Read Online Ruthless Perfection (The Rosa Legacy #1) by Susie Warren - Free Book Online
Authors: Susie Warren
Ads: Link
years. But while the marble industry was her grandfather’s passion, her father didn’t agree with his steadfast commitment. It had nearly bankrupted Alberto and he had worked exceedingly hard for years for almost no return.
“It’s lovely that your old friends have come to support the film.” Isabel held his hand.
“I wish your grandmother were alive to savor this moment.” He squeezed her hand. “It means the world to me that you are documenting the Carrara experience.”
Isabel thought of all the stories that her grandfather and his friends shared about the quarries. Looking around, she saw many familiar faces.
“You should visit with your old friends. You see me all of the time,” Isabel told him.
Alda Santoro approached her and she warmly greeted the older woman. Twice in the past week Marc had introduced Isabel to his aunt and it seemed as if they were already old friends. They spoke for several minutes before Alda graciously excused herself.
Isabel placed her empty champagne glass on a tray and went to help set up the presentation. A technician was standing ready with a clip-on microphone for her and helped her upload the file and then gave her the remote to begin the presentation.
She rehearsed her speech in her head and waited for Marc. She caught sight of him across the room and was surprised to see he had removed his suit jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and had unbuttoned the first few buttons of his shirt. Was it to make her comfortable? He looked more relaxed, but his intensity was still razor sharp. She smiled briefly when she caught his gaze and then purposely looked away.
Within seconds, he joined her, and the technician put a microphone on him as well.
“All set?” he whispered to her, and she could smell his spicy cologne, a masculine scent of leather and vetiver.
Marc immediately caught the attention of the assembled guests. After a few lighthearted jokes, he turned more serious. He spoke about the challenges of the industry and how so much has changed. He then talked about Alberto encouraging his granddaughter to document the old way of life in Carrara.
Isabel noticed her grandfather becoming emotional and her heart warmed. Watching the guests, she saw they hung on Marc’s every word and nodded their agreement. He spoke about her background as a talented filmmaker.
“It is with great pleasure that I introduce, Alberto Neri’s granddaughter, Isabel Neri.”
Isabel began her rehearsed words but felt on edge with Marc standing so close to her. The audience was polite as they listened to her describe the project, and as she acknowledged Marc’s support, a cheer went through the crowd.
She pointed the remote at the screen and with a shaking hand pressed play. Nothing happened. She tried again.
Marc joked about technology and somehow started the short film to provide a short glimpse of what the actual film would be.
Images of Carrara flashed on the screen to a voiceover she had recorded from several interviews. She had compiled as many pictures as she could and the audience closely followed the short film.
When it was over, everyone applauded, and then Marc reminded them all to enjoy the open bar and buffet. She knew that the evening was a huge success based on the enthusiasm and energy evident in the assembled guests.
Isabel removed her cordless microphone and placed it on the table before escaping to the outside veranda. The emotion of the evening pierced her composure. She didn’t want to disappoint her parents, yet she felt the need to honor her grandfather. Her connection to Marc was beginning to feel too intimate. It would have been simpler if she’d chosen a different path for her first major project.
Several guests approached her to ask questions about the project. She was kept busy for quite a while listening to stories from Carrara. She noticed Marc mingled, greeting most guests and stopping by for a chat with many of the old-timers.
Just as she was trying to find a
“It’s lovely that your old friends have come to support the film.” Isabel held his hand.
“I wish your grandmother were alive to savor this moment.” He squeezed her hand. “It means the world to me that you are documenting the Carrara experience.”
Isabel thought of all the stories that her grandfather and his friends shared about the quarries. Looking around, she saw many familiar faces.
“You should visit with your old friends. You see me all of the time,” Isabel told him.
Alda Santoro approached her and she warmly greeted the older woman. Twice in the past week Marc had introduced Isabel to his aunt and it seemed as if they were already old friends. They spoke for several minutes before Alda graciously excused herself.
Isabel placed her empty champagne glass on a tray and went to help set up the presentation. A technician was standing ready with a clip-on microphone for her and helped her upload the file and then gave her the remote to begin the presentation.
She rehearsed her speech in her head and waited for Marc. She caught sight of him across the room and was surprised to see he had removed his suit jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and had unbuttoned the first few buttons of his shirt. Was it to make her comfortable? He looked more relaxed, but his intensity was still razor sharp. She smiled briefly when she caught his gaze and then purposely looked away.
Within seconds, he joined her, and the technician put a microphone on him as well.
“All set?” he whispered to her, and she could smell his spicy cologne, a masculine scent of leather and vetiver.
Marc immediately caught the attention of the assembled guests. After a few lighthearted jokes, he turned more serious. He spoke about the challenges of the industry and how so much has changed. He then talked about Alberto encouraging his granddaughter to document the old way of life in Carrara.
Isabel noticed her grandfather becoming emotional and her heart warmed. Watching the guests, she saw they hung on Marc’s every word and nodded their agreement. He spoke about her background as a talented filmmaker.
“It is with great pleasure that I introduce, Alberto Neri’s granddaughter, Isabel Neri.”
Isabel began her rehearsed words but felt on edge with Marc standing so close to her. The audience was polite as they listened to her describe the project, and as she acknowledged Marc’s support, a cheer went through the crowd.
She pointed the remote at the screen and with a shaking hand pressed play. Nothing happened. She tried again.
Marc joked about technology and somehow started the short film to provide a short glimpse of what the actual film would be.
Images of Carrara flashed on the screen to a voiceover she had recorded from several interviews. She had compiled as many pictures as she could and the audience closely followed the short film.
When it was over, everyone applauded, and then Marc reminded them all to enjoy the open bar and buffet. She knew that the evening was a huge success based on the enthusiasm and energy evident in the assembled guests.
Isabel removed her cordless microphone and placed it on the table before escaping to the outside veranda. The emotion of the evening pierced her composure. She didn’t want to disappoint her parents, yet she felt the need to honor her grandfather. Her connection to Marc was beginning to feel too intimate. It would have been simpler if she’d chosen a different path for her first major project.
Several guests approached her to ask questions about the project. She was kept busy for quite a while listening to stories from Carrara. She noticed Marc mingled, greeting most guests and stopping by for a chat with many of the old-timers.
Just as she was trying to find a
Similar Books
