Chapter 255

‘If you cut any deeper, you’ll lose a finger.’ ‘What?’ I looked up. Fabrizio gently took the precision blade from my gloved hand. ‘You’re distracted. Not a great headspace for working with sharp objects.’ ‘Sorry.’ I stripped off the gloves and stood. ‘Think I need some air.’ ‘Come to Café Loufoque with me. I’m dying for a noisette, and you could use a caffeine hit too.’ ‘Sure.’ We stepped out of the workshop. Even with my mind elsewhere, something felt off. ‘Where is everyone?’ The open-plan office was quieter than usual, half the desks empty. ‘On leave,’ Fabrizio said. ‘April is always slow. Most people use up their annual holiday now.’ ‘Oh.’ I followed him into the lift. ‘I’ve never seen you take a day off.’ ‘I’m the boss. Can’t afford those luxuries.’ He smiled. ‘But if you decide to stay, you can have mine. I’ve got months’ worth piled up.’ ‘Still trying to poach me, huh?’ I smiled back. ‘Thanks, but I’ve got Mira Joie.’ ‘We could join forces.’ ‘Funny you say that. I’ve made up my