"MEET A FRIEND" "My name's Marco Ferretti." "I'm 37." "I came to London a year ago." "And things were good." "I found work, a great apartment, a girlfriend..." "But I lost the apartment, the girl and even the job too." "I can barely believe it." "Two weeks ago," "I was Vice Senior Manager in a top cosmetics company." "Beautiful!" "Oh, what a miracle!" "I have the feeling of being a new woman." "That 's the complete line of products and it's yours for just 30 pounds." "Thirty pounds?" "I have to think about it." "Maybe it's a bit too expensive for me." "Can I have one of these?" " The samples?" " Yes." " Please, they are free." "Well then, perhaps I take one for my daughter." "Yes, go ahead." "People want to be beautiful but they can't afford it in the recession." "Even our company has been hit and the lay-offs have begun." "Today, i twas Davis, Jenkins, Mulligan and Rooney's turn." "Along with his desk, Rooney left Susan Miller, his secretary." "Hi, baby." "Hi." "It's nearly ready." "Great." "I'm starving." "You're not eating?" "No, I'm leaving." "You're leaving?" "I'm going back to Italy." "My boss decided to cut back on staff and I'm out of work." "You'll soon find another job here." "In this recession?" "Leaving's pretty radical." "Our life's here." "I have work." "What if they fire you?" "Let's hope not." "I've found a job anyway." "You see." "What?" "Housewife." "Not yours." "I called Corrado, my ex." "He's still fond of me." "But you only loved me!" "Before the recession." "I have to go." "I'll miss my flight." "Wait a minute." "Maria Grazia, wait!" "It has to end like this?" "It's best to leave with happy memories." "We'd only beentogether6 months." "My relationships never last." "Is it their fault?" "Is it mine?" "Is it the recession?" "What a crap last supper!" "Rooney brought you one every day." "Thank you, Sir." "Good morning." "Ferretti, come here, where are you running?" " You need me?" " I don't, but the big boss do." "Meaning?" "He called me." "He says he wants to talk to you." "You have an appointment." "Tomorrow, at 03:00 pm sharp, in Milan." " Know what for?" " No, I don't know." "However, make sure to be on time..." "He comes from Germany." "If I were you, don't make him piss off too." "In fifteen years as a manager," "I've flown 60times this last year." "I've spent a year of my life in the air." "Who knows what awaits me this time." "Please, fasten your seat belts in 10 minutes we'll land at Linate's airport in Milan." "Why this long line?" "It's the MACEF, the Milan furniture fair." "Marco!" " Giulio, how are you?" " Great." "Everything ok?" "Fine." "It's been a while." "I never see you around." "I'm still in cosmetics, in London." "London..." "They dumped me after 12 years." "Your firm too?" "It's been a massacre." "I'm here for an interview." "I hope it works out." "In 20 minutes, I'm seeing the boss downtown." "I'll never make it." "And he's German." "Watch out for Germans!" "One minute late and raus, you're fired on the spot." "Sarah!" "Giulio!" "What are you doing in Milan?" "It's a long story!" "An English friend of my wife's." "Come on." "There's a line..." " How are you?" " Good." "Meet a friend." " Would you give us a ride?" " Sure." " I'm heading downtown." " Dammit!" "I'm going to Cologno." "It's too far out of your way." " Can you take him?" " Sure." "Sorry to leave you in the line." "At the end of it, ok." "They all cheat in Italy." "Off you go." " Calm down, ok." " Sure..." "I'm going to Foro Bonaparte." "Well, no problem, it's on the way." "I work in an art gallery in Brera." " Ah..." " Do you like modern art?" " Maybe." " Perhaps?" "Yes..." "Actually, I don't have time." "I work in cosmetics." "So, I spend half of my life between lotions and creams... and eyeliners." " And how goes the other half?" " I keep myself updated." "I read books... movies, music..." "The best things in life." "But no modem art!" " Not yet." " Well, I see you've organized." "With things, pretty much." "With people... so and so." " You mean with women?" " How do you know?" "Actually, one left me two days ago." " I'm sorry..." " Don't care." "Well, at least, you men are quick to forget." "This the case, she was the one quick to forget." "So you did not miss much." "You'll find better." "Thank you, just in time." "You're a genius!" "Oh, it would be nice." "Picasso was a genius." "Yes, but you were in the cab, not Picasso." "Thank you again." " Thank you for paying the cab." " It's ok." "If you'd like a drink or coffee..." "I give you my phone number." " I don't have the pen." " I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be pushy." "Please, I don't really have a pen." "I give you mine." " Ah... ok." "Tell me..." " 327993412." " Ok." " See you soon." " Perfect." "Thank you." " Volker's office?" " Down there." "God, I'm sorry." " I didn't see you." " Forget it." "I'm really sorry." "Marco!" "Giovanni!" "How are you?" "Giulia, meet a friend." "Marco Ferretti, from marketing in London." "So you're Ferretti?" "I'm Lombardi." "Really?" "Milan's famous Lombardi?" "I imagined you differently." "Same here." "In 5 seconds, I'm seeing the big boss." "So straighten your tie." " Thank you." " Please..." "Ready for the meeting?" "My dear Ferretti, bang on time." "I love punctuality." "I once worked in Germany." "We Germans put great value on time, unlike you Italians..." "Yes, that's true." "Why is it so hard to be Italian?" "Because of the other Italians!" "Make yourself at home!" "All right..." "Any idea how much our company has lost in the last quarter?" "A lot." "A7% drop in the last three months." "Is that a lot?" "No." " It's huge!" " Huge, yes." "Given the situation, I have to make drastic decisions." "You no doubt know what I mean?" "Staff cutbacks." "Exactly." "There are too many over-paid people here who must be eliminated." "In fact, I've decided to name you general head of marketing." "Meaning?" "Meaning, from now on, you're a boss too." "But without a rise in pay." "Who gives a damn?" "I meant..." "I thought you'd brought