The Twelve Vitali Ch. 28 Novels and Novellas More often, however, a widow would move in with one of her brothers-in-law and his wife rather than two brothers living together. "Tell me why these pictures mean so much to you? What do you see when you lean back in your chair and look at them every single day?" Lucca asked. "Always," he grinned into the phone. Lucca walked into his office just before six and was surprised to see Cat already there and waiting for him with coffee in her hand. I would like you and Arturo to work in concert as equals, along with Knox and Hugh, with Logan overseeing both households to insure they are maintained to the standard we expect," Matteo commanded. "Thank you, Lisa," Matteo said, dismissing her. He hadn't had a lot to do with the other tables as one of the younger members of the family and living with the stigma of being the son of a second wife. "Tell me why these pictures mean so much to you? What do you see when you lean back in your chair and look at them every single day?" Lucca asked. "Like Matteo's artwork, these paintings have emotional value to Ricco, memories tied up with the past," she said without going into detail. "Did you request this artwork?" she asked as their eyes met. I am not as comfortable with this, but she is very insistent," Lisa said honestly. "I'm pretty busy, so, to tell you the truth, I don't really care what's on the walls," he shrugged. "Thank you," he said, not overly surprised that she had asked Matteo about what sort of coffee he liked. "Did you request this artwork?" she asked as their eyes met. He knew she felt differently about telling people about her daydreams behind the paintings. "Why?" Lucca asked. ***** "Sit at Matt's desk and lean back in the chair," she instructed as they walked into Matteo's office. "It's a real place?" Lucca asked. Despite being at the gathering for the past two weeks, he hadn't stopped working, and there was little to catch up with. He was going to take the opportunity this morning to talk to the staff that would work for Cat and look after the most precious person in his world, as well as his home. She was determined to make the best of today and begin making it up to Matteo for not showing how well she knew his brothers during their time in the Athenaeum. She was determined to make the best of today and begin making it up to Matteo for not showing how well she knew his brothers during their time in the Athenaeum. ~ellie. That control belonged to him, and even Ricco knew not to mess too much with that fact. "I imagine that she values your honesty and knowledge of such things. He considered her again. Anything to make her job easier was fine with her, she could give up one more day before beginning
her work with Logan on the house on the hill. He had thought Matteo would pull rank and keep her away from the company and their work. Or as alone as she could be with her security nearby. That does not change now that my position within the family has changed and others are joining our staff. More often, however, a widow would move in with one of her brothers-in-law and his wife rather than two brothers living together. "I'll give her a call. "Why?" Lucca asked. "Excuse me, Gentlemen, Matteo has just arrived," Arturo interrupted their conversation and stood up to greet Matteo. He was used to having to work while being mobile and supporting his family when they needed assistance. That was where his concern over Arturo's behaviour had stemmed from originally. "That meadow is where I fell in love with Cat for the first time," Ricco said honestly. Perhaps he could let her play matchmaker and check out the eligible women from the other tables and point him in the right direction. That does not change now that my position within the family has changed and others are joining our staff. Is there a technical problem I don't know about?" Matteo asked. He wasn't resentful; it was just the way it was. "I'm sure he wouldn't mind if you went upstairs if you need to talk to him," she said quietly, suddenly unsure of herself. "That's because I am not a corporate lawyer, Jacobi is," Ricco said, walking into his office, surprised to find them there. Cat had painted them to go into the building where people would never know her or even meet her. I have meetings this morning, but I will organise for that person to come here if I am unable to take you there," Matteo said, thinking that Cat was right in this instance. "I did get you a vanilla latte though, which I thought you might prefer," she said, indicating the cup on his desk. "And you, Lisa, are you content to remain with my family and me?" Matteo asked, genuinely concerned that he had been asking a lot of her recently without taking enough time to speak with her personally before each change occurred. "May I show you something?" she asked. "This week would be good. If not tomorrow, then Wednesday?" Sebastian added. "Honestly?" Arturo looked up at Matteo. "I am, Sir," she said simply. "Is there more?" he asked, feeling that Lisa still wished to speak. "Excuse me, Gentlemen, Matteo has just arrived," Arturo interrupted their conversation and stood up to greet Matteo. At his nod, and seeing him lean back in his chair steepling his fingers, she continued. He spoke to each briefly about their satisfaction with working with his family. Lucca wasn't just anyone though, and it was obvious he cared about her. "As you wish, Sir," Lisa said immediately upon his request. He needed a girlfriend, and badly, before he let himself fall over the line of a simple passing crush on his brother's wife to obsession. She really had gone out of her way to get to know them all and be part of this family, as they expected her to, but no one had truly gotten to know her outside of her relationship with his brothers. In matters of security you will answer to Knox, as usual," Matteo continued after her agreement to meet the person he had in mind. "I am sure it won't be a problem
to keep that setup." "Well, you're in luck, we're coming up for a few minutes." "Yes, with a small limit for speciality purchases. "I did get you a vanilla latte though, which I thought you might prefer," she said, indicating the cup on his desk. "Not at all," CJ chuckled. He was going to take the opportunity this morning to talk to the staff that would work for Cat and look after the most precious person in his world, as well as his home. "As a wedding gift, Peri has asked me to set Cat up with a program she created for keeping track of the family and events. Explaining the bed and Ricco's office had been harder, but it wasn't an unusual arrangement within the families, and accepted on a certain level outside of the leaders of the table. "Back when we dated, just after the court case." "Great. It works particularly well after all the refinements we have made over the last few years." "We have spoken about her desire for a permanent family home and my input into the staffing and staff requirements for that home. Jetta Jones. "Cat was explaining why my office sucks," Lucca shrugged. "It has been a joy to see you so happy with Master Ricco and Catriona." "Good," he nodded, wondering how to approach the delicate question of his wife's naivety without undermining her in this woman's eyes. He knew she felt differently about telling people about her daydreams behind the paintings. With so many new staff he was glad that Vanessa had insisted on a large and imposing desk for his home office before anyone even knew about the formation of the new table. In matters of security you will answer to Knox, as usual," Matteo continued after her agreement to meet the person he had in mind. Give me a few minutes," he said and stood, getting up from the desk and moved toward the doorway as he dialled her number. "Well, you're in luck, we're coming up for a few minutes." Cat stood looking awkward as he worked and, at a loss of what to do, she finally took a chair in front of his desk and picked up her tablet to check her own emails and the schedule set up by Arturo to see if she was missing anything important that he would have to cancel. "Please, continue with your call." "Cat created these when she worked for Vanessa, and I didn't want anyone else in my meadow," he explained. He noticed the woman, who was obviously her personal security for the day, slip out of the office once he arrived and go to stand nearby where she could view the doorway to the office. He smiled as he approached Cat and kissed her. She was pretty specific about that," Arturo said. Matteo had a knack for finding the right people for the right job, and had surrounded himself by highly skilled, reliable and trustworthy people within his company, which made Lucca's job infinitely easier. "Not at all," CJ chuckled. I'm sorry, am I late for our meeting?" he asked, checking his watch. "He sees the things that motivate him to make his company better than others, to be more responsible environmentally and to create beauty in a world of concrete and steel," she said, watching him carefully before turning to look once again at the photos that adorned the walls in here. "What does Ricco see when he leans back and takes in the office?" he asked as she came to stand beside him as she had in Matteo's office.
