Restoration: A Novel (Contemporary / Women's Fiction) Read Online Free PDF Page A

can hardly remember my
conversations from last week.  But now that you mention it, I remember you
mentioning something about wanting to go to Italy, yes.”
    “I want to go to Florence.”
     “Hmm.”  He studied Tess.  “I think that maybe next time
Francesca goes over there to consult on a project, we can take a look at having
you join her.  It would be good experience for you.”
    “I was thinking something a little more permanent than
that.  I’d like Mazzaro Brothers to consider relocating me there.”
    “You are not yet here one year and already you are
restless?”
    “It doesn’t have to be for a few months.”  She didn’t tell
him it might not have to be at all.  She’d sound too indecisive.  And she was
indecisive.  Everything depended on the Supreme Court.  She needed a
contingency plan if Wright didn’t show up for his date with the executioner.
    “You do good work here.  Why Florence?  It’s old.  Things
are falling apart.  Too many tourists.  Nice place to visit but,” he waved his
hand, dismissing the rest of the cliché.
    “I visited Florence when I was in college, so it’s not
like I don’t know what to expect.”
    “But it’s different living there.”  He leaned across his
desk, smiling, relying on his charm to help build his case.  “Besides, you do
not even speak Italian.”
    “I heard a lot of English while in Italy.  I had no
trouble getting around while I was there.”
    “Typical American,” he said with a smirk.  “You expect
everyone else to know English, and yes, many do, but it is not appropriate to
work there and expect people to cater to your language needs.”
    “I’ll learn the language, and I’ll learn a lot quicker
living there than from a book over here.”
    “Miss Olsen, you are very talented in what you do but not
experienced in all areas Mazzaro Brothers requires of a conservator in
Florence.”
    “Then help me get the experience I need.”
    “Help you?”  He rose from his chair shaking his head,
muttering in Italian.  Finally, he looked at her and said, “You sit next to one
of the best conservators in the world.  There is no one at Mazzaro’s better
than she is.  Other conservators would give their right arm for the chance to
sit at Francesca Caponi’s knee and learn, and yet you sit there, practically in
her lap, taking no advantage of the opportunity I have already given you. 
    “My assistant, Sharon,” he jabbed his finger toward the
lobby where her desk was, “she knows what she does not know and makes it her business
to learn.  Someday, she will become a fine conservator.  She has a thirst for
knowledge that comes from within.  This I cannot help you with, Miss Olsen.”
    Tess hauled herself up and breathed deeply, hoping to
steady her quaking insides.  “Thank you for your time, Mr. Mazzaro.”
    “Miss Olsen?” 
    She turned around.  “Yes, sir?”
    “You mind if I share an observation?  You are good…above
average at what you do.  And I know you are committed to your projects, but
this is work to you.  Not passion.  This Gianni sees.  You come from Chicago
with good credentials.  Now you are here and will leave with better credentials
after Florence.  Where will you go from there?  Passion is derived from the
work, not the place.  You understand?”
    She didn’t return his paternal smile.  She simply nodded. 
“Thank you, Mr. Mazzaro.”
    As Tess walked out of his office, Francesca breezed into
the lobby and extended her hands to the woman sitting in one of the guest
chairs.  The willowy blonde rose and grasped Francesca’s hands.  They exchanged
kisses on their cheeks in greeting.  Francesca lifted her overcoat’s collar and
held open the door for her guest.  She pulled loose the ribbon that always held
back her hair while she was working and allowed it to spill over her shoulders. 
    “Arrivederci, Sharon.”
    “Have a good lunch, Francesca.  Nice seeing you again,
Ingrid.  Bon