me to Milan to fire me too." "I love plain talk!" "But I'm counting on you, Ferretti, to clean up the company." "Superfluous staff must be eliminated." "And that job is going to be yours." " Mine?" " Yes." "Anyone idlers you find..." " "Number one"!" " Thank you." " The new boss is cute!" "But I bet he's totally married." "Know what you are?" " A total bastard!" " Me?" "You'll pay for this trick!" "What did I do to her?" "She was convinced the job you got was hers." "I can't help that." "I came here expecting to be fired." " Don't feel guilty." "Congratulations..." " Thank you." "Sarah, hi." "It's Marco." "From the cab, remember?" "I wanted to tell you that partly thanks to you..." "Yes, to you, Sarah..." "I got promoted." "So?" "Did you like it?" "Good." "But, the famous risotto Milanese had a strange taste." " Don't know, something..." " Perhaps because the chef is Egyptian." " Egyptian?" "!" " Yes." " Ah, well." " How is your hotel?" " As the risotto." " Oh..." "You are in Milan and you seem to be in Tokyo." "The hotels are all the same." "Yeah, when I travel, restaurants or hotels don't make a difference... but the people I meet do." "Today, people are fired too easily." " But you don't, eh?" "Yeah." " You got a promotion." "Cheers." " Because of you." " No, not because of me." "I've just given a ride by taxi." "No, believe me, if you had not brought me with your taxi, I'd be unemployed." "Wait, it's like that movie..." "How's it called?" "Yes, come on..." ""Sliding Doors"." "Of course, if you make a wrong number or if you open the wrong door..." "Or if you mess up taxi or subway..." "All of a sudden your life goes where you don't ever expect." " Yeah, it makes life interesting." " Do you believe so?" "Yes, I do." "Then, perhaps, our meeting means something." "Ehm..." "It's late and I have to get up early tomorrow." " I gotta go, but thanks fort he dinner." " Something wrong?" "No." "No." "Not at all, it's late and I am a bit tired." " Maybe it's better..." "I go home." " I'll walk you home." " No, I live here, I walk." " I like walking." "No, that's okay!" "Night." " Sarah!" " Riccardo!" "I'll call you later." "I get to see you at last!" "You never stopped by at the gallery." "It's hell getting into the city by day." "Meet a friend." "Hi." "Gabriella." " Delighted." "Marco." " Riccardo." "She's a journalist and he's a fabulous pharmacist." "Only because I never ask her for a prescription!" "We had our tango class." "I'm famished." "You tango?" "We're sick of aerobics." "We started last week." "It's tough but it's beautiful." "The tango is a dancing thought." "I didn't make that up, I read it somewhere." " Good night, guys." " Good night, Sarah." " Bye." "It was nice meeting you." "Same here." "See you around." "I work here in Milan." "What do you do?" "I sell beauty products." "Neat!" "Got any samples?" "Not here." "She's like that in my pharmacy too." "Sir..." "Thank you." " Just like London." " What?" "You're bled dry the world over." "Hello?" "You goddam bastard!" "Who is this?" "Giulia Lombardi!" "Giulia?" "It's not my fault!" "I didn't want to move to Milan to work!" "Stabbed you in the back?" "It was the boss, not me!" "I'll kill myself, you hear me?" "Don't do anything stupid." "Giulia!" "Please..." "She's mad..." "It's an emergency." "Hurry!" "So give me the address." "You're right." "Just a second." "Giovanni, it's Marco." "Marco?" "This late?" "What's wrong?" "Giulia's taken pills." "She wants to kill herself!" "Giulia?" "Why?" "I can't explain now." "Any idea where she lives?" "On Viale Piave, I think." "You think or you know?" "Matilde knows that kind of thing." "I'll call her." "Great." "Call her, but hurry!" "Hello?" "Who is it?" "It's Mr. Sartogo." "I need you." "Sir, I've been waiting all my life for you to call at night." "I need you too, it's crazy." "What the hell..." "I need Lombardi's address right away." "Yes, sorry." "2, Via Morgagni." "2, Via Morgagni." "Hold on tight!" "Wait here." "Where is she?" "This one." "Sir!" "That window with the light on." " Good work." " No sweat." "I'm always watching American cop shows on TV." "How do I get in?" "What?" "Climb up!" "This isn't some American TV-movie." "You can do it!" "I can do it?" "Why does this happen to me?" "Fantastic!" "As good as Spiderman!" "Get lost, jerk!" "This is my building!" " What have you done?" " Who is it?" "You said you wanted to kill yourself." "Over a shit like you?" "Are you nuts?" "I'd earned that job!" "I worked weekends and nights!" "Who pulled strings for you?" "What strings?" "Who did you bang to get it?" "The boss?" "He's a man!" "You're crazy!" "Guys like you will stop at nothing to get ahead!" "Enough!" "Right, I've had enough!" " Calm down." " I'll give you pulling strings!" "Come here!" "Don't you dare touch me!" " Let go!" " Come here!" "Now..." "Stop it." "Ah!" "Stop it!" "I'd never been to bed with my boss before." "And I've ever done it with a senior manager." "We can do great things together." "What?" "Nothing." "I was just saying we'll never clash overwork." "What's work got to do with it?" "If people get along in bed, there won't be problems at work." "You're the boss, but we'll take the decisions together." "Together?" "Listen, I don't mean to pry, but were you in a relationship?" "Until 48 hours ago." "I read that this is a good time for us Capricorns." "And for us Leos?" "A new period's beginning." "Decisive encounters." "This proves it." "So what are you doing?" "Staying the night?" "I don't know." "Tomorrow's my first day as boss." "I'd like to arrive in shape." "Maybe not tonight." "You're right." "You wouldn't sleep a wink here." "223 euros?" "Who told you to wait?" "It was an emergency." "I remained at your disposal." "It sounded like an emergency." "Is the lady better now?" "Much better, thanks." "You bet!" "I think I know why she's better." "Just focus on your driving, ok." "Stop!" "Now stop it, ok?" "Don't dare to treat me that way!" "Got it?" " Don't shout, my wife is upstairs." " Ah, you think she hear me?" " Who