“Alright, don’t know why I need to wear a suit,” I mumble.
“Because you look more intimidating when you’re in a suit,” he chuckles as we make our way inside and take the elevator up to his floor.
“See you in the morning,” he says as he steps out and I go up to mine. I don’t mind being alone, I find solace in the quiet, but sometimes I wonder what it would be like to have someone to come home to. Not wanting to dwell on that topic I decide I need to work out, need to get out some of the aggression I felt after talking to Tim. I’ll call my dad tomorrow.
Ten
Adelina
I got a scolding when I got home. I saw that Ivan left his card and I rushed out the door, hoping to catch him. Matteo tried to catch me but couldn’t find me until after Ivan made that man apologize to me. He could have killed that guy but he didn’t. Something in his eyes tells me he is haunted by his past, that he has dark demons. But he didn’t let them rule him right at that moment.
But because I ran off without a guard, I wasn’t safe. I wanted to tell my father that Ivan was safe, that I felt that way with him. He wouldn’t hurt me. I was a little hurt when he told me to stay away from him. I don’t want to, I hope I run into him again.
“You’re lost in thought,” Sofia says as I stare into space. I came down to her shop just to get out of the house and out of my father’s hair since he’s not happy with me because of that incident.
“Just thinking,” I say softly.
“Is it about a boy?” She chuckles.
“Not Stefano,” I admit.
“What?”
“I met someone. Russian and nice. He came into the restaurant to eat. He looks like a scary monster, a thing of nightmares….”
“Doesn’t sound so sweet,” she retorts.
“But he is. He left his card and I ran after him to give it to him and a man was running and knocked me down. He ran after the man and made him apologize to me. He could have killed that man with his bare hands. He didn’t. And I thought it was sweet that he stuck up for me.”
“Maybe sweet in a rough sort of way. Are you going to see him again?”
“I hope so,” I sigh.
“Just be careful. You know how your father and brother get,” she says. She hopes that Adolfo will ask her to marry him one day. I think that she’s out of luck there but I don’t have the heart to tell her. I do think that there is a certain guard of mine who is lurking in the corner right now that wants her, though. Matteo likes Sofia, and she’s too blind to see it.
“I will,” I reply, “Sofia, what do you think of Matteo?” I almost laugh when I see Matteo’s eyes. Sofia doesn’t even know he’s here, that’s how good he is.
“He’s cute,” she nods.
“Look, Adolfo is going to get married, to a girl in Italy. It’s been arranged. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
But I do hurt her with this information and it makes me sad.
“Just a childish dream hoping that he would notice me,” she says sadly.
“There is a man out there for you. He’s a good man, I hope you give him a chance,” I tell her.
“Who? Matteo?”
“Yes. If he asks to escort you out on a date, please say yes,” I beg her.
“Alright. I’ll give it a try,” and I watch as Matteo sighs and smiles at me.
“You owe me,” I mouth to him and he nods in agreement.
“I’ll let you close up. I have to get home. I’ll come by tomorrow,” I tell her as Matteo slips out so she doesn’t see him, I’m surprised the bell doesn’t even ring when he does it, he’s like a ninja.
“Stay safe,” she waves as I leave.
