For Your Eyes Only

by Tia Louise

“Did Franco come here?” “He did.” My voice wobbles, but I do my best to be upbeat. “He was very cryptic. He left an envelope and told me to pack all my things.” “Did you?” “I started.” Silently, he lifts the brown envelope off the table and opens it, taking out another long envelope like they used to give for airplane tickets. He lowers the parcel to the table, takes a beat, then turns to face me. “What do you have left to pack?” His eyes are level, the warmth I’m so used to seeing in them extinguished. “Oh, a few toiletries and shoes. I had just finished moving all my things into your closet.” I’m still trying to keep my voice optimistic, but I’m faltering. “Who told you to do that?” His icy tone makes me nervous. “You did?” “I never told you to unpack.” “But you told me to move in here.” “Now it’s time for you to go.” My brow furrows. “Go where?” “You’re returning to Italy. Tonight. I have your airline ticket here.” Cold filters through my veins. Panic rises in my neck. “I’m returning to Italy? Just me?” “I’m not going with you.” All the air leaves the room. “Did something happen?” “Yes.” His lips curl with a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. Silence falls between us, and I’m afraid to ask. “What… happened?” “I discovered you were performing without a work visa. You put my entire business at risk, every single job, all of it. I could’ve been raided, shut down permanently for hiring an illegal alien.” “But it wasn’t your fault.” Panic shivers in me. “You didn’t know.” “T...