cares!" " Quiet!" "Stop it!" "It's late and I feel tired, maybe It's better I go home." "Shame on you, you treat me like a whore." " It's not fair!" " Sarah, calm down!" " You're ruining my life!" "I love driving a cab." "Life unfolds all around you." "Love, passion, fights..." "All for free!" "Unlike a cab ride!" "Let's go." "Hello?" "Who is this?" "No, who are you?" "This is Gabriella's phone." "Neat!" "Got any samples?" "Oh, God..." "Where is she?" "With you?" "Put heron." "I'm Nicola, her boyfriend." "I'm down in Bari." "I've been calling for hours!" "She couldn't hear the phone." "Sure she couldn't, because she was busy!" "I bet you were both really busy!" "No, listen, this may sound crazy but her phone was in my pocket by mistake." "By mistake?" "By mistake my fucking ass!" "Listen to me." "Stop yelling." " I fucking yell if I want!" " Listen..." "I said it will sound crazy but I don't even know her." "We met two seconds." "I can't remember what she looks like." "Listen carefully, Pinocchio." "Open your eyes and face the truth." "Lies make your nose grow." "Then I'll give you a nose job you'll regret!" "Ok, Geppetto, Pinocchio's sleepy now." "Good night." "He hung up." "Gabriella, my liver's killing me." "Good morning." "A double espresso." "No, a quadruple." "Goddammit!" "Sorry, it was an accident." "I hope so!" "You stained by coat." "No, forget it." "Please!" " Can I do anything?" " Yes, get off my back!" "Look at this mess." "I only bought it yesterday." "It's a bad time for us Aquarians." "Trust me to bump into a jerk like that." "Hello, Mr. Ferretti." "Francesca, have you met the new marketing boss?" "You?" "Yes, me." "Sorry about earlier, I didn't..." "Don't apologize." "It was all my fault." "Send me the cleaning bill." "It's nothing." "I mean it." "I'm the boss." "Surely the jerk wasn't him?" "I feel like dying." "Hi, baby." "Did you sleep?" "Not a lot." "Me neither." "After you left, I lay awake thinking." "It was fantastic." "For me too." "You know..." "Sitting at that desk was my dream." "Not again, please." "No, enough." "I'm really happy." "I swear!" "I'm a truly happy woman." "No, no, please..." "Please, say you have my phone." " Here it is." " Thank you." "My whole life's in it." "I was frantic but then I remembered." "I left it at the restaurant." "Sarah told me you worked here." "You knew you had it?" "Yes, your guy called at 5AM." "Nicola called?" "And kicked up a huge stink." "He'll be furious." "I said I had it on me by accident." " He believed you?" " No." "Typical." "He's so jealous." "Ever since I moved to Milan, he's made my life hell." " I bet he's on his way here." " From?" "Down south." "You got me into this mess." "Help me." "You forgot your phone." "But you took it." "Half past nine!" "They'll fire me." "The paper's that strict?" "It not a paper, I work for satellite TV." "I handle showbiz, I interview actors..." "You could be one too." "I came 6th in the Miss Italy contest at 18." "Really?" "You recognized me?" "No, actually..." "I was kidding." "Is this mine?" "No, this one's yours." "With the heart." "I must dash." "Who is it now?" "Sorry, sir." "Keep this evening free." "We need to talk." "Come to dinner at my place at 8:30." " 08:30. - "P, nktlich"." " "Pun..." "P, nktlich". - "P, nktlich"!" "Given the downturn in consumption and investments, we have to rethink our communication strategy." "We must be more efficient..." " While cutting costs." " Exactly." "And to cut costs?" "We must be more efficient." "And above all, to cut costs, we need to..." "Drawn up the list?" "No, but I'm working on it." "Ferretti, put your personal feelings aside." "Focus on the good of the company." "I know you're meeting Martini tomorrow about the new ad campaign." "We have to cut back there too." "Enough!" "The good times are over!" "Cut back..." "Cut back!" "It's getting late." "We all have to be up early." "Thank you for dinner." "It was delicious." "My pleasure." "I'll walk Beckenbauer." " That's Beckenbauer?" " Yes." "I'm a Bayern Munich fan." "Coming down with me?" " Yes, I'll call a cab." " No, let me." "Thank you." "No reply?" "I'm on hold." "In Italy, they love making people wait on the phone." "All right." "Franz needs to go." "See you tomorrow." "Remember, no feelings!" "Don't worry, sir." "See you tomorrow." "If there's no reply, I can walk." "Good night." "There's no reply because I called the wrong number." "I did it on purpose." "I wanted to be alone with you." "With me?" "You don't know what it's like living with a man who only ever thinks of work." "Look at me." "I'm not over the hill yet." "No, far from it..." "At 18, in Riccione," "I drove the Italian boys wild." "Handsome young boys." "Like you." "Please, you're putting me in an awkward situation." "Turning down your boss's wife?" "It's not that but..." "Making an enemy of the boss's wife can sink a manager's career." "I agree." "But..." "I saw that look over the strudel." " The what?" " Strudel!" "I just wanted to see if you used a fork." "It's been so long since my husband touched me." "I'm sorry, signora." "Really I am..." "Hannelore!" "I forgot the bags for Beckenbauer's do!" "If he sees me, I've had it." "Not just you!" " Where are they?" " On the desk." "No." "Maybe in the dining room?" "Quick!" "Get out!" " How?" " Through the window!" "They're in the kitchen!" "Let's go." " Tony Martini?" " Yes." "Ferretti." "The man from London." "I was expecting you." "Have a seat." "What do you think of the new campaign?" "Beautiful." "It's sensational." "Unique." "I'd even use it again next year." "And maybe the year after too." "We must be efficient but spend less." "It's not just Volker." "It's the recession." "And this is my last campaign?" "I didn't say that." "It's ok, Ferretti, I work for lots of other companies." "And when there was money around, I made a fortune." "Excuse me." "Hi, baby." "Yes, baby." "Sure, baby." "I understand, baby." "I understand!" "I'll talk to you later, ok." "Worse than a pneumatic drill!" " Been married long?" " 15 years." "But