting my phone back in my bag. "I couldn't agree less."
I sighed, when I was reminded of the number of people contaminating my air behind me. "Brief me, Chong, before I kick you down these stairs." He quickly flipped his IPad. I would never admit this to him but, I missed him. Yusuf and Safiya as well.
We walked out of the elevator, the gallery was hectic with men moving things around. "And the decorators are already here, so I asked them to arrange the new paintings first as you instructed." He said. "Good job, Chong." I glared at the man who almost dropped my precious vase. He straightened up and gave me a look of an apology before placing it down with extra care and dashing away.
"Oh, before I forget. Mrs. Bormann has confirmed with us, and she said they would deliver the items this afternoon." He reported. "Great," I smiled. I couldn't wait for the surprise tomorrow evening. "And where are the shameless love birds?" I frowned. Were these bodyguards going to follow me around like ants all the time?
"Both are stoked in the back room. We all spent the night here, sorting things out." He replied. Turns out I wasn't the only one nervous. "Save me and give these five something to do. They are contaminating my air," I walked off to the operating room. "Don't mind her and follow me, gentlemen." I heard Chong as I pushed the door open.
Both Safiya and Yusuf were busy sorting out their arts. "Boss!" Safiya rushed to me and hugged me. "Oh God! I saw the explosion on the news. I was so scared. God is great." I hugged her back loosely not wanting to ruin her black hijab. "I'm fine, you are suffocating me, Safiya." I was so happy to see them again. "Morning boss," Yusuf said while his wife pulled back and apologized with her look.
"Morning, are you two ready for tomorrow?" I asked. Smiling back at them, they both looked at me with wide eyes. Ah, probably the smile that stood out today. Great. Melo has ruined my stern boss persona as well. That cute bastard. Now even my employees were wary of my smile because I never smiled at them.
"We are, are you?" Yusuf was the first one to recover. "I can't wait. Show me the gems." I felt a rush under my skin as they showed me their new designs and marvelous creations. I gasped. It was unfortunate that I couldn't be here and see everything firsthand. Thanks to Antonio.
"These are amazing. I did a good job picking you two." They smiled at me as I admired their masterpieces. "I'm glad you like them," said Safiya, holding her husband's hand with teary eyes. This was going to be a very different exhibition. Both of my artists have gone beyond their usual capabilities to create unique arts. I was so overwhelmed that I couldn't process that I was crying. Until something warm liquid flowed on my cheek.
I looked away and wiped it quickly. I'm sure I'd traumatized these two enough for the day. "I'll be out there overseeing everything. Make sure you go home early, rest and bang all you want. We have a big day tomorrow." I said with a straight face, but I was smiling inside. "Yes, boss," Yusuf saluted me with two fingers as ususal the shameless one, hugging his wife, while Safiya covered her face with both of her hands, giggling.
I shook my head and walked to the chaotic scene. The decorators and their team filled my gallery with so much noise, but it was worth it. I was going to let it pass for today. Even Black and the other four joined them. Good for me.
"Madam, Mrs. Bormann is here." Chong announced. "Not anymore, Chong. Call her, Lia Bianchi." I uttered as the lady in a silk floor length dress and black shades with a big smile decorating her lips walked inside the gallery. Behind her were his men moving in the items. My art gallery was two penthouses combined, so it had enough space.
She looked much better than before, and I was so happy for her. So happy that she finally took the step. The step that I was going to take for my mother as well someday soon.
"Chiara, nice to meet you again." We shared cheek kisses. "Nice to meet you too. Come with me, let's have a drink." I ushered her to my office upstairs. "Oh, we sure need to. I have some good news to share with you." Said Lia. Leaving Chong to instruct the men where to place the items.