Page 28 of I Think Olive You

Fuck. How the hell am I going to get rid of him? One word from him and Giuliana will know I lied.

Can’t believe you missed it. You should have known he was the volunteer. It’s not like this place is crawling with Americans.

Perhaps I can get ahead of it if I explain…

Yeah sure. Just tell her ‘Sorry, Giuliana.’ Explain how you’ve been lying for weeks. She’s been housing an imposter who’s here to steal her livelihood from her. That’s going to go over so well, asshole.

Giuliana is at her desk, bent over her work with eyebrows furrowed in concentration. It takes me clearing my throat for her to look up. Blush stains her cheeks and she gives me a sheepish smile.

“What time is it?”

“Not sure.” I swallow heavily. “But there’s someone here to see you. His name is Cameron and he’s under the impression he’s working here this summer. Apparently, he’s been in contact with someone named Umberto, or was sent here by Umberto. It’s not very clear.”

I’m almost sad when her little smile hardens. The stone of nerves in my stomach does the same. Heaviness and dread hang low and my anxiety rises higher than it has since my birthday party.

Cameron walks closer down the hallway and the fact he’s followed me in without invitation incenses me. Footsteps echo in the suspended breath between me and Giuliana, until I can feel Cameron’s presence behind me.

I should say more. Before it’s too late.

“Thank you, Matteo. I’ll be out soon, if you’d step aside for our guest.” ‘Guest’ sounds anything but welcome falling from her lips and I see Cameron’s swagger falter for a moment as he steps past me into the room.

“If you’d be so kind as to shut the door behind you on the way out,” Giuliana bids me and I obey.

I should wait out front, and afford them privacy. But as usual I’m shameless. Pressing my ear against the door I pray for a miracle.

“I have an agreement with the owner—with Umberto. He organized for me to spend the summer and learn about the olive grove. I need practical experience for the last semester of my agricultural degree.”

Ah, college student. I was right.

“Well, Cameron… I’m the owner, not Umberto. And he no longer works here. So, whatever agreement you might have had before is null and void. When was the last time you spoke to him?”

“This morning. He knew I would be a week or so late but he assured me it wouldn’t be an issue if I was. I got the impression it was preferred. Umberto mentioned the program wasn’t ready yet and to give him time to get it together. I assumed I’d be reporting to him…”

Well shit. Seems I wasn’t the only one trying to sabotage Giuliana and her venture. Umberto had his own ulterior motives and plans. Is Cameron a plant? My brain jumps to a stupid quote about having a nickel for every time this has happened…

Giuliana would have two nickels, which isn’t a lot but it’s weird that it’s happened twice.

“I can’t believe he would stoop so low.” She mutters, her voice getting closer and closer until it sounds like she’s right beside the door. “Your services aren’t needed. And you can tell Umberto the next time he tries to fuck with my business he better have the balls to do it himself! I am done talking.”

Anger colors her tone and I’m glad to be on this side of the door, away from what I’m sure is her stunning wrath. I take a few steps back, in case.

The door swings open, thudding against the wall. Gesturing for him to leave, Giuliana stares him down until he gets moving. Cameron sputters, his freckles disappearing behind the redness creeping up his face, and some part of me takes malicious joy in seeing it.

“You can’t—this is bullshit.” He stalks toward Giuliana and looms over her.

Oh no, he better not even think about it. I open my mouth and Thomas Palmer comes out. “This is business. She said she’s done talking. Now get off her property before I call the cops.”

My hand is in my pocket, pulling out my phone as if to emphasize how serious I am about this. Inside, I’m shaking.

“What the fuck am I supposed to do now?” Cameron spits at her but Giuliana doesn’t look up… doesn’t even move a muscle. Her glare is filled with ice and I can’t believe his audacity—I’d have withered by now.

“You’re a college boy, you’re smart. Figure it out. Away from here. If any of the workers see you here again, we’ll have you arrested for trespassing.” I try to inject as much authority into my voice as I can, channeling my father, my brows drawn down into severe slashes to bring it all home.

Shoving past me, Cameron shoulder checks me and I stumble back a step. Cursing echoes down the hall as he storms out and I hope Chiara isn’t nearby to hear it.

“I—I’ll be outside in a moment.” Giuliana’s voice breaks through the focus I’m putting toward burning holes into Cameron’s back with my eyes.

“Are you okay?”

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