not to her." "That wasn't my wife." "That was the one I chose to get away and have fun." "What a joke." "So two title-holders." "Big mistake." "If only I could turn back time." "Taking a mistress means double the ball-busting." "You see." "What did I call her?" "A pneumatic drill." "Exactly." "This is her, the pneumatic drill." "That's Giulia!" "Right, you work together in marketing." "Yes, we..." "We met yesterday." "What was your first impression?" "Very motivated at work." "And at busting my balls, I'm afraid." " Who's this?" " No idea." " Guess." " The pneumatic drill?" "Title-holder number 1?" "Baby, I tried reaching you earlier." "Wednesday at the Colnaghis?" "No way!" "Wednesday evening?" "It's a match night." "Matilde, it's Ferretti." "I have an email for Volker." "It's urgent." "Thanks." "Am I bothering you?" "Not at all." "I'm just emailing Volker." "Do you like baked pasta?" "Very much." "I could do some tonight." "Basked pasta, then some French cheese." "There's a great deli near my place." "They can get caviar too." "The really rare Iranian kind." "Your boyfriend likes food?" "What boyfriend?" "I met him this morning." "A handsome guy." "Friendly too." "What?" "You could have said." "If I'd known, I wouldn't have..." "I shouldn't have..." "What did you find out?" "You're Tony Martini's mistress." "And have been for three years." "Who told you?" "He did." "Volker sent me to see him." "We met this morning." "He sent you to see Tony?" "Yes, I'm head of marketing, right?" "Why didn't you tell me?" "Because I do as I'm told." "Without idle chitchat." "The Leos' horoscope was wrong." "No new period and no decisive encounters." "Stop right there!" "You and me need a long talk!" " Nicola?" " Right!" "Her official sponsor!" "Marco, help clear things up." "He won't listen to me, he's crazy." "I'm not crazy and I'm not stupid either!" "He can tell you we don't know each other, that he picked up my cell by accident..." "Tell him." "I did, but he didn't believe me." "Think I'm dumb enough to swallow this?" "There's nothing between him and me." "Cut the crap!" "Watch it or there'll be trouble." " Let go of her." " Hands off!" " Let's drop the act." " What act?" "I'm in love with Gabriella, ok." " What?" " In love?" "I'm mad about you." "You're special, you're following a dream." "What fucking dream?" "I don't know." "Can't I have a dream now?" "Such as?" "Interview Madonna." "And Joseph too?" "Great!" "Ambition and courage." "Two irresistible qualities in a woman." "And you know you still have to learn." "And you have the tenacity of the truly intelligent." "But you're sweet and feminine too." "And you want to be protected." "Protected by a man ready to accept your fragility." "That's why I fell in love with her." "And you call me crazy!" "Gabriella, you heard what this dipshit just said?" "Everything I ever wanted to hear from you." "What is this, the Twilight Zone?" "I'll deal with you later." "And with you now." "Meaning?" "Meaning..." "You work out?" "Full-contact." "Full?" "Contact." "Is this yours?" "See you later, Dipshit." "What's up, officer?" "A fine for illegal parking." "I only stopped fora second!" "350 euros and 4 points off your license." "No, not the points, please..." "Are you crazy telling him stuff like that?" "He's out of your hair now." "How can you be together?" "I hate guys who treat women like that." "You're crazier than he is." "You had to say we don't know each other but make a declaration instead!" "Not for real." "It certainly sounded real." "Brilliant!" "You dump me and pick someone else up!" "She's just a friend." "A friend?" "A damn liar, that's what you are!" "There's nothing between us." "Tell her!" "Enough, Marco!" "Enough of this act." "What act?" "He's crazy about me." "He just told me." "She's kidding." "You're all the same." "Cheats!" "Cowards!" "And I fall for it again!" "Why didn't you tell her?" "Forget her, she's worse than Nicola." " 2, Via Morgagni." " Straight, Sir." "I see the plot thickens." "Now there are 2 "great piececes of pussy"." "Congratulation!" "That stings like hell!" "Keep still or go to the ER." "It's a lot less fun." "They'd amputate?" "No, they'll keep you waiting all night before treating you." "Gently..." "Thank God." "Another hypochondriac." "He went three rounds with a purse." "And the purse won." "Fora headache, aspirin's cheaper at a supermarket." "Got a prescription?" "Guys, you'll get me arrested!" "Opening late, pills without prescriptions..." "Please, Riccardo!" "I'll kill you first." " Oh, damn!" " What happens?" " The alarm of my art gallery." " Oh, my God!" "The Zakarauskas!" " Was it important?" " A Zakarauskas is worth over 100.000 euro." " It's a big mess." "Are you insured?" "Yes, only on half of its value." "I know they'll say it's my fault." " Why?" " They'll say I didn't close properly." "I'll be fired!" "Oh, no..." "Good evening." "HQ sent us." "What happened?" "Burglars." "They only got one painting." " A valuable one?" " A Zarathustra." "Zakarauskas!" "That guy!" "There, now try sleeping and tomorrow morning you will solve all problems, one at a time." "Hm?" "I know who did this to me." "A damn bitch that hates me." " She has also killed my dog." " Who?" " She the witch." "She sent a car in the park to run down my dog in a pedestrian area." "Not only!" "She caused me pneumonia in the summer." "And now she has sent thieves to steal in my gallery." "She has cursed me." " I'll be fired." " Yes, but who are you talking about?" "No!" "Shh!" "Don't mention her." "Oh God, what a situation." "No, Sarah..." "Do you like some tea?" "No, I don't." "You can't leave me, tonight!" " No." "No..." "I will not leave you." " Promise." "Promise." "I will stay with you until you feel better." "Thank you." "Ciao." "Ciao." " My stomach feels better." " My little finger, too." " What's your zodiacal sign?" " No..." " Leo." " Leo?" "Yes, why?" "Well, you're about to start a new adventure." " Yes, "a crucial one"." " Do you read the horoscope?" "Yes, but I don't believe it..." "It