"Sure," he agreed, and she stood, indicating that he should follow her. "Not at all, I was done early and came to see if you were free," Matteo said, taking a seat. Does that make sense?" she asked. "That's fair," he accepted the explanation. "Why?" Lucca asked. Cat stood looking awkward as he worked and, at a loss of what to do, she finally took a chair in front of his desk and picked up her tablet to check her own emails and the schedule set up by Arturo to see if she was missing anything important that he would have to cancel. Maybe I could look at the archive for you and find something that may be a bit more for you to personalise your office." Matteo waited patiently as Lisa introduced each woman and her designation within the household. He knew she felt differently about telling people about her daydreams behind the paintings. The two women seemed to be forming a friendship which he wasn't sure about, but he was allowing, as he knew his wife wasn't used to dealing with staff and giving orders to other people. She was as formidable as Theresa herself. "I'm pretty busy, so, to tell you the truth, I don't really care what's on the walls," he shrugged. "It's fine, I can wait until he arrives," Lucca said, tapping on his keyboard as he answered emails that had come in overnight. I cannot, in good conscience, call her Cat, as she requested, so it is a compromise we have reached. He took a few minutes to gather his thoughts and went to see if Arturo had arrived for work, despite knowing that Cat would not be here today. Just like all of the laws and traditions they adhered to, none of them was so awful that people openly rebelled or resented their parents. It couldn't hurt. Thank you everyone for the positive feedback and comments they mean the world to me and have brightened my days. "As a wedding gift, Peri has asked me to set Cat up with a program she created for keeping track of the family and events. "As far as Hugh or Arturo are concerned, you are their equal and do not have to explain yourself or your actions to them. He took a few minutes to gather his thoughts and went to see if Arturo had arrived for work, despite knowing that Cat would not be here today. Does that make sense?" she asked. "I imagine that she values your honesty and knowledge of such things. She was pretty specific about that," Arturo said. He would arrange a meeting with Theresa, housekeeper and right-hand woman. Thank you everyone for the positive feedback and comments they mean the world to me and have brightened my days. "What does Ricco see when he leans back and takes in the office?" he asked as she came to stand beside him as she had in Matteo's office. "And you, Lisa, are you content to remain with my family and me?" Matteo asked, genuinely concerned that he had been asking a lot of her recently without taking enough time to speak with her personally before each change occurred. "That's because I am not a corporate lawyer, Jacobi is," Ricco said, walking into his office, surprised to find them there. "Sebastian and I have been talking about some of the system protection systems we have in place. "There are a series of them, the rest are in my office upstairs in the apartment, and probably are a better representation of why they are among my most valued possessions. Have you been issued with your own card for household expenses?" He asked. "We have spoken about her desire for a permanent family home and my input into the staffing and staff requirements for that home. At his nod, and seeing him lean back in his chair steepling his fingers, she continued. "Catriona has expressed her displeasure at being referred to as Mistress. He
had the feeling Arturo believed too much of the family propaganda about a woman's place and needed a little education about his wife's position in this family and his life. I will be careful when there are visitors to use the title Miss, which she is not happy with either, but will accept over Mistress from me." "I imagine that she values your honesty and knowledge of such things. "I have been putting off a million requests for lunches and meetings already for this week." Matteo walked into his home office as Ricco went to get ready for work. "I'm sure he wouldn't mind if you went upstairs if you need to talk to him," she said quietly, suddenly unsure of herself. Logan would be here this morning, and keeping Arturo from overstepping his brief would be in his job description, but Matteo wanted to make himself clear after seeing him in action over the last week and speaking with Lisa. He would arrange a meeting with Theresa, housekeeper and righthand woman. Behind him, shelves of leather-bound books lined the walls, but on the walls in front of the desk he could see the paintings that his brother was possessive about to the point of escorting them to and from the Donati exhibition of Cat's work. Aside from meeting Logan and the design team, she couldn't think of anything else, and she would still have had time to meet them at some stage, she was sure. "It's fine, I can wait until he arrives," Lucca said, tapping on his keyboard as he answered emails that had come in overnight. "Or did Vanessa install it for you?" "Problem?" Matteo asked in a flat voice, making Arturo look up in surprise. "That's because I am not a corporate lawyer, Jacobi is," Ricco said, walking into his office, surprised to find them there. He usually just took each day as it came, remaining flexible and making sure everything ran smoothly. "Back when we dated, just after the court case." "Tell me why these pictures mean so much to you? What do you see when you lean back in your chair and look at them every single day?" Lucca asked. Report Story byxelliebabexŠ 14 comments/ 2412 views/ 12 favorites Report Story Report Story "We are just trying to work out a time to install it and give some training for both myself and Cat," Sebastian said. "Not immediately, just eventually. Explaining the bed and Ricco's office had been harder, but it wasn't an unusual arrangement within the families, and accepted on a certain level outside of the leaders of the table. "I did get you a vanilla latte though, which I thought you might prefer," she said, indicating the cup on his desk. "Problem?" Matteo asked in a flat voice, making Arturo look up in surprise. "Sebastian and CJ Donati are in on the conference call, if you would like to join us," Arturo offered. Matteo waited patiently as Lisa introduced each woman and her designation within the household.
