A week had passed since that night; she had probably seen Matthew for a total of two hours! Not Jacob at all. It seemed they were really busy. If Matthew showed up at the dinner table, the only thing he'd say was,
+Hey, little one
And then he'd get busy with his laptop or phone! He'd talk on his mobile nonstop, sometimes raising his voice, sometimes saying things with frustration.
Diana practiced more with her violin, browsing sites to find a job for herself! She had taken a few small projects, but they were too easy for her.
She wanted a bigger challenge, but because of her situation, she couldn't risk too much. She was afraid of suddenly causing big trouble for Matthew and Jacob! And then she'd have to leave her life behind and fend for herself!
Luca finally contacted her mid-week; when she saw his name on her phone, she answered quickly without thinking, talked to him a bit.
His tired voice echoed through the phone.
/They have my picture, Diana; they know I was the one who messed things up there and took the information. These past few days, I've just been covering my tracks!
/I don't know if they've hired someone to find me or if I'm just lucky and they've let it go! But this Stone guy has a bit too much ego. Losing that project was probably the final blow for him, I think... He's in jail himself, but I think he's left it to his lawyers to pursue.
She buried her head in the pillow, her voice choked.
-I can't believe you've been left in such a situation, Luke... I'm really sorry; tell me what to do, please! Do you want me to hack into their system again?
He sighed.
/It wasn't your fault; you warned me to leave, I was stubborn and stayed, and you know yourself that doing something like that would make them more alert.
-So what are you going to do? God, what a mistake I made telling you! Look at the situation you're in because of me.
Diana moaned helplessly.
/Oh, come on, Diana, is this the first time? Besides, you've saved my ass so many times! I had to return the favor. Right?
-No, not like this! Worrying about you like this is the last thing I wanted.
They were silent for a bit. A deep sigh from Luke echoed in the phone.
/I have an idea, but... it's a bit complicated, you know? The risk is high, but it seems like it could work.
-What? What idea?
/I'll tell you later... maybe you, yourself...
He paused and changed his words.
/Just leave everything to me, okay?
She pleaded,
-Luke... please don't get yourself in trouble. Please! I beg you.
/I won't, kitten... don't worry. Well... I have to go now! Anything else?
-No... will you call me again?
/Maybe not so soon; Take care of yourself! Okay? Eat and drink enough, and don't strain that pea brain of yours too much.
Diana laughed through her tears.
-Okay... you too. See you... Soon...
And she hung up.
Things were just starting to get better for her; she didn't want to suddenly hear about Luca's arrest. They'd been friends for a few years; two of their mutual friends had gone to Italy, and only the two of them were left in New York.
They sometimes saw each other if circumstances allowed. Luca was like her! Without parents, except Diana's had been with her longer.
Luca! A kid who had lived in an orphanage since he was four and pulled himself up by force. She sighed, hoping everything would go well! She ran her hand over her stomach.
-I'll get up and exercise a bit at least...
She got up and headed to the gym in the mansion.
***
Jacob glanced at Matthew's chief secretary, who was busy.
_Is he in?
She stood up politely.
/Yes, sir.
He knocked on the door and stepped in.
Matthew was standing behind his desk, drawing a few lines on a large sheet of paper. His hair was slightly tousled, a few strands falling on his forehead. The top buttons of his shirt were undone, and he had rolled up his sleeves for comfort. He exhaled audibly. He had started again.
He placed the coffee mug on a nearby table and stepped closer. He cast a quick glance at the blueprint.
_Everything okay? Why are you redesigning this?
Matthew finally stepped back, set his pencil down, and rubbed his eyes. He paused a moment to regain clarity, then moved toward the couches facing the windows. This was his workspace; he didn't want to relax completely, just enough to rest his neck and eyes. Jacob offered him the coffee. Matthew muttered a quiet thanks, took a sip, and sighed, he really needed it.
Jacob hesitated, eyeing the plans.
_I know you want everything perfect, Matthew. I know your perfectionism well, but the plan seemed flawless. Why get involved again?
+I want to personally oversee this project; it matters more to me, Jacob.
He changed the subject.
And the excavation, any progress?
Jacob unbuttoned his coat and sat across from him. He wondered why Matthew seemed so invested since it was just from Stone.
_It's good. Looks like it'll be done by the end of the week.
Matthew nodded with closed eyes. Jacob looked out the floor-to-ceiling penthouse windows at the sky. The clouds had cleared; he chuckled to himself, probably Diana would be annoyed that the clouds were gone.
He missed her. It had been a week since he'd visited the mansion, staying instead in his apartment near the company. He needed to free some time to see her.
_Are you going to the mansion tonight?
+No… I don't think so.
Jacob rose. Matthew didn't feel like talking much; it was better to let him rest.
Before leaving, Jacob remembered:
_Ah… you still haven't named the project, have you?
Matthew looked at him, bored and distracted.
+Huh? Which one?
_The one we got from Stone.
He sighed and drank the remaining coffee.
+Ah… no. I'm thinking about it.
_Alright, I'm heading to the office soon. I'll order you some food, make sure you eat.
Matthew said nothing. He closed the door quietly, nodded to the secretary, and headed to the elevator. They probably needed to hire a few more people. The rest of the team shouldn't be overburdened.
The elevator stopped in the lobby; the door dinged open, and Jacob tore his eyes from the mirror. He looked as disheveled as Matthew. The car was waiting outside, and he quickly got in.
_Go to headquarters.
/Yes, sir.
He opened his laptop to check emails, then remembered Diana. Better call her. He tapped "Little One" and held the phone to his ear.