never works." " But you should." " Why?" " Because I am a Libra." "And according to the stars I'll begin a love story with a Leo." "So, as you can see..." " Actually, I'm a Gemini." " Oh, well, this case..." "No, no, I'm a Leo!" "In 20 minutes, the Regional Council." "Then lunch with the Japanese." "At 3, the weekly marketing meeting and, at 6, the sales group from Turin." "Sir..." "Sir..." "Are you hurt?" "No, I'm ok." "Not my fault this time." "I'm so ashamed." "I'm really sorry." "Don't worry about it." "Don't forget that cleaning bill." "Look out!" " Ciao." " Ciao." "I'm sorry about yesterday." "It's true, I should have told you about Tony." "I know now so spare me the guilt trip." "I felt so bad." "I didn't sleep a wink." "I made my mind up." "At 7, I went to his place." "When he came out, I told him." "You lost me." "You told who what?" "I told Tony I slept with you." "You told him?" "What for?" "It only happened once." "You're keeping count?" "No, but just once is just once." "Once or 100times is the same for me." "I never cheated on Tony before." "But do you care?" " You could have told me." " That I'm a slut?" "Quiet!" "I hoped you'd understand." "What did I do?" "Since I left a man I'd been with 3 years for you," "I hope you feel guilty too now." "Sarah!" "You bet I'm free tonight." "I'll pick you up at 8." " Ciao." " Ciao." "Only 12 hours and I miss you." " You romantic, eh?" " Hm." "Hungry, however." "Perfect!" "I booked in a new Japanese restaurant." " Egyptian Chef?" " I hope not." "First, let's go to the presentation of the book of a friend of mine." " But..." " Come on, it will be fun." "It's just here." "Ok." "Many of my readers have written to ask me why I called my new novel "My Life in Cooking"." "The title is a metaphor." "For our passions, our feelings, as if they were vegetables or meat." "They transform and blend until they become food for the soul." "Your friend wrote a cookbook?" " Well, yes..." "He is an expert in pies, concoctions..." " Thank you." "In this flow of emotions, cooking is the silent witness to the human comedy played out daily in our families between pasta, a souffle and dessert." "One last brief comment as a critic." "Again, in his new book, Roversi has blended the flavors, aromas and tastes of life with the skill of a great chef." " There she is." " Who?" "The witch that made me the evil eye." " What you doing?" " I defend myself." "Are you sure to be English?" "As a young girl I went to Ischia and learned the tricks." "Shall we get a drink?" "I'd love one." "Ok, ok..." "But, Sarah, put it out." "Please, enough." " She is dangerous." " Got it." " Ciao." "Ciao, master." " Meet a friend of mine." " Marco." " Ciao." "Giorgio." "Marco works in cosmetics..." "You know, those creams and lotions that we women love so much more than books... sometimes." " Will you excuse us?" " Of course." "You're crazy to come here?" " My wife is here." " Don't see the problem." "You are here with your wife and I am here with my new boyfriend." " Your boyfriend?" " Yes." "He is adorable." "We met a couple of days ago." "You are engaged already?" " What am I supposed to do?" "I waited enough." " Wait." "What you need one who sells perfumes for?" "Lots of sex." "You do not expect what I enjoy doing it..." " I thought you preferred men of intellect." " And he is!" " Actually, he is quite brilliant, he framed who you are." "And then?" "He said that, in his opinion, you're a self-centered pompous... a cocky asshole..." "who writes nonsense." " Did he say so?" " Hm... hm." " No, Giorgio." "Wait!" " What did you want to tell me?" "Congratulations on your recipe book." "It'll be a big hit." "They'll invite you on the Food Network." "Oh my God!" "I'm so sorry." " You ok?" " Ah, yes..." "I think so." " I'm sorry." " It's okay." " I'll give you a hand." "This is a private pharmacy, guys, not an ER." "I have a life." "Sorry, I didn't know it was tango night." "This always happens to me." " Gently." " Keep still." "Who did you fight with?" "Tyson?" "No, with a chef." "Her friend." "What friend?" "I hate Giorgio Roversi!" "No, Nicola, enough!" "I'm sick of this!" "200 calls in three hours!" "Where I am is my damn business, ok!" "I need a tranquilizer." "He's torturing me." "Arsenic will kill him and solve your problem." "Or kill yourself and solve mine." "Good night." "Stay out of the ring, I'm out of Band-Aids." "I'm going back to my hotel to sleep." "Good night." " Thanks." " You're welcome." "Now tell me the truth?" " The truth is... he is an idiot." " Why you have an affair with him?" " What affair?" " Come on, I know how things are." " I met him in Ischia." " With your parents?" "No, I was on vacation with my boyfriend." "There I met Giorgio and I left my boyfriend but it was before I knew he was married." " It 's complicated." " Yep... complicated." " Sorry, I'm off to the hotel." " No, it is me who must apologize." "Sarah, this was not just the evening I was expecting." "I'm sorry." "Cancer, a week of love." "But stay calm on the 20th and 21st because of the contrary moon." "Leo." "The outlook is best in the realm of love..." "New call" "Nicola?" "Oh, no..." " Call me a cab, please." " The line's over there." " Thanks." " You're welcome." "Riccardo?" "It's Marco." "I need Gabriella's address." "Ok, Thank you." "Via Alzaia Naviglio, number36." "New area tonight?" "You again?" "How many cabs in Milan?" "4,000." "And I always end up in yours?" "I'm not letting a customer like you get away." "I wait outside your hotel." "It's a movie every time you get in this cab!" "I took it by mistake again." "Guess who called." "Nicola." "27 times." "28." "It's him." "You didn't reply, I hope." "No way, I've had enough." "It's ok, he's down south." "I'll be going." "I'm beat." "Ok, go ahead, don't worry." "What's wrong?" "It's nothing." "Go." "No, actually, come in." "Please." "Why are you crying?" "When I got home tonight, something horrible happened." "Really horrible." "You had burglars too?" "Just a second..." "This." "They fired