Since my beginnings as Master XXIX

(The body of the messenger is owed to the profile picture of a very kind reader). Sunday afternoon passed placidly. We worked to finalize details and prepare well for the meeting the next day. Around eight, I called Laura.

- Hello, my love!

- Hello, dear, are you nervous?

- Honestly, I'm not.

- You're confident… - She laughed.

- I'm quite sure of myself. How about you?

- Exhausted, this is harder than I thought, but I'm learning a lot every day, and it makes me happy. But I miss you so much.

- Do you miss my flowery conversation or something else?

She laughed even harder.

- Mostly, your sense of humor.

- Ah, well, I can explain jokes to you over the phone… But if you want something more… I was thinking of visiting you again in a few weeks.

Álvaro smiled at me with infinite sweetness.

- Really? You have no idea how much I need that! I'm dying to see you, and…

- And there will be all you want, I'm also dying to see you. The plan is to meet in New York and spend a couple of days together. And, if you can escape, I'd love it if you could come, even if it's just for a weekend, to be at Manu's birthday. He's asked to celebrate it with the family at the country house and for you to be there via video call, but he'd be thrilled if you came in person.

- It's true! And he's turning eighteen! I think I can take a few days off, but I'll make sure tomorrow. It sounds like a wonderful plan. Does your boss know you're taking some time off?

The question surprised me. I looked at Álvaro, who was preparing a Negroni with a beatific smile on his lips.

- Yes, of course, it's no problem.

He noticed the surprise in my voice.

- Of course, how could you make plans without having everything tied up, what a fool!

- Aha. Well, let's finalize the dates and talk about it. A kiss, my love.

- Another one. Very strong.

We hung up. I had sat down on the couch, and Álvaro offered me the cocktail. I pulled him towards me and sat him down beside me, with his head resting on my chest and my free hand caressing his head. I took a long sip and brought the glass to his lips. He drank.

- Is everything okay?

He looked at me with the most loving smile in the world.

- Everything is perfect.

The next morning, at ten to ten, all the department heads were already in the meeting room when Álvaro and I arrived. Before starting, I approached the head of the commercial department.

- Antonio, how's Mr. Borja Gómez doing?

- I'm glad you asked, Mr. Comas. He's impressive! It's hard to believe, in someone so young, and being who he is. He works hard, is a good colleague. Look, when you sent him to me, I thought you were dumping a burden on me... or a spy, and it's been the opposite. He's won over all his colleagues, especially Rosa, the oldest of al...