"What does Ricco see when he leans back and takes in the office?" he asked as she came to stand beside him as she had in Matteo's office. It finally sank into Lucca what Cat had been trying to prove in the Athenaeum. "The first building he designed and created on his own terms, from breaking ground to beautiful landscaping, the pictures are all about him and his dreams. Matteo had a knack for finding the right people for the right job, and had surrounded himself by highly skilled, reliable and trustworthy people within his company, which made Lucca's job infinitely easier. "Catriona wanted this week left free to work with Logan on the house. Is there a technical problem I don't know about?" Matteo asked. "He sees the things that motivate him to make his company better than others, to be more responsible environmentally and to create beauty in a world of concrete and steel," she said, watching him carefully before turning to look once again at the photos that adorned the walls in here. I am, however, contemplating a small change, eventually, with some added photography," he said thoughtfully. Jetta Jones. "The sooner, the better," CJ said. "Catriona has expressed her displeasure at being referred to as Mistress. He remembered her from during the week as Jones. What's the preferred date?" Matteo asked. "She believed most of her visitors will also hold that title, and it may cause confusion," Lisa explained, showing that she did attempt that compromise. "May I show you something?" she asked. "I see. "We'll need to go out to the site in an hour or so. If not tomorrow, then Wednesday?" Sebastian added. "Catriona wanted this week left free to work with Logan on the house. He was glad his parents weren't as strict as some of the other parents of his friends he had gone to school with. "She would not accept Mrs. "I'd like to see the ones upstairs now," he grinned. Matteo walked into his home office as Ricco went to get ready for work. There is someone I would like you to meet before we speak again. Can you come into your office when you get here for a minute?" It was more of a command than a request, and he knew she wouldn't say no. "What does Cat's schedule look like?" Matteo asked Arturo. Each spoke deferentially but with enthusiasm about remaining part of the household and looking forward to working between this home and the new home where the Master and Mistress would start a family of their own. He had the feeling Arturo believed too much of the family propaganda about a woman's place and needed a little education about his wife's position in this family and his life. He watched them all file in and stand before his desk. I will be careful when there are visitors to use the title Miss, which she is not happy with either, but will accept over Mistress from me." "I am, Sir," she said simply. He considered her again. He looked at his schedule for the day and considered what he could move and what he needed to attend to. He hadn't expected to have Cat with him today, even after his bravado at requesting she come to pay
the bet today. "We'll need to go out to the site in an hour or so. Between his fathers and siblings, it was rare to have a day where he could just concentrate on work. Arturo did not look happy, and she frowned slightly, wondering what had happened, but said nothing in front of so many of the men from the table. Arturo did not look happy, and she frowned slightly, wondering what had happened, but said nothing in front of so many of the men from the table. "I am sure it won't be a problem to keep that setup." "As you wish, Sir," Lisa said immediately upon his request. Authors note: Hello everyone. "Not immediately, just eventually. I do not think I like that setup and would like you to have better autonomy when it comes to looking after the people I love. Can you come into your office when you get here for a minute?" It was more of a command than a request, and he knew she wouldn't say no. It finally sank into Lucca what Cat had been trying to prove in the Athenaeum. He reiterated the clauses in their contracts that would allow them to seek alternative positions within the family or break their contracts, then sat back and gave each the time to speak to either accept the offer to continue rather than return to the households they had left to come to work in his home. "I am, Sir," she said simply. Is there a technical problem I don't know about?" Matteo asked. "We are just trying to work out a time to install it and give some training for both myself and Cat," Sebastian said. "Good morning. He glanced at her briefly and considered his day ahead. It couldn't hurt. "Arturo won't commit without checking with her first. "Please, continue with your call." "I understand, Sir," Lisa nodded. "I'll check with my boss, but I am sure he won't mind," she said cheerily, hearing Matteo growl at the word boss. You and Knox are the most valued senior staff members here and will be treated with the deference you deserve. Lisa was loyal and trustworthy, and obviously loved his family. No matter what he built since then, it all started there, and the furniture was chosen to go with the art instead of art being hung to match the furnishings. Perhaps Matteo's interference and insistence of the importance of this meeting had bothered Arturo for some reason, and she tried to remember what was on her schedule for the following day. I have explained that it is necessary for the general staff, particularly the young ones for them to remember their place, and she has agreed on the provison that I call her Catriona. He smiled as he approached Cat and kissed her. She was determined to make the best of today and begin making it up to Matteo for not showing how well she knew his brothers during their time in the Athenaeum. He smiled as he approached Cat and kissed her. It's a reasonable compromise," Matteo agreed, realising that Lisa had not given in easily to Cat's demands to be more casual in the relationship with her as if they were friends instead of employer and staff. 'What was the agenda?' He asked himself. I am not as comfortable with this, but she is very insistent," Lisa said honestly. "It's a real place?" Lucca asked. Between his fathers and siblings, it was rare to have a day where he could just concentrate on work. "She would not accept Mrs. I would like you and Arturo to work in concert as equals, along with Knox and Hugh, with Logan overseeing both households to insure they are maintained to the standard we expect," Matteo commanded. "Great. I was led to believe that Logan would manage the household budget and Arturo would manage the day to day expenses that arise," she said, having clearly taken on board everything she had been told when the cards were issued. Matteo had a knack for finding the right people for the