me." "What is this, a pandemic?" "By mail, without even telling me to my face!" "It's ok, you'll soon find another job." "Sure, in this recession..." "You're pretty, talented..." "You'll do other interviews." "What interviews?" "All I do there is the photocopying." "What can I do?" "I'm desperate." "Please, don't leave me alone." "I won't leave you." "I'll make herb tea to help you relax." "Thank you." "Here we are." "Thank God you're here." "What with work and my guy, life's hell." "At least you can look fora new job now." "And a new guy." "Yes, but it's not that easy." "Jobs aren't easy to find." "And guys can be real jerks." "Worse than Nicola would be tough." "I need one like you." "Like me?" "Why me?" "Because." "You're kind, cute..." "You have a good job." "And you defend women." "You say things..." "They gave me goosebumps." "I said it to defend you." "I know." "Too bad." "The sugar?" "Right-hand door." "I can imagine you living here." "I only came to bring your phone back." "No." "That's not what happened." "You came because I wanted you to." "Meaning?" "Actually..." "My cell didn't end up in your pocket by chance." "I put it there, hoping you'd bring it." "When I found out I'd been fired, it slipped my mind." "You're out of your mind." "A little." "But it's your fault too." "As soon as I met you, I was attracted to you." "And you to me." "The way you looked at me..." "I was looking but not like that." "There's no harm in admitting it." "You like me." "Well, yes..." "You're very beautiful." "Friendly, merry..." "Even if I cry sometimes." "I'm not jealous." "I don't bust balls." "My purse isn't a weapon." "Thank God." "Plus..." "I'm a great kisser." "Ah..." "That's a good point..." "An important one." "What are you doing?" "Want to try?" "No, no..." "How was it?" " Sorry." " It's ok." "Convinced now?" "I guess." "Gabri!" "It's Nicola!" "Oh, God!" "Wasn't he down south?" "Quick, you have to vanish!" "Hurry!" "He's a southerner." "Hot-blooded." "He has a gun!" "He'll kill us both, I know he will." "Move it!" "Get in the bathroom!" "Up there!" "I'll break this door down!" "Coming!" "About time." " Weren't you down south?" " It was a trap." "I could smell a rat so I stuck around." "You don't answer your phone?" "I was asleep." "It's on vibrate." "Asleep, huh?" "But someone woke you." " You, just now." " No!" "A guy in a cab." "What guy?" "What cab?" "Two cups, huh?" "Sherlock Holmes, put that in your pipe and smoke it." "Admit it!" "Admit it!" "You're the silent Madonna now?" "I saw the cosmetics guy!" "Where is he?" "What?" "Ok, don't bother, I'll find him on my own." "Dipshit!" "Even the cavalry can't save you now!" "Do not scream, I told you he's not here." "Now I find him, I beat him and threw him down the stairs!" "Where is he?" "Where is he?" "Dipshit, I see you!" "Come back here!" "Cuckold!" "Hold on, I'm the cuckold here!" "A thief on the roof!" "Augusto, call the police!" "There's a thief!" "Call the police!" "Look, there he is!" "You idler!" "Always sleeping!" "Madam, please..." "See, I'm not so dumb." "He was here all right." "You wanted to cheat on me?" "That's how you thank me?" "I pay your rent, electricity, phone, gas..." "Now it's payback time!" "Enough!" "I'm sick of you!" "Get out of here!" "Get out right now!" "Baby, you hurt me." "But I forgive you." "I'm jealous but that's because I love you." "I don't anymore!" "Baby, don't be so dramatic..." "Just go!" "Get out!" "Are you ok?" "I guess." " You're here?" " Ever ready." "What's the fare up to?" "Who cares. 300 or400 euros." "400 euros?" "Who's counting?" "You're like Batman!" "Not Spiderman?" "You're a super-hero anyhow." "Good morning, sir." "You have a video presentation in the meeting room." "This early?" "What on?" "I don't know." "Ms. Lombardi told me it was a top-secret matter." "Thanks." " Ciao." " Ciao." "Who's missing?" "No one." "We're all here." "Fora presentation?" "Exactly." "No sales or advertising?" "I left them out." "This will be your decision." "As my boss." "Focus on the goal." "Analyze the data." "Giulia Lombardi." "Sex:" "Female." "Age: 35." "Marital status:" "Single." "What is this?" "Just the basic data." "Romance:" "Dating a married man, cynical, apathetic, cold but witty and good-looking." "Probability of future happiness:" "Zero." "What is this nonsense?" "We sell cosmetics, we don't analyze our private lives." "Nonsense, you call it?" "One thing isn't at all funny." "You saw this slide, right?" "I have zero probability of being happy." "Who determined that?" "It depends what you mean by happy." "I thought professional success counted." "So I stayed single and never wanted to start a family." "I chose to be the center of my own life." "That's why Martini, a married man who didn't want sentimental problems, seemed the ideal man to me." "But success isn't happiness." "You need something else to be happy." "A CHILD" "That's a great idea!" "I'm happy for you." "It's the only sane decision I can make." "But my biological clock is ticking away." "You said earlier this would be my decision." "How?" "This is a project for two people." "Ah..." "Well..." "You're right but... this particular project... before launching it, you need... to evaluate it, analyze it..." "But, above all, you need to know... if someone shares it with you." "I knew you wouldn't understand." "You make a useless boss." "Ferretti, I've been looking for you." "Here I am." " I have that top-secret file." " Which one?" "The heads that must roll." "I drew it up for you." "Leave your feelings aside." "The sooner the better." "Eliminate, cut off, understand?" " Get it?" " Yes, yes..." "Hello, sir." "Can I help you?" "Mr. Volker sent me here." "He said you need to talk to me." "Please, have a seat." " And you are?" " Francesca Berardi." "We bumped into each other twice but I never introduced myself." "Congratulations on your new job." "I saw the new ad campaign." "It's beautiful." "Everything's beautiful here, even my office." "Small but really cute." "I'm glad." "I'm so happy here." "The