CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
M y illustration submission was due tomorrow, and I had to decide on the complete mock finishes and the renders I’d created based on the texts. The fairy and the Shadow Prince had come to life in vivid colors. It was some of my best work, and even though Paul Crane had been encouraging, I was still nervous. I picked up my phone, took photos of each, and then sent them all to Rocco.
Adelina: What do you think?
A few seconds later, he responded.
Rocco: Brilliant! You’ll blow her away.
I smiled at his message, and a pang went through my chest.
Adelina: Thanks. How’s it going?
Rocco: Not the best. George wants more than I’m willing to give.
I deflated and texted back.
Adelina: I’m sorry, Rocco.
Rocco: I am, too, but I haven’t given up. We’ll make it work.
He was always positive, but it wasn’t looking good. It had already been over a week, and George hadn’t even agreed to increase his investment. However, I wrote back.
Adelina: You’ve got this, Superman.
Rocco: I do. Talk later. I miss you. Xoxo.
Adelina: I miss you too. Xoxo
The doorbell sounded at the same time as my phone. Cass. She had a break in college and decided to come up for a visit. I was crazy excited to see my friend. I rushed out of the office just in time to see her shake Zane’s hand.
“Nice to meet you,” she said to him, then threw her arms in the air screaming, and I ran into them. We hugged and jumped around like silly tweens.
“Ello’ gorgeous.”
“Jolly-Olly day to yah, luv,” Cassidy jokingly mocked in an even worse British accent.
I bent my waist, laughing, and held up my hand. “No more. I can’t take it.”
She walked further in and went straight over to the Jackson Pollock painting.
Her jaw dropped. “Holy shit.”
I grinned. “It’s a loan.”
She tapped her chin. “Yeah, I think you’d have to break the world’s bank before a museum would let you keep it forever.” She moved past the wall and stepped into the living room. “Wow, this place is spectacular.”
I beamed at her. “I love it, too.”
Maggie appeared with coffee and cakes that Rocco had sent to us from London.
“Maggie,” I sang out her name and she laughed. “I could have gotten those.”
“But then what will I do but twiddle my thumbs? These cakes are so delicious. It would be a crime not to share them.”
I laughed and told Cassidy, “We ate most of them.”
Maggie laughed. “Yes, we did, but lucky Mr. Marini sent two boxes. Enjoy.”
We both told her thank you.
I took out my phone and took a selfie eating one then sent the photo to Rocco with a caption.
Adelina: The cakes taste delicious. I miss you.
I flicked my eyes at Cassidy and her beaming face as I joined her on the couch.
“Sending selfies to the hubby. How cute,” Cassidy said, popping one into her mouth.
I laughed. “Shut up.”
“No way. Teasing you is too much fun. This cake is so good. Mmm.” She handed the same one over to me.
“I could eat all of these,” I joked eating it, then took a sip of coffee. “How’s grad school?”
“It’s fine,” she deadpanned. “I’m getting into the routine, making friends, stirring mischief. I’ve decided to do something to finish college sooner.”
I raised my brows. “What are you thinking?”
She stretched her arms over her head. “Doubling up my classes and taking summer classes. Take the law exam, then take a year off to travel. First stop, New Zealand.”
“Rocco mentioned doing a film there,” I said casually.
She bounced on her seat. “Maybe I can be an extra? I’ll even take a leave for that.”
I smiled. “I’ll definitely ask him.”
“Yeah, what’s the use of having a producer brother-in-law and not getting some friendly perks,” she half-joked.
Chime. The door and my phone rang at the same time.
“I’ll get the door,” Cassidy suggested, springing to her feet.
“I’ll answer my phone,” I added in a cheery tone. “Hello?”
“Hello, Bella.” Rocco’s deep voice came through the line, and my heart lifted.
“Rocco,” I sang out.
“I miss you.”
“I miss you, too.” So much.
“How much, or should I ask, what do you miss?” he said in a deep, intimate tone.
“Too much. Everything. I wish you were here. Are you coming back?” My voice raised octaves.
“As soon as possible, or I’ll send for you here.” He exhaled long.
“You sound tired.”
Cassidy returned, and I mouthed Rocco, pointing to my phone.
She waggled her eyebrows.
Isla came in behind her with garment bags. “Isla’s here?”
“I know. She reminded me that I was missing something important in New York. How about you and Cassidy attend the New York Film Festival premiere of The Age of Sin tonight?”
The movie was still getting award buzz.
I held the phone away from my ear and called Cassidy. “Hey. Rocco wants to know if we can attend his movie premiere tonight?”
“I’m already there,” Cassidy joked and waved her hand.
“Cassidy wants to go,” I told him, then walked over to one of the factory windows and leaned against the wall to give us more privacy. “Are you sure? I mean, wouldn’t they rather have you there?”