right job, and had surrounded himself by highly skilled, reliable and trustworthy people within his company, which made Lucca's job infinitely easier. "That's the expectation here," Matteo said shortly. "And you, Lisa, are you content to remain with my family and me?" Matteo asked, genuinely concerned that he had been asking a lot of her recently without taking enough time to speak with her personally before each change occurred. "Come in, Ladies," Matteo said to the staff, seeing Lisa tap on his door. He hadn't had a lot to do with the other tables as one of the younger members of the family and living with the stigma of being the son of a second wife. "Why not just use photos, like Matt's office?" He needed a girlfriend, and badly, before he let himself fall over the line of a simple passing crush on his brother's wife to obsession. 'What was the agenda?' He asked himself. "The first building he designed and created on his own terms, from breaking ground to beautiful landscaping, the pictures are all about him and his dreams. Is she still there, or is she already acting as Lucca's assistant for the day?" Authors note: Hello everyone. "Why not just use photos, like Matt's office?" "This week would be good. She wanted to navigate her relationship with Arturo on her own without their interference. He let out a large sigh and, placing his elbow on the desk, lowered his forehead to his hand, counting back from ten before attempting to reschedule Cat's week for her. "I'll check with my boss, but I am sure he won't mind," she said cheerily, hearing Matteo growl at the word boss. More often, however, a widow would move in with one of her brothers-in-law and his wife rather than two brothers living together. Cat stood looking awkward as he worked and, at a loss of what to do, she finally took a chair in front of his desk and picked up her tablet to check her own emails and the schedule set up by Arturo to see if she was missing anything important that he would have to cancel. That was where his concern over Arturo's behaviour had stemmed from originally. "Thank you," he said, not overly surprised that she had asked Matteo about what sort of coffee he liked. "That meadow is where I fell in love with Cat for the first time," Ricco said honestly. That control belonged to him, and even Ricco knew not to mess too much with that fact. "Vanessa," he said, looking up at the two paintings he barely even acknowledged as being there. The two women seemed to be forming a friendship which he wasn't sure about, but he was allowing, as he knew his wife wasn't used to dealing with staff and giving orders to other people. She would be in prime position to find out about the women he would be expected to take an interest in as she began talking to the other mothers. He usually just took each day as it came, remaining flexible and making sure everything ran smoothly. "Please, continue with your call." "That meadow is where I fell in love with Cat for the first time," Ricco said honestly. "I am sure it won't be a problem to keep that setup." "Catch up on the backlog," Lucca said, sitting behind his desk and turning on his computer. He
would want her to remain tranny cam as housekeeper and head of household staff. This office is all about the man behind the desk. He had thought Matteo would pull rank and keep her away from the company and their work. He reiterated the clauses in their contracts that would allow them to seek alternative positions within the family or break their contracts, then sat back and gave each the time to speak to either accept the offer to continue rather than return to the households they had left to come to work in his home. ***** "It's a real place?" Lucca asked. "Sure," he agreed, and she stood, indicating that he should follow her. "Come in, Ladies," Matteo said to the staff, seeing Lisa tap on his door. Lucca wasn't just anyone though, and it was obvious he cared about her. He hadn't expected to have Cat with him today, even after his bravado at requesting she come to pay the bet today. He glanced at her briefly and considered his day ahead. "It has been a joy to see you so happy with Master Ricco and Catriona." "Cat was explaining why my office sucks," Lucca shrugged. He could feel her reluctance as they entered the space and tilted his head at her as he took a seat behind Ricco's desk. He let out a large sigh and, placing his elbow on the desk, lowered his forehead to his hand, counting back from ten before attempting to reschedule Cat's week for her. "The only person aside of the family who live here that you will answer to is Logan. Thank you once again to Paul who continues to be my second set of eyes. He took a few minutes to gather his thoughts and went to see if Arturo had arrived for work, despite knowing that Cat would not be here today. She was frowning at the walls of his office. "Sure," he agreed, and she stood, indicating that he should follow her. On hearing what was being spoken about, she agreed readily. The two women seemed to be forming a friendship which he wasn't sure about, but he was allowing, as he knew his wife wasn't used to dealing with staff and giving orders to other people. This office is all about the man behind the desk. He hadn't had a lot to do with the other tables as one of the younger members of the family and living with the stigma of being the son of a second wife. Satisfied, Matteo dismissed them, but asked Lisa to remain. "Why November?" Cat asked. "The only person aside of the family who live here that you will answer to is Logan. "There are a series of them, the rest are in my office upstairs in the apartment, and probably are a better representation of why they are among my most valued possessions. Have you been issued with your own card for household expenses?" He asked. "We are just trying to work out a time to install it and give some training for both myself and Cat," Sebastian said. She really had gone out of her way to get to know them all and be part of this family, as they expected her to, but no one had truly gotten to know her outside of her relationship with his brothers. She was frowning at the walls of his office.
"Good morning, gentlemen. At his nod, and seeing him lean back in his chair steepling his fingers, she continued. He watched them all file in and stand before his desk. I do not think I like that setup and would like you to have better autonomy when it comes to looking after the people I love. "As far as Hugh or Arturo are concerned, you are their equal and do not have to explain yourself or your actions to them. Lisa was a godsend, and he was happy she had made the move from just looking after him to looking after his new family. He noticed the woman, who was obviously her personal security for the day, slip out of the office once he arrived and go to stand nearby where she could view the doorway to the office. Satisfied, Matteo dismissed them, but asked Lisa to remain. "This week would be good. I have meetings this morning, but I will organise for that person to come here if I am unable to take you there," Matteo said, thinking that Cat was right in this instance. Cat had painted them to go into the building where people would never know her or even meet her. She really had gone out of her way to get to know them all and be part of this family, as they expected her to, but no one had truly gotten to know her outside of her relationship with his brothers. "Or did Vanessa install it for you?"