last place I worked was depressing." "I was lucky to find this job." "It wasn't an easy decision to make." "I'm from Rome and my family was worried about me." "But I did it." "I dumped everything and here I am." "Very brave of you." "And reckless too." "But if you don't take risks in life, you never get anything." "You're right." "That's true." "Sorry, I'm talking too much." "You need to talk to me." "Yes, I should." "Are you ok?" "Yes, I'm fine." "Wonderful." "So, tell me..." "Actually, you said it all." "We're happy to have motivated employees." "Totally motivated, believe me." "I hope to have a great career here." "I wish you that." "Is that it?" "That's it." "Perfect." "Goodbye, Francesca." "Bye." "By the way..." "This is the dry-cleaning bill." "The dry-cleaner..." "Since you insisted." "Yes, of course." "Giulia too?" "Hi." "No!" "What are you doing?" "Calm down." "This isn't for you." "It was for your new girlfriend." "I don't have a girlfriend." "But you sleep with mine." "I don't." "I hoped to catch you at it." "Listen..." "Please..." "Put the gun away." "It's freaking me out." "You're right." "It's pretty ridiculous, huh?" "Playing the tough guy in your rival's room." "But, you see, I finally understood something that I pretended not to." "To take a serene approach to the coming years," "I need a woman like Giulia." "So you'd kill her?" "I just wanted to scare her." "No!" "No!" "See?" "It's a toy pistol." "This is a psychodrama." "You stage something totally outrageous to get a message across." "It's a way to communicate." "If I'd found Giulia in your bed, after scaring her..." "I'd have told her I'm ready to do what I never had the guts to do:" "Leave my wife." "Why leave her now?" "Because my wife wants another baby." "Maybe I'm a coward but I can't imagine raising another child." "So I'm leaving her for Giulia who'll never ask me that." "Are you sure?" "Giulia only cares about her career, not about kids." "She has no maternal instinct." "I'm sorry I ruined your psychodrama." "Giulia isn't here and never has been." "So if you could..." "I'm kind of disappointed." "I understand." "You invent a crime scene but..." "Good luck." "Ferretti..." "Am I screwing up?" "We all screw up now and then." "Let's hope not." "Just one." "The times are changing." " It's Giovanni." " What's up?" "Giulia took an overdose of pills." "Calm down, she's a real actress." "No, it's serious." "They're pumping her stomach at the ER." "Just a second!" "Martini!" "I'm on my way." "Hi, Giulia." "Don't say anything." "I know I screwed up." "I felt so lost." "You were wrong." "Why don't you want a baby with me?" "When you said that, I fell apart." "Because we've known each other less than a week." "I knew in a second you were perfect for me." "Martini says that about you." "You talked to him?" "He talked and I listened." "But he told me... you're the only woman for him." " You swear?" " Yes." "He'll leave his wife." "What a son of a bitch!" "He is, I guess." "But he seems sincere." "I guess he's still young enough to have another child." "Actually, before rushing into it, check his paternal instinct." "You don't understand." "When I set my mind on something..." "You get it." "I know." "I'll go and surprise him at his office." "It's 2AM, Giulia!" "I'll do it in the morning then." "I'll dress up." "Jacket, skirt and those high heels that drive him wild." "Know what I'll call the baby?" "What?" "Marco." "Like you." "Try to rest now." "Since I'm curious, I did something bad." "I looked through your papers." "I saw Volker's list with my name on it." "That list is absurd." "No, baby, don't worry." "I don't care anymore." "I have other plans now." "As long as I'm in that office, they won't fire you." "I know." " I got it, sir." " Good morning." " Good morning." "This time, I'll fight back!" "It's all right." "I come in peace." "I brought you this." "The Zakarauskas from Sarah's gallery." "Know where it was?" "In my wife's car." "Your wife?" "She had it stolen to cause Sarah trouble." "It's quite... embarrassing." "Very embarrassing, I'd say." "That's why I came here." "It's better if you take it back." "She'd press charges against my wife." "How am I supposed to have found it?" "As a wniter, I've come up with something." "See if you like it." "You have a head of security here." "You told him about it." "He contacted a fence he knows and the painting turned up." "Ok, that can work." "Forgive me for taking up your time." "I nearly forgot." "Here's a signed copy of my book." "It's an apology for hitting you." "Read it." "I hope you like it." "But it's not recipe book." "It's about the meaning of life, a complicated thing." "I know." "Thank you." "I have to make a gift to your securityman." " Done already." " You're a gentleman." "On the contrary, I am not at all." "My behavior, last night, was unforgivable." "I used you to make him jealous." "I'm sorry." "Nevermind." "I forgot." "When one gets inside you that way it doesn't matter if he's shit or selfish, there's nothing to do." "Perhaps because it is not the man you think he is." "I read his book." "He seem to be neither shit nor selfish." "You're right, he is not." "Actually, he's a wonderful man." "Why he doesn't leave his wife?" "Because he wants you as a lover and not as a wife." " Changing rules will change everything." " Will he betray me?" "You'd end like his wife." "How?" "Making the evil eye to people?" "Stealing paintings?" "I know it was her." "Do you think I am stupid?" "I never thought that you're stupid." "I would not be here." "I regret there is another man in your heart." "I should have met you, years ago, in Ischia." "Hello." "Hold all my calls." "I'm not here." "Certainly, Mr. Ferretti." "Riccardo!" "He'll see me!" "Who will?" "Come here!" "Come here..." "What's going on?" "See that bitch at reception?" "What bitch?" "Pablo, my tango instructor!" "I don't believe it." "It's not funny!" "It's no fun seeing your man with another." "I can imagine." "This always happens." "I pick the wrong guy." "I'm leaving