“You’re a Marini now, which makes you an extension of me.”
Rocco was sure about everything, but it was hard to know when he was upset or disappointed. “But this is your big night.”
“Yeah, well, I can only continue if I get the support to make it happen…I wish I could go, but now George wants us to spend time at his lodge. He’s putting me through the wringer.” His voice strained.
“It sounds awful, Rocco. I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll get the money; maybe I can set a better date to buy them out.”
Even I knew it would cost him maybe double if the studio were a success, and with Rocco’s track record so far, it would. However, he had enough on his plate.
He groaned. “I have to go.”
A longing rose inside me, and my emotions overwhelmed. “I miss you, Rocco,” I choked. I love you.
“Aww, Bella. I’ll see you soon. I promise. Te Adora, mi Bella.”
“Il mio bellissimo marito. Non vedo l’ora di vederti.” I adore you, my handsome husband. I can’t wait to see you.
“You have a way with words, my beautiful wife.”
I licked my lips and touched my stomach. “I…I have more for you when you get back.”
“Mmm. Now, I must hurry. Have fun tonight.”
We ended the call.
“Oh, look at you in love,” Cassidy said, shaking her butt and singing, “Young Hearts Run Free.”
“Why are you singing that,” I asked. Of all the songs, it was the one we had just recently danced to in London at the Mid-Summer Night’s Ball show.
She took out her phone and showed me a clip of Rocco and me dancing at the London concert. The clip was entitled “Get a Room.”
I covered my face. “Oh no.”
She laughed. “Oh yes. It’s sexy. Everyone online hates you now. It’s perfect.”
Our dancing was much dirtier than I remembered, but Rocco touching me all over had become what we did all day long on our honeymoon. What sent my heart racing was the way he gazed into my eyes and our lingering kisses. I’d never been happier. But it was so intimate. It hurts that I have to share falling in love with the world. I glanced down at the comments.
Data321: Disgraceful
I scoffed. “Don’t care what you think.”
Cassidy laughed. “Jelly.” She pointed to Fingerblast69’s comment. “That one’s my favorite.”
Fingerblast69: She lets him play with her tits and grind on that booty. My kind of girl!
My cheeks warmed. “Yeah, whatever.”
“He meant that as a compliment, Lina. If things don’t work out with Rocco, this finger person is ready to step in.”
I snorted. “Who says I’ll be easy for him?” My eyes lowered to the following comment.
Rocking2025: She’s gagging for it. What a slag. Just f**k already!
I grimaced. “Slag? Slut?”
Cassidy smirked. “Yep. It means slut. Sure, fuck right there because the Rocking 2025 says so.”
I laughed, let out a sob, and then waved my hands to stop the tears threatening to fall.
“You all right, gorgeous?” Her expression had shifted from amused to concerned.
“Yes, uhm, Rocco’s still stuck in Italy,” I mumbled.
She squeezed my shoulder. “You miss him. You love him. You want to have many Superman babies with him.”
I playfully pushed her back.
It wasn’t only that I missed Rocco; I had other worries for him. Was he doing okay alone? I hated thinking he was lonely. What if he didn’t get the money? I could already feel his stress, even on my end of the line. Luca had crushed his dream by trying to make Rocco change instead of accepting the amazing man that he had become. I’d only known him for a short time, and I admired him immensely. He gave everything his all. And it hurt that he was hurting. I wanted to take that pain away. However, Rocco wanted me to do my best for his premiere. “I’ll be fine. Let’s do this.”
Cassidy bent her hands and wiggled her fingers. “Yes, let’s.”
We both turned to Isla and her assistant, who had joined her with more garment bags.
“I have your sizes from Nadia Crane’s wedding team. A few designers have sent over dresses for you both to wear. I also picked up a few extras. You’ll try them on, and…” She touched the arm of the woman standing next to her. “Anna is a seamstress. She can make any adjustments.” She checked her watch. “We have only five hours… Where would you like us to set up?”
“Uhm, the spare bedroom down here?” I suggested. It had a queen-sized bed, but it was smaller than the rest of the upstairs rooms.
“Wonderful. Let’s get started,” Isla said, clasping her hands together.
Cassidy pawed up and wiggled her butt. “Sounds great. I love you, Isla.”
Isla laughed.
My phone vibrated in my hand. Cassidy and Isla turned to look at me, and I waved them forward. “I’ll be right there. Hello?”
“Hi, Adelina?” a male voice asked.
My brows lowered. “Who is this?”
“It’s Rocco’s father, Nico.”
I rolled my eyes. He was the last person I wanted to talk to. “Oh. Well, I’m about to go out, so—”
“I won’t bother you for long. I only have a question.”
I pushed out my hip. “Yes?”
“Magda told me she gave you a package from Luca in Italy.”
