Chapter 15
Elena
WARMTH KISSES MY CHEEK AS I EMERGE FROM SLEEP. OPENING MY crusty eyes, I squint towards the open curtains regretting my decision to leave them open last night as the sunshine filters into the room, bright and cheery. The opposite of what I am feeling at the moment.
Dragging myself out of bed I head towards the vanity and start the process of getting ready. I make a mental note to actually sleep early tonight because the lack of sleep coupled with the crying has me feeling all sorts of crap
After brushing my teeth, I step into the shower.
A long hot shower always helps. Ten minutes later, teeth brushed and freshly showered, I admit I do feel much better.
The massive bed looks cosy and inviting after being thoroughly dusted and tidied up.
Sighing heavily, I shake my head looking at the fluffy warm comforter and the variety of soft squishy pillows.
I need to make better use of this gorgeous bed, crying my eyes out just won’t do.
Moving to the mirror to brush my hair I’m barely surprised by my reflection. I expected to look like this. Red rimmed puffy eyes stare back at me. My skin looks blotchy and red.
After applying a small amount of foundation and light powder to set it all in place, I look more myself.
The concealer I applied helps hide the puffiness and the cherry lip-gloss draws attention to my lips and away from my eyes.
I’m dressed in blue skinny jeans with a black woollen long sleeve pullover.
Since I’m wearing long sleeves, I don’t bother with the bracelets.
Happy with how I look, I slip my feet into my tennis shoes and scurry downstairs for breakfast. I already know what I’m having since it ended up in a soppy mess last night.
I hear movement downstairs. I’m sure Lorenzo must be gone to the office by now so I’m guessing that the noise is probably the housekeeper.
The kitchen is occupied as I suspected, but it isn’t the housekeeper.
Lorenzo is busy at the coffee machine, his back turned to me, he’s dressed in a dark grey suit, even from the back he looks like he just stepped out of a magazine.
Clearing my throat in a feeble attempt to announce myself and prevent him from spilling coffee all over his expensive suit, I make my way into the kitchen.
He turns when he hears my not-so-subtle announcement.
“Good morning.”
“Morning.” I say lifting my hand, I give him a small wave.
“Did you sleep well?” No sir. I slept like shit.
“Yes, like a baby. The bed is lovely. The entire room is amazing.”
“Glad to hear it. Can I get you a coffee? How do you take it? Milk or cream… sugar?”
“That would be nice, cream, three sugars please.” He raises an elegant brow at me.
“What?” He’s smiling…
“Three sugars are a lot of sugar. You should try and cut down a bit.” Yes daddy.
“I’ve always had a sweet tooth. I don’t think that will change anytime soon.” He nods, then gives me his back again as he prepares my coffee for me.
“You must be hungry, please help yourself, I think we have everything you might need. If not then jot it down and Mrs. Wilkens will get it for you.”
“I’m guessing Mrs Wilkens is your housekeeper? Thank you but I know exactly what I’m having for breakfast.” I make my way to the pantry and return moments later with the familiar ingredients in hand.
He watches me silently as I make my sandwich. I can feel his gaze burning a hole through me. Reluctantly, I look up and meet his stare, jade eyes meet my blue ones.
“Would you like me to make you one as well?” I offer sweetly.
“No thanks I’m good for now, but if this sandwich draws out the same sound you made yesterday, I might be inclined to try it.”
I stare at him wide eyed, mouth hanging open and cheeks flaming hot. I’m sure my makeup is gone to shit. Probably melted right of my goddamned face. Oh, he’s not done yet.
“Who knew food could be so... pleasurable.” It wasn’t a question. He just made a statement. A statement that makes me feel hot and bothered.
“Enjoy your day, Elena.”
I stand there dumbstruck like a damn idiot as he slowly and silently walks off. It’s only after he’s gone that I notice my coffee in front of me. When did that happen? I hadn’t even noticed him leave it there.
