Heartbeat

E I G H T

《Wed. Aug. 17, 2016》

It had been my Nonna's expectant gaze that really disclosed my guilt. She asked, "You got Isabella home, right?"

I hesitated before answering, what was the point in lying anyways, "Not really Nonna."

"What do you mean?" panic rose in her eyes then she gasped, "Did something happen to Belle? Did she get a heart attack? Marcello tell me what happened."

I was slightly taken aback by her worry, "No please don't worry, nothing like that happened it's just that... when we into an argument, she up and left." I tried to put it as subtly as I could, but nothing can go past grandma.

"You argued? But why?"

"She asked a question, a personal one, then one thing lead to the other and she got angry."

Grandma took a deep breath to calm herself, and it was then that I began to fear for her, this issue was clearly stressing her out, and most definitely won't be good for her heart condition.

"What did she ask?"

"It's not important Nonna. Let's sit down and watch some T.V. I heard that they're putting reruns of your favourite show"

"Marcello," she said in a warning undertone.

"She asked me why I haven't been visiting you enough." Realizing how stupid I sounded right now I looked away.

"That's it?! That's the question?" she was seeping with frustration, and I feared for her health.

"Nonna please calm down. I know it was stupid, but I didn't like how much she was interfering with us. It-,"

"She had every right to ask that question because she cares about me. Isabella is like my daughter. I took her out of her loneliness and sadness, and she took me out of mine. Especially since you and your father never bothered to visit."

Bella was lonely? But I quickly dismissed that thought and focused back on my grandma.

"I knew your father had certain detachment towards me, but I never thought he'd pass it on to you." She said with the saddest tone I ever heard her speaker in.

"No grandma, no. That's not true I don't feel that way about you. I love you Nonna, more than anything. I promise I'll visit you every week, and I'll get my father to do the same, but please don't ever feel that way."

I came closer and kissed her forehead and then her hand, but she only gave the faintest smile ever and said, "I'll go check up on Belle"

******

Monday morning, I walked into the finance department first thing before going to my office or even drinking my coffee. I dismissed the guarded look most of the employee's gave me and only focused on the glare Bella was giving my way.

"Follow to my office Ms. Samuels."

When I didn't hear her footsteps behind me, I said in an authoritative tone, "Ms. Samuels." So, disgrunted she followed me.

Once we were both settled into our chairs I spoke, "I have to give it to you Bella," she quirked an eyebrow at the nickname. "You are exceptionally good at pulling the strings of my nerves,"

"What can I say, I have impeccable powers at evoking douche bags, no offence."

I ignored her sarcasm and focused solely on her daring green orbs. "I'm sorry. About yesterday I'm sorry. I didn't like the fact that you were right- in everything you said. Which kind of set me off."

Her glare deepend and she seemed on the verge of shouting my head off.

"You can't burst out on people because you didn't like their question. That's just plain intolerant and stupid," she said, with the movement of her hands to emphasise her frustration.

"You seem to enjoy insulting me, and calling me stupid. However, I won't take it into account because I was equally at fault. So I'm sorry again."

"Mr. Valdez if Sally made you do this then please don't."

Why can't she seem to believe that I want to apologise to her?

I stepped closer to her, so that only a few centimeters were left between us.

"She didn't force me to do anything. I'm doing this because I regret everything that happened yesterday."

I was when my eyes absorbed her face that I noticed how perfectly proportional our heights are. For if we were to get any closer, her head would be resting against my heart whilst my head would be on hers.

"I'm sorry Bella." She looked at me with those beautiful emeralds of hers."

"It's alright Sir. But you know Sally advised me yesterday to quit. She said your attitude isn't worth the job."

The prospect of not her quitting stirred something quite unusual, but solicited inside me.

"So you're quitting?"

She looked down, "No, I can't. I need the job, but once I find a better one I'll be out of your way."

I clenched my jaw, "Okay, and I'll be patiently waiting for your resignation letter."

"Okay," She said calmly.

"Okay," I said in the most unwavered manner I could muster.