Logan would be here this morning, and keeping Arturo from overstepping his brief would be in his job description, but Matteo wanted to make himself clear after seeing him in action over the last week and speaking with Lisa. In matters of security you will answer to Knox, as usual," Matteo continued after her agreement to meet the person he had in mind. The fact that he hadn't, and she hadn't asked him to, spoke volumes about her character. Not that his older siblings had ever treated him as such, but preferential treatment had always been for the older children of the family by his fathers. "Alright, I'll let her know I think this is a priority. Probably before November," he nodded. "Like Matteo's artwork, these paintings have emotional value to Ricco, memories tied up with the past," she said without going into detail. "Catch up on the backlog," Lucca said, sitting behind his desk and turning on his computer. He was glad his parents weren't as strict as some of the other parents of his friends he had gone to school with. Thank you once again to Paul who continues to be my second set of eyes. This office is all about the man behind the desk. Anything to make her job easier was fine with her, she could give up one more day before beginning her work with Logan on the house on the hill. We were thinking about an information exchange, spending a little time in each other's backyard, so to speak." "Catriona wanted this week left free to work with Logan on the house. It works particularly well after all the refinements we have made over the last few years." "Good morning, gentlemen. He had the feeling Arturo believed too much of the family propaganda about a woman's place and needed a little education about his wife's position in this family and his life. "Is there more?" he asked, feeling that Lisa still wished to speak. Arturo ended the conference call and stood as Cat, Lucca, and Ricco left the room, not noticing that Matteo had stayed after following them to the door and closing it. As if reading his mind, she spoke again. "Show me Ricco's office," he said, coming to his feet and walking with her to the next office. I am, however, contemplating a small change, eventually, with some added photography," he said
thoughtfully. "Why not just use photos, like Matt's office?" "Sit at Matt's desk and lean back in the chair," she instructed as they walked into Matteo's office. He hadn't expected to have Cat with him today, even after his bravado at requesting she come to pay the bet today. He glanced at her briefly and considered his day ahead. Jetta Jones. "So, boss, what's on the agenda for today? Cat asked. "I'll give her a call. Probably before November," he nodded. "If I may speak, Sir?" she asked. A minute or two later they walked into the small office and Cat went to the desk where Matteo was talking to the two technical engineers. "Miss me already?" she answered her phone. "I never said that!" Cat gaped at him, making him laugh. "Yes, with a small limit for speciality purchases. He could feel her reluctance as they entered the space and tilted his head at her as he took a seat behind Ricco's desk. I was led to believe that Logan would manage the household budget and Arturo would manage the day to day expenses that arise," she said, having clearly taken on board everything she had been told when the cards were issued. Well, for the most part, some of the women chose a different life, and that was reasonable, considering the expectations on them from an early age. If not tomorrow, then Wednesday?" Sebastian added. "Not at all," CJ chuckled. Is she still there, or is she already acting as Lucca's assistant for the day?" "Okay," Ricco said easily, unconcerned with the content of the painting being obviously intimate. "Vanessa," he said, looking up at the two paintings he barely even acknowledged as being there. He was going to take the opportunity this morning to talk to the staff that would work for Cat and look after the most precious person in his world, as well as his home. Just like all of the laws and traditions they adhered to, none of them was so awful that people openly rebelled or resented their parents. I have meetings this morning, but I will organise for that person to come here if I am unable to take you there," Matteo said, thinking that Cat was right in this instance. "Is there a reason for this intrusion?" "It's fine, I can wait until he arrives," Lucca said, tapping on his keyboard as he answered emails that had come in overnight. "There are a series of them, the rest are in my office upstairs in the apartment, and probably are a better representation of why they are among my most valued possessions. ~ellie. She wanted to navigate her relationship with Arturo on her own without their interference. With so many new staff he was glad that Vanessa had insisted on a large and imposing desk for his home office before anyone even knew about the formation of the new table. "I understand, Sir," Lisa nodded. It finally sank into Lucca what Cat had been trying to prove in the Athenaeum. I cannot, in good conscience, call her Cat, as she requested, so it is a compromise we have reached. What's the preferred date?" Matteo asked.