“Oh, yeah. She did.” There was so much going on that I had forgotten all about it.
“Can you tell me what it was?” he asked, his tone abrupt.
I rubbed the space between my brows. “No, I’m sorry, I can’t. I haven’t opened it yet. Honestly, I have no idea where it is. I have flown at least four times since then and lived in a few different places. I’ll have to find it.”
He scoffed. “Who takes a package and doesn’t open it from someone deceased?”
My cheeks heated. I hadn’t opened it because Luca was like a grandfather to me and a close friend, and I was still mourning his death, not that I owed Nico a reason . “Excuse me? I don’t have to explain myself to you. It was left for me , not you .”
“Sorry,” he huffed. “My questions are out of frustration for Luca, not you… I’m only trying to help my son. Rocco tells us…he’s happy with you; I’d never take that from him. Understood?”
I took a deep breath. “Fine. Thank you.”
“Good. Now, while I have you on the phone. Go look for it—”
“I don’t have time—”
“You can make the time. This is more important than anything you’re doing—”
“Goodbye, Mr. Marini.”
I hung up on him and seethed. No matter what he said, he didn’t want me as Rocco’s wife. And I hadn’t forgotten that I caught him searching the bedroom where I slept in Italy after Luca died. He was determined, and I wasn’t sure he wouldn’t come over and force a search again. I had to find it.
There were two packages left, one in my bedroom and the other Magda had told me had been from Luca. He loved and trusted his house assistants immensely. He wanted me and me alone to know something that was in it. And if it could help Rocco like Nico claimed, I had to find it.
I went up the stairs to the main bedroom and straight to the walk-in closet. There were racks of clothing and shoe shelves, but I didn’t see the suitcases. I was about to ask one of the house assistants when I pushed a rack back and discovered another small cupboard at the back. Dropping to my knees, I crawled down and opened it. There were the suitcases. At the very back was my tote bag from Italy.
My hands trembled as I pulled it out and unzipped the side. My old handbag and a few sweaters were inside of it. There was also a visible lump. Strangely, no one had unpacked it or told me about it. Then again, Rocco told me we wouldn’t stay here permanently. Besides, it’s my handbag, and no one would go in it.
“Adelina?”
“Yes?” I called and looked over my shoulder. It was Isla again.
“Mrs. Crane called and would like to know if you can send over your package today instead of tomorrow. She left a message, but her assistant also called me.”
I took out my phone and didn’t realize I hadn’t checked my voicemail earlier. Lily’s message was left over an hour ago. Shit. I quickly played the recording.
“Hello, Adelina. It’s Lily Crane of Perchance to Dream Literary Agency. I hope my message finds you well. The submission deadline is tomorrow. It’s our second call. I wasn’t as keen on the illustrations done so far, and I’m excited to see what you come up with for it. However, we’re leaving New York tonight. I’d like to know if you can have it delivered to me this evening. If so, thank you.”
My heart pounded listening to Lily Crane. She had so much faith that I’d win over her team at the agency with my drawings.
“What do you need?” Isla asked, letting me know she was there. Her eyes lingered on the suitcase.
I pushed it back into the closet and then stood up. “Lily Crane wants me to send her my submission tonight. I have it all together, but I’m not sure….” Is it ready or good enough?
She had her phone in her hand. “I’ll get someone to help you label, package, and hand deliver it to Lily Crane. Don’t worry. It’ll be great.”
Isla was a godsend, and I was so happy we kept her on. She made my life so much easier.
I walked over and asked. “May I hug you?”
She beamed at me. “Of course you can.”
I hugged her and then drew back. “I’ll just be a few minutes.”
She left the room, and I restacked the suitcases inside the cupboard. It would have to wait until tomorrow. I reluctantly walked out of the bedroom and hurried down the stairs to find Zane. He was in the front hall on his phone. When I approached, he stopped his call and turned toward me.
“Hey, uhm, I have a request for you,” I said, not sure how to approach what I had to say.
He quietly ended his call and put his phone away in his blazer. “Sure, Adelina. How can I help?”
“I don’t want Nico inside our home unless Rocco’s here,” I said and hugged my arms.
“Okay, I’ll tell the security and staff here,” Zane assured, and it shocked me that it was that easy.
“You don’t need to call Rocco first?” I peered at him inquisitively.
He smiled and shook his head. “This is your home. You decide how you run it. No matter who’s involved, Rocco wouldn’t want you to feel unsafe.”
My shoulders dropped, and some of the tension inside me eased. “Thank you so much, Zane.”
He gave me a confused look. Perhaps for him, it wasn’t out of the ordinary to have control over something as basic as who could come inside a home, but it hadn’t been my life.And while I thanked and left Zane to head up the stairs with a lift in my spirits, a nagging thought about the package’s content remained.
What’s in it?