him this time." "I'm sick of suffering because of that jerk." "Enough." "No more tango either." "It's such a pain in the ass anyway." "I'm changing hobbies." "I hear a great cookery school just opened in the city." " Cooking relaxes you." " Sure." "I hear the teacher is Spanish." "Across between Banderas and Bardem." "That'll relax me!" " Enjoy your paella." " You bet." "Life goes on, as they say." "Bye, Marco, and thanks." "By the way, I saw Sarah." "She told me that she and you..." "Is that true?" "Nothing serious." "Just a crazy idea." "I love it!" "I only want crazy ideas from now on." " What are you doing here?" " Nothing." "I left Nicola." "He pays my rent, so I felt it was polite to move out." "Did I do right?" "Yes, you did right." "Totally." "But... where will you stay?" "Where?" "Here, with you." "Here?" "How did you get in?" "I told the maid I was your fiancee." "She believed me." "I bet she did." "We are kind of together, right?" "Us?" "Well, yesterday..." "If Nicola hadn't turned up..." "We were kissing..." "You were enjoying it." "I don't need to spell it out." "I mean, you're a pretty girl, you're fantastic..." "But as for moving into a place together..." "Gotcha!" "I was kidding!" "I don't need an old guy like you." "An old guy?" "Above all, you've never been married." "That means no one wants you or you've never wanted anyone." "It's more complicated than that." "About you and Nicola, were you kidding or is it true?" "I left him." "But maybe I was wrong." "After you left, we fought and I threw him out." "For me, it was all over." "But, the next morning, I found him lying on my doorstep." "All curled up there." "Call me dumb but I was touched." "He was like a puppy who loves you even if you yell at it." "So I thought it over." "I'm keeping Nicola." "He doesn't know it yet." "I prefer a jealous hothead like him to all the morons who only want to get me into bed." "Right?" "Sure." "I'm happy for you." "And it's true too." "You're a great kisser." "What a scatterbrain." "I nearly forgot." "Your cell again?" "No, this." "You left it at my place." "I bought it back." " Thanks." " Then, ciao." " Ciao." "You didn't leave it on purpose?" " Ciao." " Ciao." "Now I catch you!" "I don't believe it." "You followed me?" "Try denying it now." "It's his hotel." "You were in his room." "Yes, I was." "Know what for?" "Smutty stuff!" "I told him I was going back to you but you'll never change!" "Wait, Gabri!" "Please, wait!" "It's ok, I've changed." "Yeah?" "So prove it." "Ask me anything you want." " Kneel down." " I don't understand." "You understand." "The ground's dirty..." "Go on, kneel down." "Do it." "Make your declaration and make it good." " You dropped something." " Cut it out." "This is embarrassing with people watching." "Good, I have witnesses." "Gabriella, I..." "I..." "Gabriella, what?" "I always treated you badly." "I can't hear." "Louder." "I always treated you badly." "I was tyrannical..." "Areal macho..." "But you have to believe me." "Behind this southern male facade, there's a heart beating for you." "A big heart..." "A huge heart..." "A heart as big as a watermelon!" "Get up." "You're beautiful." "You disappoint me, Ferretti." "I was counting on you and you let me down." "There are 20 names on this list." "And you haven't fired a single one." "I want to know why!" "Each of those names hides a story." "Problems, worries..." "There are wives, children." "Loans to pay, hopes..." "They're people, not numbers." "I told you to put your feelings aside!" "I know but I can't fire people." "I'm sorry." "That's your job!" "You're paid to fire people!" "Really?" "I'll fire someone then." "Marco Ferretti." "No, Ferretti!" "Yes, and raus too." "It's over!" "I knew you're backing London." "I read your horoscope, this morning." "For the Leo sign new experiences are on the way." "A kiss, Sarah." "I'll keep a watch out." "Lots of love." "Marco." " Dear, sorry I am late." " It's okay." "I'm used to deal with you." "What a lie did you say to your wife this time?" "No, I'm late because I saw my lawyer." "Someone sues you for plagiarism?" "No." "I have filed for divorce." "If you are joking, it's not funny." "No, I'm not joking." "I'm serious." "Oh my God!" "I can't believe it." "You see why I have asked you to meet you here?" "Because here, in the home department, it is full of sofas." "It's your best novel, I love you." "Hi, Tony." "Where are you?" "I've found the perfect apartment." "Fantastic." "What's it like?" "Big, full of light..." "A huge living room." "And a beautiful bedroom." "Just one bedroom?" "Just for us two." "But what if someone comes to stay." "In my opinion, one more room is needed." "Benson and Partners?" "I'm calling about the marketing manager post." "Could I bring you my resume and fix an appointment?" "Ah..." "It's already taken?" "All right." "No, it's not a problem." "With the recession, the vacancies vanish in no time." "I've been at it all morning." "Francesca!" "Mr. Ferretti..." "Incredible." "You're looking for work too." "Incredible but true." "How come you're in London?" "Someone had the guts to do what you didn't." "I was fired." "I'm sorry." "It's true, I didn't have the guts." "I heard." "That's why they fired you too." "Actually, I fired myself." "My sister lives in London." "I'm staying with her for now." "I'm staying at a friend's too." "The firm used to pay my rent so..." "Where's your sister's place?" "In Soho." "Dean Street." " There's an Italian place..." " Otello's." "You know it?" " Can we use first names?" " Sure." "Maybe we could go to Otello's one evening." "I'd like that." "Doing anything for lunch?" "What can I do?" "Nothing." "I'm out of work." "Me too." "In that case, let's go to Otello's now." "All right." "Doing anything after?" "Still nothing." "Right, still out of work." "I thought I'd see a movie." "I love the movies." "The theater too." "I don't have a job or a home." "I don't even have a girl." "But I still have hope." "The right door is there somewhere." "And I'll open it one day."