Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(133)

Adorned with a Manhattanite presence and charm, Mrs. Covelli glides towards me, reaching her hand out. “Emma,” her voice flows like silk. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. My boys can’t stop talking about you.”

Taking her hand, I blush at her greeting. I’m temporarily speechless by her presence.

“What a strong handshake. Far better than those weak ones most of the women I know give,” she defines.


“Thank you,” I utter.

What an interesting comment to make; one that I was not expecting.

Before I can mutter an appropriate greeting, Mrs. Covelli releases my hand, steps in and gives me a hug. “Mrs. Covelli,” I nervously reply while trying to regain my composure after her warm embrace. “It’s nice to meet you as well.”

“Have we meet before?” she questions, taking another step back, looking me up and down. “I swear we’ve met before.”

“No, Mrs. Covelli,” I answer politely.

“Please, Emma, call me Elaine,” she insists with kind eyes and a flawless smile.

“Sure,” I accept, even though I don’t feel comfortable calling her by her first name.

“Maybe you just remind me of an old friend,” Mrs. Covelli says, rationalizing her feeling of familiarity.

“Perhaps,” I agree.

“I finally get to put a face to the name,” an unfamiliar deep voice declares from my back left.

“Emma, this is my father, John Covelli,” Joe introduces.

Mr. Covelli is a strikingly handsome, older gentleman. I immediately see the family resemblance between Jimmy and Joe and their father. Joe is almost a younger version of his father, but has his mother’s radiant blue eyes. Mr. Covelli has a chiseled jawline slightly more pronounced than Joe and his demeanor exudes a regal confidence paired with humble sweetness and a depth of wisdom.

“Father, I would like you to meet Emma. Emma Peterson,” Joe adds.

Mr. Covelli holds out his hand. Taking mine, Mr. Covelli raises it to his lips and he bows a little before kissing it. “Emma, it’s so wonderful to finally meet you . . . meet the woman who my sons have been raving about and who has been aiding our business.”

“I haven’t done anything Mr. Covelli,” I humbly reply.

“Nonsense. You’ve had a lot of great suggestions that we are incorporating into our business and it looks like we’re changing standards thanks to your input,” he explains. “And please, call me John.”

“Honestly, I haven’t done anything. Joe’s the person taking action. We’ve just talked,” I object.

“Don’t be modest, Emma,” Jimmy contends. “It’s not every day a woman with your brains and beauty, like Mom’s, is found in the business realm.”

“You’ve done more than you realize,” Joe includes with a smile.

I immediately blush hearing their words. I’ve never been praised for what I’ve been able to do with regards to business. Okay, maybe a little from Jared, Maggie and Nathan, but it’s different when it’s not my friends.

“She is definitely stunning,” Mr. Covelli chimes. “I see what lured you, Joseph.”

“Indeed,” Mrs. Covelli graciously agrees.

My cheeks burn hotter as the temperature in the room kicks up a few degrees. I hope I’m not sweating.

“She does look familiar Elaine. I can’t place it either. We’ll remember who she reminds us of,” Mr. Covelli agrees.

“Do you have family in New York?” Mrs. Covelli seeks.

“No ma’am,” I offer, keeping it simple.

“Oh well, it’ll come to me sooner or later,” Mrs. Covelli insists.

“If you’re free this week, Emma, I’d love to get together with you to discuss business,” Mr. Covelli adds.

“Me? Why?”

“I’d love to hear more about what you do and the potential company our family may have as our first technology investment,” he explains.

“Sure. If you’d like to,” I reply, accepting his invitation.

“Of course,” he confirms. “Let Joseph know when you’re free and the four of us will chat. Our schedule is flexible while we’re here.”

“Okay,” I consent.

What is this fascination with me that Joe’s parents have? I’m no one special. I have had success; I’ve made millions each year for the last four years between my two companies, but that’s pocket change when it comes to a family who makes billions and most likely trillions by now.

“Yes! You must come over, and not only to talk business,” Mrs. Covelli insists. “It’ll be nice to have another woman around. No offense gentlemen.”

The men lightheartedly laugh at Mrs. Covelli’s jab. Joe and I make introductions between his parents and Sadie after Sadie whimpered several times to be noticed. Our conversations remain light and friendly until Anna leads us towards the door to leave.

A few minutes later, the six of us are down at the valet, ready for our journey to San Marino. To my surprise, there is a stretch limo waiting. Mrs. Covelli and I are ushered in first followed by the men. I sit facing Mrs. Covelli, Mr. Covelli is next to her followed by Jimmy. Joe is inadvertently next to me preceded by Allen.


As the vehicle takes off, I do my best to suppress any outward signs of agitation for being in a car. I don’t want to draw any unnecessary attention to myself with Mr. and Mrs. Covelli. Jimmy and Allen direct most of the conversation while I sit quietly, twitching the fingers of my right hand under my purse. I’m conflicted with odd emotions when Joe doesn’t take my hand — I’ve become so accustomed to it.