Chapter 43
CHAPTER 43
N ew Friend
Symphony
Our date is tonight, and I have no idea what I should wear. I went to Valentina to ask for help. I didn’t think she would take me shopping, not when she has the responsibility of Vita and the newborn twins.
It’s been so long since I’ve done this with a friend. I think we are becoming friends. I am older than Val by two or three years, but she still has a maternal aura about her.
She’s watchful and protective when it comes to me. She doesn’t treat me as if I don’t understand or like I need more help than I do. She’s more like a whisper. Suggesting things I should do, like the oil and panty display I put on for Michael the first night I arrived.
“That’s it. That’s the one,” Val sings when I step out of the dressing room.
I look down at the outfit I have on and question my own sanity. Why on earth did I even try this one? I’m not wearing this on my first date.
“You have lost some part of your mind. I cannot wear this,” I say.
“Why not? You look sexy and Michael won’t be able to keep his hands off you. It’s perfect.
“Those long legs were meant to be shown off. We’ll take the outfit and the shoes,” she says to the salesclerk.
“I would like to find something else.”
“Okay, fine. We’re still taking this one though,” Val huffs.
“I think we’re doing too much. I don’t even know where he’s taking me. I think something casual is in order.”
“You asked me for help, and I happen to know where he’s taking you. You should listen to your sister. I’ll never lead you astray. I’ve got your back.”
Her words fill me with so much joy. I want to be close with her like sisters. I’ve been so happy here in New York so far.
I’ve been invited to meet all of Val’s friends. I can’t wait for our outing. Although I have to say I’m a bit nervous about that.
“Okay, fine. If you know where we are going and you really think this will be appropriate, I will wear it.”
“That’s my girl. Now come on so we can find the right undergarments for when he tears you out of that little number.”
My mouth falls open and I begin to blush as I glance around at the staff members who have been helping us. They are all smiling with knowing looks. I drop my gaze to the red heels on my feet and turn to rush back into the dressing room.
Maybe I don’t want to be friends with Val. Why would she say those things in front of strangers? I don’t want people to know that I have sex with my husband.
You’re an adult, Symphony. Everyone knows you have sex with your husband. He’s your husband.
“Oh, shut up,” I chide my thoughts.
Michael
Sim spent the entire day out shopping with Val. When they returned Sim had a huge smile on her face. I love seeing her so happy.
I am grateful to Val for taking Sim in so quickly. I can see they are fond of each other and have a fast-building bond. This will be good for Sim, I think.
Her first few days here, she popped that wristband a lot. I’ve come to notice she does it when she is anxious or having difficulty finding what she wants to express. I try to give her time to gather her thoughts when I feel it’s the latter.
“You look like a nervous teen on the way to prom. You have been on dates before. Why are your knickers wound so tight?” Uri says as he walks into the kitchen where I’ve been standing, lost in thought.
“I have never taken Sim on a proper date. I don’t want anything to go wrong.”
“It is good to see you like this. I can see how much she means to you. You’re happier with her around.”
“I should have found another way,” I grumble.
“Don’t beat yourself up. You did what you felt was right for her and look how accomplished she has become. Besides, think about all Leonardo has done trying to get to you both.
“I would have had to bathe Italy in blood and burn it to ash if anything happened to either of you. Her distance gave you focus. You have gone from my baby brother, my shadow, to a man of your own.
“I don’t think you made any mistakes. Don Trovati doesn’t either. He has watched you both. When you are not with him, he still knows of your actions.”
“Thanks, Uri. I needed to hear that. I have big shoes to fill. I don’t think I thought of how enormous this undertaking would be.
“I just saw a kid in need. All I could think about was losing Papa and how we had to live after. How you had to live.
“No one ever stepped in for us. I didn’t want her to have to go through something like that. Not when … you know.
“Someone else would have taken advantage if we didn’t step up. I could see you didn’t want to do it. Seeing you with Val now, I’m glad you didn’t.
“Sim wasn’t the one who needed me. You were right for the job and still are. You were never meant to be in my shadow. I believe we are both on the paths meant for us,” he says.
“Speaking of which, did you know Don Trovati planned to have Don Alfanzo offer me a seat at the table?”
“No, I didn’t know he would be involved. I’ve always been under the impression that this is LaSalle’s thing.”
“It is, but apparently Don Locatelli has a few seats he plans to fill. I have been given one. If you don’t want me to take it or if you would rather I do so you don’t have to?—”
“I am a Donati. We are men of our word. I have already accepted my role.
“Do as you wish, Michael. You are a grown man. I have trained you as much as I can.
“What you do from here, you do as your own man. These are your decisions. Yours and Sim’s,” he interrupts me to say.
“There you are. Come, she’s ready. You need to watch her come down for the full effect,” Annabella says excitedly.
I grin and grab the bouquet of red roses from the countertop where I placed them, then I follow my sister to the foyer. Her excitement is infectious. I pull out my pocket watch to check the time.
My grin grows as “Für Elise” begins to play. I never leave home without this watch. I have cherished it since Sim gave it to me. It has been a reminder that, in time, all things fall into sync.
Uri clears his throat beside me, causing me to lift my head. I close my watch in my palm and grasp it tightly. Sim has a nervous smile on her lips, but that’s not what grabs my attention.
It’s her long, silky legs that are on display that have my mouth watering and my slacks growing tight. She has on a pair of red fuck me heels that scream she’s my naughty girl. I have to bite back my reaction when my gaze rises to the garment she’s wearing.
I want to demand she turn around and go change, but I don’t want to hurt her feelings. However, she may get someone hurt before the night is over. She’s wearing what looks like a black sleeveless tux jacket—nothing else.
From this distance, I’m left to wonder if anything is underneath. It molds over her breasts and stops mid-thigh. She has done something different with her hair. Her locs seem to be twisted together in twos and then pulled back away from her face in a high ponytail that hangs down her back.
The elegance and grace of Sim’s walk only enhance the visual of her coming to me. Her full lips are painted red with a glossy shine to them.
The look is tightly skating the line of classy but sexy. My wife could have had a career as a supermodel if she wanted. She is a head-turner, for sure.
“I am ready for our date,” she says as she stops in front of me.
I place a hand on her hip and pull her to me to kiss her soft lips. I don’t take it too far, just a peck. When I pull away, I hand her the flowers in my other hand.
Her eyes light up with excitement and she claps her hands together. I will have to bring her flowers more often. She takes them in her hands and gives them a sniff.
“I am used to getting flowers in my dressing room, but this is so much different,” she says excitedly. “Thank you, Michael.”
“You are welcome.”
“Annabella, will you please put my flowers in some water for me? I don’t want to damage them on our date.”
“I’ve got you.”
Symphony’s eyes light up as Annabella takes the roses from her. I can tell something has come to mind to make her happy and excited. It’s as if I can see her downloading information in her head.
“Oh, I don’t want them to die too quickly. Do you know to make sure you use a clean vase? You have to trim the stems at a sharp angle underwater and remove any leaves that could be submerged in the water. Michael, can we stop for some flower food to add to the water when we return?”
I kiss her cheek. “We might not find anything open by then. I will buy you another dozen tomorrow.”
“It’s okay. I want to save these. I will order online and have it delivered.”
“In that case, we should go.”