Chapter 5 [ Buongiorno... ]

A bronze-skinned lady with long hair, neatly packed and putting on a proper work outfit passed by us but not before halting to acknowledge us with her greeting.

"Buongiorno señors!!" She bowed her head slightly in greeting.

Humberto was the first to speak, "Ah! Eleonora! How are you this morning?"

"I am quite well, Señor Humberto!"

"That is fine! I can see that you are. You look... sharp."

"Thank you Señor."

"I hope the others are at the meeting already?"

"Yes... Mrs. Acero, Mr. Armando, Miss Cecilia, Miss Pamela and a host of others are in attendance although not all of us could attend."

"Why?" I snarled at her.

Humberto stared at me for a bit, but I ignored him completely.

PS. All the staff names she mentioned, I don't think I am fully aware of their positions here at Magnífico. By and by, I would manage.

Eleonora was prepared to answer my question, "Señor Gustavo! Your wife instructed the rest of us to hold the duties at the hotel together, being that we still have numerous guests here to attend to."

Oh! Right. Why didn't I think of that?

I made an attempt to avoid the real Gustavo's gaze even though I could see him shaking his head from the corner of my eye.

But why is he so quiet today? Especially since Humberto came around. Well, maybe he is not a particularly talkative ghost. So, I better keep my overthinking to myself.

But part of the deal was helping me find my feet, so why the hell would he leave me to make a fool of myself like that?

"You are right Eleonora! I mean my wife is right. I think I have a mild headache this morning."

"Oh! Señor! What medication should I have them get you?" Her brown eyes emitted a blistering display of concern as she spoke.

Even Humberto observed me, seemingly worried.

Pff! Pretty skilled actor! Hollywood needs more Thespians like you Berto!

"It is nothing! Thank you, Nora! I'd be fine!" My assertions should normally make anyone back off but not this sly Humberto.

"Gus, are you sure about that?" Humberto asked while examining me from top to bottom.

Now, when did he suddenly become a medical practitioner?

"I am fine," I think I may have sounded a bit irritated, "Thanks —Thank you brother!"

To my surprise, he doesn't seem offended.

"Anytime man," He then turned to Eleonora, "Nora! You are excused."

She took a bow and excused herself.

**

Standing directly in front of an enormous door to an elaborate hall, I opened it to usher in Humberto and me. There was over a hundred staff in attendance, and it wasn't all the staff.

"This hotel must be a mighty palace! It is totally deserving of its name, Magnífico." I wrapped up in my mind.

"We all have to work as a team and put in our best. My Intel informed me that they are not just coming as mere guests, they have an agenda to run a vet and take their verdict back to our Japanese investors. Your salaries depend on this hotel—your source of livelihood. Don't let your families down."

As Belinda spoke with much fluency and authority in her voice, I felt triggered to applaud Gustavo in my heart because, only a smart man like him could have pulled off getting married to a smart woman such as Belinda.

Haha! That bastard Gustavo is looking at me. Did he just read my thoughts? Haha!

**

Humberto and Belinda each gave me a puzzled look causing me to realize I had fumbled by laughing loudly and oddly.

The hall didn't help either. Damn echoes!!

Belinda is seen wearing an enchanting smile on her face as she addresses the lot, "I am sure that my husband here has something to add to what I have just said. Let us cheer him on as he takes over from me."

The hall was soon roaring with thunderous applause.

Shit! Santo what have you done?

Damn you Gustavo! You are responsible for this.

The moron is laughing perhaps he really does hear my thoughts.

**

Belinda kisses me on my cheek before leading me on. I shut my eyes. Quite the Enchantress! Isn't she?

"I have to get used to this much affection." I mumbled solely to my hearing.

"Thank you my love!" I smile briskly at her, taking the invisible bat I presume she'd just handed me.

I turn to the large number of people and set my aim above their heads so that I don't falter while speaking.

"In addition to what my wife said, I would want us to commence work on Suite 10B immediately, as you have rightly been informed. I know you guys have done your best. But now is the time to dot your 'I's and cross your 'T's. They would be here in a matter of hours. I am sure I am perfectly understood?"

"Yes sir!!" The chorus was audible enough.

The real Gustavo was putting a thumbs up by the corner. I managed to suck in my laughter even though I am also surprised at myself for pulling this off.

"What are you still waiting for!?! You can all go!!" The charge had come from Humberto. Need I add that Humberto is cute as hell? But I am cuter. Haha!

**

In a matter of minutes, Belinda and I are cuddled up in a romantic embrace, kissing passionately.

Humberto couldn't stand the sight obviously as he decided to walk away from the scene of torture.

Even the real Gustavo looked away but not before muttering something that caused me to swallow the lump of laughter back in my throat.

His words, "Pfff! Go get a room you two!"

But he can't blame me for getting carried away by the moment. I mean this is Belinda Rodrguez all loved up with me; the most beautiful woman in the entirety of Italy! Come on! I just have to enjoy as much as I can while I still can.

"Sorry man! It is just an act." I communicate to Gustavo's ghost in my heart.

I hope he can read my thoughts this time, but I can no longer see his ghost face lingering by the corner.

What do spirits or ghosts do when they get angry? Where do they go? Do they even get angry?

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Still here? Thanks for reading through. More edits coming through. Kindly comment your thoughts for suggestions.

For now, peace out✌