Maddie’s excitement reached a new level. “A surprise?”
“What kind of surprise?” I asked.
“You’ll both have to wait and see. Come on, let’s get you both packed and ready to go.”
Without another word, Valentino hopped out of his seat and headed inside.
“You heard him,” I said to Maddie. “Run upstairs and get some clothes together, OK?”
“OK!” She sprinted into the house, with Mick at her side. Normally, I would’ve reminded her that no running in the house was allowed. In those moments, however, I was so preoccupied with the night ahead and Valentino’s offer that I didn’t have the mental space for anything else.
Valentino was in the kitchen, taking the last few sips of his wine.
“You sure about this?” I asked. “I don’t want to impose.”
“Not imposing if I'm the one who suggested it.”
“You know what I mean. I don’t want you to feel obligated.”
Valentino shook his head. “Not in the slightest. Besides, we’ve been talking about easing Maddie into what’s been going on between us. I’m thinking having a little sleepover might be a good way to do it. Now, go on and get some clothes together.”
I hurried out of the kitchen and went upstairs. Fear and excitement brewed inside of me in equal measure, and even though I knew this might be a complication, I couldn’t help but have a big grin on my face as I made my way to Maddie’s room.
“I’m ready!”
She stood by her bed with a proud smile on her face, her little overnight bag—a wheeled suitcase in the shape of an anime-style dog—at her side. As she stood there, I looked around her room. As crazy as it was, Maddie’s room was the most put-together out of the whole house.
However, while her clothes were put away and her bed actually was a bed, I couldn’t help but notice howplainthe room was. The walls were white, the floor covered with a simple red rug. It was hardly a place for a little girl to feel happy and safe.
“Alright, why don’t you go head down with Mick and stay with Dr. V. while Mom gets ready, OK?”
“OK!”
Her wheely bag dragged behind her as she left, Mick right at her heels.
When she was gone, I rushed into my room and quickly put a bag together. As I did, I realized how little thought I'd given the matter of spending the night over at Valentino’s. Namely, where the hell wouldIbe sleeping? Was he planning on making up a guest bedroom for me? Or did he have other arrangements in mind?
I was nervous as hell about it all. Despite that, the idea of getting under the covers with Valentino was enough to make my pussy clench as I threw a few things into my overnight bag. Once that was done, I stepped over to the mirror and locked eyes with my reflection, taking one deep breath after another as I made sure I looked halfway presentable.
Relax. You’re going over there for Maddie, and no other reason. Just be cool and let it play out.
Once I'd talked myself down a bit, I grabbed my bag and left the room. I could hear the happy laughter and barking of Maddie and Mick playing together, which put me at ease right away. Sure, I was a little uncertain about the evening and what might unfold. But anything that made Maddie that happy couldn’t have been bad.
“You girls ready?” Valentino asked. “Because I don’t know if I can wait another minute to show you your surprise, Maddie.”
“Yeah!" Maddie cried out. “Let’s go!”
She ran over to the front door with her bag and pulled it open, Mick panting at her side as they made their way down the steps.
“I have to admit,” I said as Valentino and I followed the pair. “I’m curious about this surprise.”
“You’ll like it,” he said. “At least, I hope so. Come on, I can’t wait to show you.” As we crossed the lawn, he called out to Maddie once more. “Hey, you’re into ice cream, right?”
“Yeah!” Maddie shot back.
“Good. Because I just stocked up on some of the good stuff. How about I show you your surprise, then we have a little dessert?”
“Yes please!”
