Page 56 of The Italian Obsession

What the heck? A king-size round bed? Now I’ve officially seen it all. I look around in awe. This place is fucking amazing. It’s like a fairy tale.

There’s a knock on the door and I rush to open it. “Your kettle, coffee, and tea supplies.” The porter smiles.

“Yes, please, come in.” I open the door and watch on as he sets them up in the little kitchen area.

“Will that be all?”

There’s another knock on the door.

“Yes, thank you,” I say as I open the door. Another porter has arrived with my luggage.

“Your luggage.”

“Yes, just put it here.”

He wheels my suitcase in, and I tip them both. “Thank you.” They leave me alone.

I look around my room with a broad smile on my face. I quickly text my mum.

Arrived safely.

Call you tomorrow.

Love you xoxo

I’m going to make a cup of tea, put away my clothes, and then go to sleep.

I start work at Valentino in two days. Holy shit, is this real?

________

I walk up the street until I get to the big old stone building. The iconic V sits above the door, and I feel my stomach flutter with nerves.

My first day of work. This is it.

I’m wearing my sensible yet stylish clothes: black business pants, a camel turtleneck with black pumps… all Valentino, of course. My blonde hair is in a low ponytail and my makeup is natural. I don’t know if I’ve ever been so nervous. What if I can’t do this?

You can. Shut up.

I drop my shoulders, stand up straight, and power walk inside.

“Hello, my name is Olivia Reynolds. I’m starting today,” I say to the kind-looking woman on reception.

“Of course, hello. Please come through.” She stands and shakes my hand with a warm smile. “My name is Maria.”

“Hello.” Oh, she seems nice.

“Welcome aboard. You are going to love it here. Just go up to level three and ask for Fernando.”

“Okay, thank you.”

I get into the elevator and smile. Fernando sounds so… Italian.

I swear to God, this entire thing is like a dream. The Abba lyrics run through my mind.

The elevator doors open, and I power walk out into another lobby. It’s quiet and a young man is walking through. “Can I help you?”

I clutch my bag tight. “My name is Olivia Reynolds. I’m starting today.”