The gentle chime of the doorbell alerting the staff of my entrance, sounds familiar and inviting.
I have grown to love Book Besties in the short time that I have spent here.
I look around hoping to see Miranda but she doesn’t seem to be around.
I remember there being a section towards the back of the store where all the shelf décor is kept and swiftly head in that direction.
It does not disappoint. The shelves are fully stocked with a wide range of bookish inspired décor.
Heading to the front of the store to get a cart –
“Miss. Reeves? Oh, how lovely to see you.”
I turn around to see Miranda trudging over towards me.
“Hi! How are you? Please call me Elena. I looked for you when I walked in and thought you weren’t in today.”
“I was out back checking on deliveries. Have you seen your book yet?” It’s strange, I hadn’t even thought to check.
“Uhm, no, actually, I haven’t.”
“Follow me, I set you up under new releases for now.” I follow Miranda without question as she marches on.
She comes to a halt in front of a row of book shelves with a sign that says ‘New Releases’ hanging above from the ceiling.
There she is… my baby. Looking at my book sitting on the shelf is a bit, overwhelming actually.
Sometimes I still can’t believe that I actually have a published book out there.
Looking at the copies displayed, I realise that I don’t have a copy of my own book here in Chicago.
Mine are all packed in a box at Evie’s place.
Plucking a copy off the shelf and dropping it into my cart I can’t help but feel nauseatingly excited and a little silly at the idea of buying my own book.
It’s insane really, but I want one for my office at the Marino home.
Miranda looks at me questioningly and I fill her in on my little adventure.
“Oh, this is wonderful, perhaps we could arrange more events like a meet and greet now that you are so close?”
“Sure, just let me know when. I will need a months’ notice though so I can plan accordingly.”
“Done. Is there anything else I can help you with before I go?”
“I’m alright for now, just going to have a look at the shelf décor you’ve got here.”
We say our goodbyes and part ways. I head back to the décor section.
Half an hour later I have a copy of my own book, a vase shaped like a book, it’s transparent and has the image of stacked books etched into the glass, I also have a few magnetic bookmarks, a journal, a mini bookcase to go on my book shelf and I think I may be able to put my mini books on it.
I also managed to get a snow globe to put on my desk, A cushion for the sofa that has embroidered text which read “Authors are dangerous creatures”.
I continue browsing and find a collection of bedtime stories, I have no idea if Angelo likes stories yet or if he already has these.
It’s a collection of ten stories and 1 bonus book with nursery rhymes.
It says limited edition so the chances that he already has it are slim.
I’m just about to pull my cart away and proceed to checkout when a cute little book catches my eye.
It’s a copy of Beauty and The Beast. It’s a hardcover, less than an A6 size and it has foiled print and beautiful vibrant illustrations.
Beauty and The Beast is my favourite Disney story. It’s why I fell in love with books.
Belle ended up leading the best life, living in a castle with a strong man who loved her unconditionally. Sure, he was a walking talking red flag but we don’t focus on the negative, and she had a massive library.
I have to have it. Turning the book over to look for the price, I frown. Jesus, for this price it should at the very least come with the castle… or the Beast. But I deserve pretty things so I add it to my cart and head to the front to settle the damage and leave.
Next stop is a cute little store with all sorts of household treasures. I’m looking for a particular piece, a new alarm clock.
I managed to find a cute little clock; it’s a light purple. The face is white. It’s perfect, not too much colour and it goes with the room.
Next, that cute little café I visited with Tony.
It smells divine in here, just like I remember.
I order a coffee and a lemon and poppy seed muffin to have in store and a chocolate fudge brownie and mud cake to go.
As I place my order, I imagine Lorenzo’s horror at the copious amounts of sugar I plan on consuming. The thought brings a smile to my face.
I totally misjudged the size of that muffin, I’m stuffed. I finish off and take my little baggie to go. I’ve spent a solid four hours away from the house. Good for me.