Chapter 18
Eighteen
NICO
I never lose control, especially in public, and this is no exception. I am here to do a job. To make my engagement to Regina believable. She must look the part, act the part and be the part if this is going to work. My family must see images of us all over the internet to accept this is genuine.
Then there is the lady herself. The easiest way to get her on side is to make her fall in love with me. It’s a lot to expect in the timeframe, but I’ve come up against worse challenges.
She trembles against me, and I’m not immune to her charms. If anything, I’m congratulating myself on a job well done because when we pull apart her expression is soft and slightly flustered.
There is a sparkle in her eyes that wasn’t there before, and once she has experienced the full force of my attention, I’m guessing she will be putty in my hands.
“Come, we need to eat, before we return and finish up.”
“Finish up?”
She scurries along beside me, and I nod. “We must select gifts for my parents and siblings, cousins and staff.”
I turn and address Mrs. Francis. “While we are gone, please amass an entire wardrobe for my fiancée. Everything a woman in her position will need. I don’t need to give you a detailed list; just make certain she has the best of everything and have it delivered to my apartment by the close of business today. ”
Mrs. Francis is looking at me as if I’m fucking Santa Claus, so I spin on my heels and drag a shocked Regina behind me.
We spill out onto the sidewalk where the cars are waiting, and as we pile inside, she gasps, “What just happened?”
“I went shopping.”
I return my attention to my phone and add, “It doesn’t happen much, so I go a little overboard when I get the chance.”
“But the money, it’s obscene.”
“If you say so. I say it’s adequate.”
I turn and fix her with a direct stare.
“Obscene spending includes an estate in Paris, several homes on tropical islands and enough valuable art in them to cause a worldwide shortage. Fast cars, yachts, private jets, that is what I class as obscene, not a trip to the store to pick up a few supplies. You will soon get used to the endless limit on your credit card, and this is the last time I will discuss the matter.”
She slumps back in her seat and smooths down the fabric of her skirt. “Well, it’s a lot to me.”
I detect the pride in her voice, and it halts my scrolling, causing me to turn to her, and she whispers, “I am not of your world, Nico. I watch every penny, so what happened back there blew my mind. It felt obscene to me because I hadn’t earned it, and even if I had, I doubt I would have been so frivolous. ”
She leans forward and touches my arm and says softly, “It’s not that I’m ungrateful, it’s just that I don’t need an entire closet of clothes for a two-day visit.
Think of the good you could have done with that money.
It’s Christmas, and there are many people who go without.
You could have made their decades with a fraction of what you just spent; surely that’s worth more than the latest shoe design? ”
I shrug, her noble words having all the effect of snowflakes on a sunny day.
“Newsflash, Regina. I raised three million dollars for the children’s hospital last night.
They will receive half along with the homeless shelter in Brooklyn, so don’t lecture me about charity.
I do my bit, and I do a lot. Viper Holdings funds water in Africa, research into cancer drugs and scholarships for deprived neighborhoods, so forgive me if from time to time I decide to treat those I love. ”
I’m shocked when her eyes fill with tears. “I’m sorry, Nico, I judged you harshly.”
For a moment I stare at her in surprise and then, leaning forward, I rap on the divider signaling the driver to stop.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m demonstrating my argument.”
I point to the small door set in a nearby alley, and as Trent opens the door, I say briskly, “Regina would like to take breakfast at the homeless shelter today.”
“I, I–”
She stutters as we head to the door, my guards blocking the entrance to the alley. As we head inside, the sight of cheap tinsel and the scent of warm baked goods create a warm and inviting place to be.
It’s busy in the main room; it always is as many homeless people from the streets take advantage of a hot breakfast and an opportunity to help themselves to the many clothes rails in the next room.
Donations are abundant at this time of the year, and as the server glances up from dishing out the food, they smile their welcome.
“Mr. Ravera, you’re back so soon.”
“Morning Carrie. My fiancée wanted to eat here this morning. Can you spare enough for two?”
“For you, absolutely.”
She smiles warmly at Regina. “Grab a seat and I’ll bring you two coffees and a selection. It won’t take long.”
I guide her to a bench, which means we must squeeze between two men who are wolfing down the food as if it’s going to be taken at any moment. One of them nods respectfully. “Mr. Ravera. Thanks for the food.”
“Is this him?”
A woman opposite says with her mouth full. “Wow, honey, you’re good enough to eat along with the food.”
She laughs loudly, causing Regina to giggle, and it strikes me how ridiculous we look sitting here in designer outfits among people who would prefer a warm padded coat and jeans.
Regina is quiet, but I can tell she’s happy to be here.
As Carrie drops two trays on the table, she winks. “Enjoy.”
As she heads back behind the counter, Regina asks, “She appears to know you very well.”
“She should; I pay her wages.”
“She doesn’t volunteer?”
“No. I pay three members of staff on a full-time contract. They make certain the place is run properly and there is always a warm place for the homeless to spend a few hours in.”
Regina sips her coffee and grins. “It’s good coffee.”
“I know. I liked it so much I bought the production operation. We import it from Brazil along with another brand from Kenya. Most of the hotels, clubs and cafes in New York, if not half of America, buy our products.”
She says nothing and smiles, and as she tears open a pastry, she whispers, “You know, I’m up for being bought out if you fancy adding gift baskets to your portfolio.”
I smile, deciding that now isn’t the time to mention that I own the biggest online store for gift baskets in the US, making me her competitor.
As we eat, we chat to the people around us, and it reminds me how much I prefer their company to anybody dining in the fancy restaurant I booked. I can relax here; there is nobody to impress, and that is why I come here when I need to remind myself what reality looks like.