He wasn't resentful; it was just the way it was. Lisa was a godsend, and he was happy she had made the move from just looking after him to looking after his new family. He remembered her from during the week as Jones. Or as alone as she could be with her security nearby. "I have been putting off a million requests for lunches and meetings already for this week." Each spoke deferentially but with enthusiasm about remaining part of the household and looking forward to working between this home and the new home where the Master and Mistress would start a family of their own. He was used to having to work while being mobile and supporting his family when they needed assistance. "They suit the office though, and I guess that's what she was aiming for; harmony in the space. Sipping her coffee, she was content to work in comfortable silence with Lucca until he was ready to speak to her. "Sure, if you take it the same way I do," she said cheerily, despite the early morning. I'm sorry, am I late for our meeting?" he asked, checking his watch. "I wouldn't have thought they suited you and your style," she admitted. He would arrange a meeting with Theresa, housekeeper and right-hand woman. He spoke to each briefly about their satisfaction with working with his family. She was frowning at the walls of his office. "Sebastian and CJ Donati are in on the conference call, if you would like to join us," Arturo offered. "A wildflower meadow? It doesn't really seem like Ricco's style," Lucca said. I'm sorry, am I late for our meeting?" he asked, checking his watch. On hearing what was being spoken about, she agreed readily. She was pretty specific about that," Arturo said. With so many new staff he was glad that Vanessa had insisted on a large and imposing desk for his home office before anyone even knew about the formation of the new table. "Is there a reason for this intrusion?" He needed a girlfriend, and badly, before he let himself fall over the line of a simple passing crush on his brother's wife to obsession. Behind him, shelves of leather-bound books lined the walls, but on the walls in front of the desk he could see the paintings that his brother was possessive about to the point of escorting them to and from the Donati exhibition of Cat's work. Walking into what was Cat's office, he could hear other voices, telling him that Arturo was on a conference call. "Honestly?" Arturo looked up at Matteo. "Sure, if you take it the same way I do," she said cheerily, despite the early morning. Thank you everyone for the positive feedback and comments they mean the world to me and have brightened my days. Is Matt in his office?" "Miss me already?" she answered her phone. "Thank you," he said, not overly surprised that she had asked Matteo about what sort of coffee he liked. Lucca walked into his office just before six and was surprised to see Cat already there and waiting for him with coffee in her hand. Aside from meeting Logan and the design team, she couldn't think of anything else, and she would still have had time to meet them at some stage, she was sure. Each spoke deferentially but with enthusiasm about remaining part of the household and looking
forward to working between this home and the new home where the Master and Mistress would start a family of their own. Is she still there, or is she already acting as Lucca's assistant for the day?" "Good," he nodded, wondering how to approach the delicate question of his wife's naivety without undermining her in this woman's eyes. A minute or two later they walked into the small office and Cat went to the desk where Matteo was talking to the two technical engineers. "I see. I was led to believe that Logan would manage the household budget and Arturo would manage the day to day expenses that arise," she said, having clearly taken on board everything she had been told when the cards were issued. ~ellie. "We'll need to go out to the site in an hour or so. "Like Matteo's artwork, these paintings have emotional value to Ricco, memories tied up with the past," she said without going into detail. "Great. "Arturo won't commit without checking with her first. "They suit the office though, and I guess that's what she was aiming for; harmony in the space. Arturo did not look happy, and she frowned slightly, wondering what had happened, but said nothing in front of so many of the men from the table. I am not as comfortable with this, but she is very insistent," Lisa said honestly. "The only person aside of the family who live here that you will answer to is Logan. There is someone I would like you to meet before we speak again. "I'd like to see the ones upstairs now," he grinned. "Not at all, I was done early and came to see if you were free," Matteo said, taking a seat. Perhaps he could let her play matchmaker and check out the eligible women from the other tables and point him in the right direction. He would want her to remain as housekeeper and head of household staff. Explaining the bed and Ricco's office had been harder, but it wasn't an unusual arrangement within the families, and accepted on a certain level outside of the leaders of the table. "It's pretty, and suits the dĂŠcor in here, but it's not what I would have thought a corporate lawyer would have on his walls." "Not at all, I was done early and came to see if you were free," Matteo said, taking a seat. "Is there a reason for this intrusion?" "Problem?" Matteo asked in a flat voice, making Arturo look up in surprise. "No, he and Ricco were enjoying the role reversal this morning," she laughed softly, and tilted her head as he didn't smile but looked at his computer intently as if uncomfortable to be alone with her. "The first building he designed and created on his own terms, from breaking ground to beautiful landscaping, the pictures are all about him and his dreams. It hadn't occurred to him to find out from Matteo how she liked her coffee or where she might like to go for lunch today, yet she had shown up earlier than him with his favourite coffee and a smile. "What does Cat's schedule look like?" Matteo asked Arturo. "Catch up on the backlog," Lucca said, sitting behind his desk and turning on his computer. As if reading his mind, she spoke again. "Matt's birthday," Lucca guessed. "It's pretty, and suits the dĂŠcor in here, but it's not what I would have thought a corporate lawyer would have on his walls." "Sebastian and CJ Donati are in on the conference call, if you would like to join us," Arturo offered.
Lucca walked into his office just before six and was surprised to see Cat already there and waiting for him with coffee in her hand. "I'm sure he wouldn't mind if you went upstairs if you need to talk to him," she said quietly, suddenly unsure of herself. "Cat was explaining why my office sucks," Lucca shrugged. Cat had painted them to go into the building where people would never know her or even meet her. Is Matt in his office?" "Always," he grinned into the phone. "Alright, I'll let her know I think this is a priority. He looked at his schedule for the day and considered what he could move and what he needed to attend to. ***** "The sooner, the better," CJ said. He spoke to each briefly about their satisfaction tranny webcams with working with his family. "Or did Vanessa install it for you?" "Is that for me?" he asked, amused and indicating the coffee in her hand. "I see. He had thought Matteo would pull rank and keep her away from the company and their work. Between his fathers and siblings, it was rare to have a day where he could just concentrate on work. Vitali?" He queried. "Sit at Matt's desk and lean back in the chair," she instructed as they walked into Matteo's office. "She believed most of her visitors will also hold that title, and it may cause confusion," Lisa explained, showing that she did attempt that compromise. "I wouldn't have thought they suited you and your style," she admitted. Despite being at the gathering for the past two weeks, he hadn't stopped working, and there was little to catch up with. Lisa was loyal and trustworthy, and