I chuckle, "Of course.I wouldn't expect anything less from my Wild Thang."When we are in the foyer, I set her down and gesture to the entrance to the street.
She giggles, knowing I didn't trust her not to run back up the stairs to my studio.When we exit onto the street sidewalk, Angelo is rounding the corner.I wave him over.
When he stops, I open the door for Siri, and she slides in.Immediately, Angelo asks her."Did you like it?"
"I absofuckinglutely love it!"She tells him as I get in and closes the door, shutting out the sounds of the other honking horns and street noises.
Angelo laughs, "Awesome!"
I put my arm around Siri, and she snuggles up, happy."Thank you for my sweet surprise.It is very thoughtful of you."
"You're welcome, Wild Thang.It will be my pleasure to watch you work out there."
"What?You can't watch me.I work out alone."
"What do you mean you work out alone?What do you mean I can't watch?"I'm not loud, but my voice is firm."You willnotcome down here alone!Just put that out of your pretty little head."
Angelo stops the car in the middle of traffic, and horns honk behind us.He reaches into his pocket, puts on a pair of earbuds, then puts the car in drive and pulls away again—the blasting music leaking from them.
"What's the big deal?"
"The big deal is the issue still unresolved in Alabama."
"Ruth?"
"Yes.Ruth.You are not to go anywhere without me, or Angelo or Antonio.Do you understand?"
"Chill-ax.I do."She kisses my cheek."I'm used to always having a bodyguard or a protection detail hanging around.I only meant I always work out alone.Once I have my routines memorized, I don't mind if you watch, but you can't watch while I'm working on them.I can't focus when I have an audience.I'm an entertainer, and if you are watching, I will feel the need to entertain.It's a distraction I can't afford.I'm a professional dancer.It has to be perfect, and dancing is hard work."She snuggles against me.Satisfied there isn't an issue.I put my arm around her again."So, what is the custom outfit you are having made for me?"
"It's a surprise."
CHAPTERTWENTY-FIVE
* * *
Siri
* * *
The next day, I rise before Aurei.I'm so excited about seeing the sights.I shower and dress in one of the new outfits he bought for me yesterday.It's a soft black leather mini-skirt with a mint green, mid-length sleeve, crew neck, sweater crop top, and wedge-heeled, silver-grey suede pumps.I'm ready to go before he rolls over.I set his phone alarm for 15 minutes, sync mine, then put his by the bed to wake him.I ease out of the door and head upstairs to the restaurant.I walk right in and seat myself at our table.The hostess, Ana, comes over and greets me."Ciao, Miss Wright.
"Ciao, Ana.How are you this morning?"
"Good."She smiles and surveys the room.
"Is there anyone here that I should be aware of?"I smile and wink at her.
Her smile broadens."No.All shall be quiet."
"That's good.Grazie, Ana."
She nods and bows slightly, then leaves to greet some new guests arriving.Our waiter comes over and asks."Will you be ordering your usual, Miss Wright?"
"Yes, please."I smile at him and read his name tag.
He smiles, nods and leaves.He returns with a pot of cappuccino and pours me a cup."I've put your order in.Shall I wait for Maximus before I serve you?"
"Yes, Federico.Grazie.He will be down shortly."I'm adding the cream and sugar when my iPhone begins to play Tom Jones' classic, "She's a Lady."I laugh as I pull it out of my pocket.Aurei's been playing with my phone."That rascal!"I turn my alarm off and text him.
