Chapter 1346 - Emma Meets Bruno (1)

~ Los Angeles, Downtown ~

June 15

8:26 AM

Tiffany, Emma, JoAnna and Bridgette are seated at the round table in a coffee shop for a girly chat with beverages and snacks.

They usually meet at the Cliffside villa, but now that Sarah and Aiden are not at home, the girls decided to switch it up a bit.

Penny was supposed to meet with them as well, but she canceled at the last moment, using her seven month pregnancy belly as an excuse that she will stay longer in bed.

The coffee shop is crowded with the people who stopped by to get their breakfast and a dose of caffeine before heading to work.

After this, the girls are planning to go to a nearby mall and buy presents for Mike. His birthday is in few days.

"Can you buy something in my name for Mike?", JoAnna asked Emma. "It's difficult for me to move around the mall and check out the shops."

Emma eyed JoAnna. "I have a feeling you planned to bail out from the start."

"No, no…", JoAnna denied with the most innocent expression she could muster. "I thought I can do it, but the kiddos are more active than I usually, and they are exhausting their mama…", JoAnna ended while rubbing her belly.

Emma sighed. How can she not agree? They are going shopping anyway. Buying one extra thing will not make a big difference. "Sure. What is your budget?"

JoAnna waved her hand. "Whatever. Just pick something and send me the bill."

Bridgette made a face. "That is how rich people talk."

JoAnna narrowed her eyes at Bridgette and Bridgette mimicked JoAnna's expression, making it look like they are about to start bickering.

"Pft! You are jealous!", JoAnna grinned.

Bridgette bobbed her head. "Since you are not denying, I demand a raise."

JoAnna made a face. "You need to earn it."

"Look at me. Early morning and I am available…", Bridgette said cheekily.

"Oh, it's such a hard job to sit and drink coffee.", Tiffany teased Bridgette.

"I would rather stay in the bed with Steve.", Bridgette admitted with a pout.

"You would stay in the bed by yourself because Steve is with Jeff.", JoAnna reminded Bridgette.

All four of them laughed. They were in a good mood.

JoAnna and Bridgette bicker often. It's a sign that the two of them are good friends.

"While on the topic of staying in the bed, Jeff's office has a nice one where I can rest before we start working. My first meeting is at ten o'clock so if I hurry I can have a one hour long nap. Money does not come for free…", JoAnna said while standing up with Bridgette's help.

As much as they are joking, JoAnna is getting tired easily and is unstable. She is five months pregnant, but because she is carrying twins, she is much larger.

If JoAnna loses balance and gets hurt, Bridgette will not forgive herself. And also, she might need to leave the country and change her identity in order to avoid Jeff's wrath.

JoAnna and Bridgette said their goodbyes to Tiffany and Emma and headed to White corp. HQ with four bodyguards who waited for them while sipping their own coffees at the nearby table.

Tiffany finished her food and coffee and trashed leftovers before returning to the table to help Emma with cleanup.

"Let me check my emails before we go, just in case…", Emma mumbled while unlocking her phone.

Emma frowned. "The equipment guy who was supposed to come at one in the afternoon is already at the rehabilitation center. He is currently getting a tour, but I should go there."

"OK. We will do shopping some other time.", Tiffany said.

"No need. I know that it's difficult to find an opening, and other than this meeting, there is not much going on. You go to the mall and buy gifts."

Tiffany tilted her head and scrutinized Emma. "You are doing this so that you avoid shopping for presents. Aren't you?"

Emma denied it. "What? No. I just think that this is more efficient. I will go to work and possibly secure us a deal which will allow our patients to get walking aids at a great discount, and you relax and enjoy the experience of unrushed gift shopping for your handsome boyfriend. How I see it, it's a win-win situation. So, you go to the mall and buy two extra presents for Mike. As my assistant. Assist me."

Tiffany stifled a laugh and shook her head. "Fine. Are you done with your coffee?"

"I have another sip left. Feel free to go. I will trash these few things and then will be out. Take your time with shopping. When you are done, meet me at the center.", Emma said and held Tiffany's hand to stop her. "There are two bodyguards outside. Take one to accompany you, just in case. And he can help you carry things."

Emma watched Tiffany as she walked out, and she was happy that Tiffany left with one bodyguard in tow.

Emma saw that the second bodyguard is glancing through the large window, checking on her and she waved him that she is coming. She picked up her coffee cup and few napkins while silently rehearsing her little speech which she prepared for the man she is going to meet.

This meeting is important. It's Emma's first time pitching to the equipment supplier with a hope to get a discount for her patients, and if this is successful, the appeal of her rehabilitation center will increase.

Emma practiced a lot with Charlie, and he told her that she got it figured out, and that she will do great, but Emma is nervous. She thought that she has few more hours to prepare for this meeting, yet here he is… already at the rehabilitation center.

Emma turned toward the corner where the trash cans are and was startled that she bumped into someone.

"Oh, I am sorry…", Emma said on a reflex and her eyes widened in horror when she realized that the man has a coffee stain on his shirt. She swiftly dabbed the liquid off from the shirt with napkins in her hands.

Emma sighed in defeat few seconds later, when she realized that no dabbing will save that white shirt from being less messed up by a coffee spill.

She looked up at man. "I am truly sorry. Can I get that shirt cleaned for you? Or can I get you a new one?"

He smiled. "Uhm… don't worry about it. It is my fortune to get a concern of a beautiful young lady."

Emma was feeling even more guilty seeing that the man is not blaming her at all. She was spacing out while thinking about her speech and she didn't even think that someone might be behind her.

"How can I not worry? Because of my negligence, your shirt is ruined. Is that silk?" 

She realized that the man has a thick accent. "You are not from around here, are you?"

He shook his head. "No. I am a tourist."

"This is even worse. You came for a vacation and I spoiled your shirt. Please, let me get you a new one. There is a store right around the corner…" Emma exhaled in relief when she saw that the man nodded in agreement. "I am Emma."

The man shook Emma's hand. "Nice to meet you Emma, I am Bruno."

"From where you are, Bruno?"

"Italy.", he responded with a charming smile.

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