obviously loved his family. That was where his concern over Arturo's behaviour had stemmed from originally. "If I may speak, Sir?" she asked. Thank you everyone for the positive feedback and comments they mean the world to me and have brightened my days. What's the preferred date?" Matteo asked. Authors note: Hello everyone. "Back when we dated, just after the court case." "Matt's birthday," Lucca guessed. Not that his older siblings had ever treated him as such, but preferential treatment had always been for the older children of the family by his fathers. "Okay," Ricco said easily, unconcerned with the content of the painting being obviously intimate. He wasn't about to let anyone have control over Cat's actions. Not that his older siblings had ever treated him as such, but preferential treatment had always been for the older children of the family by his fathers. "Okay," Ricco said easily, unconcerned with the content of the painting being obviously intimate. Probably before November," he nodded. Logan would be here this morning, and keeping Arturo from overstepping his brief would be in his job description, but Matteo wanted to make himself clear after seeing him in action over the last
week and speaking with Lisa. Maybe I could look at the archive for you and find something that may be a bit more for you to personalise your office." "No, he and Ricco were enjoying the role reversal this morning," she laughed softly, and tilted her head as he didn't smile but looked at his computer intently as if uncomfortable to be alone with her. They were purposely giving Cat time to work with Lucca alone... Thank you once again to Paul who continues to be my second set of eyes. Satisfied, Matteo dismissed them, but asked Lisa to remain. "Yes, with a small limit for speciality purchases. No matter what he built since then, it all started there, and the furniture was chosen to go with the art instead of art being hung to match the furnishings. He watched them all file in and stand before his desk. "It has been a joy to see you so happy with Master Ricco and Catriona." Authors note: Hello everyone. Can you come into your office when you get here for a minute?" It was more of a command than a request, and he knew she wouldn't say no. "Cat created these when she worked for Vanessa, and I didn't want anyone else in my meadow," he explained. Well, for the most part, some of the women chose a different life, and that was reasonable, considering the expectations on them from an early age. She was as formidable as Theresa herself. "Why November?" Cat asked. "Thank you, Lisa," Matteo said, dismissing her. He would want her to remain as housekeeper and head of household staff. He could feel her reluctance as they entered the space and tilted his head at her as he took a seat behind Ricco's desk. ~ellie. He was glad his parents weren't as strict as some of the other parents of his friends he had gone to school with. Lisa was a godsend, and he was happy she had made the move from just looking after him to looking after his new family. That does not change now that my position within the family has changed and others are joining our staff. I have explained that it is necessary for the general staff, particularly the young ones for them to remember their place, and she has agreed on the provison that I call her Catriona. "As far as Hugh or Arturo are concerned, you are their equal and do not have to explain yourself or your actions to them. He wasn't about to let anyone have control over Cat's actions. "Sebastian and I have been talking about some of the system protection systems we have in place. It hadn't occurred to him to find out from Matteo how she liked her coffee or where she might like to go for lunch today, yet she had shown up earlier than him with his favourite coffee and a smile. "Sure, if you take it the same way I do," she said cheerily, despite the early morning. Perhaps Matteo's interference and insistence of the importance of this meeting had bothered Arturo for some reason, and she tried to remember what was on her schedule for the following day. They were purposely giving Cat time to work with Lucca alone... "It's pretty, and suits the dĂŠcor in here, but it's not what I would have thought a corporate lawyer would have on his walls." On hearing what was being spoken about, she agreed readily. "Not immediately, just eventually. Anything to make her job easier was fine with her, she could give up one more day before beginning her work with Logan on the house on the hill. Walking into what was Cat's office, he could hear other voices, telling him that Arturo was on a conference call. "May I show you something?" she asked. "Honestly?" Arturo looked up at Matteo.
"Vanessa," he said, looking up at the two paintings he barely even acknowledged as being there. She would be in prime position to find out about the women he would be expected to take an interest in as she began talking to the other mothers. Vitali?" He queried. "Cat created these when she worked for Vanessa, and I didn't want anyone else in my meadow," he explained. Lisa was loyal and trustworthy, and obviously loved his family. He let out a large sigh and, placing his elbow on the desk, lowered his forehead to his hand, counting back from ten before attempting to reschedule Cat's week for her. "I'll give her a call. Vitali?" He queried. "A wildflower meadow? It doesn't really seem like Ricco's style," Lucca said. He noticed the woman, who was obviously her personal security for the day, slip out of the office once he arrived and go to stand nearby where she could view the doorway to the office. Walking into what was Cat's office, he could hear other voices, telling him that Arturo was on a conference call. "She believed most of her visitors will also hold that title, and it may cause confusion," Lisa explained, showing that she did attempt that compromise. "What does Cat's schedule look like?" Matteo asked Arturo. "Come in, Ladies," Matteo said to the staff, seeing Lisa tap on his door. "They suit the office though, and I guess that's what she was aiming for; harmony in the space. "Sebastian and I have been talking about some of the system protection systems we have in place. He looked at his schedule for the day and considered what he could move and what he needed to attend to. "Show me Ricco's office," he said, coming to his feet and walking with her to the next office. The fact that he hadn't, and she hadn't asked him to, spoke volumes about her character. I am, however, contemplating a small change, eventually, with some added photography," he said thoughtfully. You and Knox are the most valued senior staff members here and will be treated with the deference you deserve. Is Matt in his office?" "I will monitor that closely. Perhaps he could let her play matchmaker and check out the eligible women from the other tables and point him in the right direction. Behind him, shelves of leatherbound books lined the walls, but on the walls in front of the desk he could see the paintings that his brother was possessive about to the point of escorting them to and from the Donati exhibition of Cat's work. They had always had a good working relationship, and he was glad that seemed to be extending to Cat as well now. I have explained that it is necessary for the general staff, particularly the young ones for them to remember their place, and she has agreed on the provison that I call her Catriona. I would like you and Arturo to work in concert as equals, along with Knox and Hugh, with Logan overseeing both households to insure they are maintained to the standard we expect," Matteo commanded. "That's the expectation here," Matteo said shortly. "I'm pretty busy, so, to tell you the truth, I don't really care what's on the walls," he shrugged. "I'll check with my boss, but I am sure he won't mind," she said cheerily, hearing Matteo growl at the word boss. He was used to having to work while being mobile and supporting his family when they needed assistance. Does that make sense?" she asked.
"Miss me already?" she answered her phone. "That's fair," he accepted the explanation. We were thinking about an information exchange, spending a little time in each other's backyard, so to speak." "He sees the things that motivate him to make his company better than others, to be more responsible environmentally and to create beauty in a world of concrete and steel," she said, watching him carefully before turning to look once again at the photos that adorned the walls in here. Perhaps Matteo's interference and insistence of the importance of this meeting had bothered Arturo for some reason, and she tried to remember what was on her schedule for the following day. He considered her again. Well, for the most part, some of the women chose a different life, and that was reasonable, considering the expectations on them from an early age. "Good morning. We were thinking about an information exchange, spending a little time in each other's backyard, so to speak." "I wouldn't have thought they suited you and your style," she admitted. I do not think I like that setup and would like you to have better autonomy when it comes to looking after the people I love. Maybe I could look at the archive for you and find something that may be a bit more for you to personalise your office." "I will monitor that closely. I will be careful when there are visitors to use the title Miss, which she is not happy with either, but will accept over Mistress from me." "Good," he nodded, wondering how to approach the delicate question of his wife's naivety without undermining her in this woman's eyes. It hadn't occurred to him to find out from Matteo how she liked her coffee or where she might like to go for lunch today, yet she had shown up earlier than him with his favourite coffee and a smile. "Thank you, Lisa," Matteo said, dismissing her. Sipping her coffee, she was content to work in comfortable silence with Lucca until he was ready to speak to her. "Excuse me, Gentlemen, Matteo has just arrived," Arturo interrupted their conversation and stood up to greet Matteo. No matter what he built since then, it all started there, and the furniture was chosen to go with the art instead of art being hung to match the furnishings. He remembered her from during the week as Jones. You and Knox are the most valued senior staff members here and will be treated with the deference you deserve. She would be in prime position to find out about the women he would be expected to take an interest in as she began talking to the other mothers. "We have spoken about her desire for a permanent family home and my input into the staffing and staff requirements for that home. They were purposely giving Cat time to work with Lucca alone... There is someone I would like you to meet before we speak again. They had always had a good working relationship, and he was glad that seemed to be extending to Cat as well now. They had always had a good working relationship, and he was glad that seemed to be extending to Cat as well now. I cannot, in good conscience, call her Cat, as she requested, so it is a compromise we have reached. "Is there more?" he asked, feeling that Lisa still wished to speak. "So, boss, what's on the agenda for today? Cat asked. Matteo waited patiently as Lisa introduced each woman and her designation within the household. Sipping her coffee, she was content to work in comfortable silence with Lucca until he was ready to speak to her.
"I never said that!" Cat gaped at him, making him laugh. "Always," he grinned into the phone. "Is that for me?" he asked, amused and indicating the coffee in her hand. "If I may speak, Sir?" she asked. 'What was the agenda?' He asked himself. The fact that he hadn't, and she hadn't asked him to, spoke volumes about her character. "Arturo won't commit without checking with her first. He usually just took each day as it came, remaining flexible and making sure everything ran smoothly. Thank you once again to Paul who continues to be my second set of eyes. She wanted to navigate her relationship with Arturo on her own without their interference. He wasn't about to let anyone have control over Cat's actions. "I have been putting off a million requests for lunches and meetings already for this week." "No, he and Ricco were enjoying the role reversal this morning," she laughed softly, and tilted her head as he didn't smile but looked at his computer intently as if uncomfortable to be alone with her. It couldn't hurt. "As a wedding gift, Peri has asked me to set Cat up with a program she created for keeping track of the family and events. Despite being at the gathering for the past two weeks, he hadn't stopped working, and there was little to catch up with. Lucca wasn't just anyone though, and it was obvious he cared about her. "Alright, I'll let her know I think this is a priority. It's a reasonable compromise," Matteo agreed, realising that Lisa had not given in easily to Cat's demands to be more casual in the relationship with her as if they were friends instead of employer and staff. Give me a few minutes," he said and stood, getting up from the desk and moved toward the doorway as he dialled her number. "A wildflower meadow? It doesn't really seem like Ricco's style," Lucca said. "Show me Ricco's office," he said, coming to his feet and walking with her to the next office. Have you been issued with your own card for household expenses?" He asked. "So, boss, what's on the agenda for today? Cat asked. "The sooner, the better," CJ said. "Catriona has expressed her displeasure at being referred to as Mistress. He reiterated the clauses in their contracts that would allow them to seek alternative positions within the family or break their contracts, then sat back and gave each the time to speak to either accept the offer to continue rather than return to the households they had left to come to work in his home. ***** "Did you request this artwork?" she asked as their eyes met. Or as alone as she could be with her security nearby. Give me a few minutes," he said and stood, getting up from the desk and moved toward the doorway as he dialled her number. "As you wish, Sir," Lisa said immediately upon his request. "That's the expectation here," Matteo said shortly. "I understand, Sir," Lisa nodded.
"Is that for me?" he asked, amused and indicating the coffee in her hand.. It's a reasonable compromise," Matteo agreed, realising that Lisa had not given in easily to Cat's demands to be more casual in the relationship with her as if they were friends instead of employer and staff. Aside from meeting Logan and the design team, she couldn't think of anything else, and she would still have had time to meet them at some stage, she was sure. Matteo walked into his home office as Ricco went to get ready for work. She was as formidable as Theresa herself. "Why November?" Cat asked. ***** Arturo ended the conference call and stood as Cat, Lucca, and Ricco left the room, not noticing that Matteo had stayed after following them to the door and closing it. Just like all of the laws and traditions they adhered to, none of them was so awful that people openly rebelled or resented their parents. "Good morning. "I will monitor that closely. That control belonged to him, and even Ricco knew not to mess too much with that fact. "That's fair," he accepted the explanation. A minute or two later they walked into the small office and Cat went to the desk where Matteo was talking to the two technical engineers. "I never said that!" Cat gaped at him, making him laugh. He wasn't resentful; it was just the way it was. It works particularly well after all the refinements we have made over the last few years." ***** "Matt's birthday," Lucca guessed. As if reading his mind, she spoke again. Arturo ended the conference call and stood as Cat, Lucca, and Ricco left the room, not noticing that Matteo had stayed after following them to the door and closing it. "She would not accept Mrs. "I'd like to see the ones upstairs now," he grinned. "Well, you're in luck, we're coming up for a few minutes." "Good morning, gentlemen