Chapter 26
Elena’s Birthday
Elena
IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR AGAIN. ANOTHER TRIP AROUND THE SUN.
I’ve managed to get an early start. I’ve already showered and changed into a pair of white skin tight jeans, with a gold chain belt that has an extra little piece that hangs from my waist to mid-thigh.
I’ve paired my jeans with a light floral print top that stops just below my navel, revealing a thin sliver of skin between my waistband and the hem of my top.
The look is finished off with a pair of black strappy sandals with two-inch heels, nothing life endangering considering I’ll be carrying Angel around.
I thought it pretty and functional for my special day.
I can take care of my baby boy and look good doing it.
Look at me being all mum-like… I give my reflection a small smirk as I apply my mascara.
For the most part, I’ll be spending my day with Angel, doing our normal routine of brushing teeth, breakfast, an episode of Bluey…
(seriously, how are those dogs so relatable?), playtime, a yogurt cup snack with chopped up mixed fruit then another TV show, probably Paw Patrol, followed by lunch, a bath and then nap time.
Cecelia invited me to a late lunch at a restaurant which I happily accepted.
Apart from the moms at the park, I haven’t really had the time to make any friends.
Evie will be joining us as well, after which Cecelia will take Angel to spend the night with her so Evie and I can go out tonight to celebrate my birthday.
At Evie’s insistence, I asked Enzo for the night off a month in advance, he never asked my reasons and I never volunteered one either.
Our relationship wasn’t like that. We both just had a lot of pent-up feelings, with him being celibate after the death of his wife and my breakup with Matt, I needed that rebound and he obviously needed the release.
And boy did he ever. That was weeks ago and honestly, I thought it would be weird but it isn’t.
I mean the guy would have to be around for it to be weird and he just works so damn hard, he’s hardly ever home.
Do I crave him though? Abso-fucking-lutely. Would I climb him like a tree if he made a move on me again? You bet your sweet ass I would. Would I allow him to pin me up against the wall of his office and put his…
The static from the baby monitor knocks me back to reality and I hear the tiny mumbling of Angel coming through. Somebody’s sleep was interrupted probably having sensed his nanny’s impure thoughts about his dad.
Oh well, time to get on with the day.
We go through the usual routine, although breakfast was a bit challenging today.
Angel refused his cereal and demanded candy.
I don’t give him candy so there could only be two other people responsible for this rebellion, Tony or Evie but since I haven’t seen Evie in almost three weeks, my money’s on Tony.
He stopped by yesterday to drop off some “sensitive” documents, as he put it.
Not wanting to leave it unattended at the office since Enzo was in New York on business.
He must have slipped Angel some candy when I wasn’t looking. He’ll pay for that.
It's almost 3pm when I’m ready to leave the house, Angelo’s overnight bag is packed, he’s up and in a good mood after a much-needed power nap. I leave a note for the housekeeper letting her know that I’ll be home late and she should lock up and leave the key with security.
Thirty minutes later we’re at the restaurant.
Carrying Angelo on my right hip with his bag slung over my left shoulder, I give the lovely gentleman at the front desk my name and he immediately smiles and has someone come over to escort us to our table.
Walking through the half-full restaurant, I instantly spot Cecelia at a corner table at the back.
As if on cue she looks up and a broad smile spreads across her face.
She stands as we approach and instantly wraps me in a hug.
“Happy birthday my dear, you look lovely today.”
Then pulling back a little, she reaches her arms out to Angelo.
“Come to Nonna Angelo.” Angelo is only too happy to jump into his Nonna’s arms, giving her a loud giggle as he dives out of my arms and into hers.
It’s strange how his name means angel and his grandmother calls him angel in Italian, which is his actual name and because he is such a sweet little cherub, I call him Angel shortening his Italian name but meaning the same thing.
Holy stimulation, ok that’s way too much thinking for today.
“There she is!”
Both Cecelia and I turn to see the beautiful blonde ploughing through the tables and its occupants hurtling straight in our direction. Cecelias’ eyes are wide and her shocked expression is a total contrast to mine as I smile at Evie. She sure knows how to make an entrance.
“Happy birthday you beautiful bi…”
I cut her off covering her mouth with my hand while making wide eyes at her and nodding towards Angelo. She starts to mumble against my hand, rolling her eyes at me.
Sending an eyeroll of my own right back at her I remove my hand from her mouth and wipe off her lipstick that has now transferred to my hand on a napkin.
“Bestie. I was going to say happy birthday my beautiful bestie.”
“Yeah, sure you were.” I manage to let out a laugh.
“Cecelia, I’d like you to meet my best friend, Evelyn.” I say while still smiling at the commotion my friend has caused.
“Evelyn, I’d like you to meet Cecelia, Lorenzo’s mother and Angelo’s grandmother.”
Before Cecelia could even breathe, Evie had her in a crushing embrace which included Angelo. When Evie finally retreated and released a shocked Cecelia, she bends down and plants a big kiss on Angelo’s head, to which he just drooled and giggled happily.
“Hey big guy. Are you being a good boy for aunt Ellie?”
Angelo smiles his toothy smile at Evie and nods his head.
“You got any candy in those pockets?” Evie prods and Angelo’s face falls as he gestures with his hands going up in the air. A gesture I’ve learned to interpret as meaning “it’s finished or gone”.
“Oh buddy! I’m sorry! Maybe we can ask Ellie to get you more candy. Or maybe we can even have some cake? Would you like that?”
“Evie! Don’t encourage him. It’s bad enough that he wanted candy for breakfast. I think Tony has been slipping him treats when my back is turned.”
Cecelia pops and eyebrow at me.
“I had no idea Tony was coming over to the house?”
It’s a question, not an accusation but I can tell she’s keen on my response.
“He does come over now and then, mostly to drop off documents for Enzo or to pick up something from Enzo’s office. He’s never come over without reason, if that’s what you’re asking?”
“No dear, not at all. It’s just that I hardly see Enzo nowadays and even Tony is too busy. I just worry about my boys focusing too much on their careers and not enough on their heart.”
“I can understand that. I hardly see Enzo too; he comes home long after we’ve gone to sleep and leaves long before we wake up. As for Tony, he manages some play time with Angelo when he does come over, which is not often.”
Cecelia’s eyes seem to glaze over, seemingly out of concern for her boys.
I know why Enzo isn’t in a relationship.
Apart from our little tryst in my bedroom, the man is completely closed off to a love connection, or any human emotion for that matter.
As for Tony, I know he has a flirtatious nature, although he’s been completely respectful towards me since I started working for Enzo; for the most part anyway.
I reach out across the table and place my hand on top of hers, squeezing reassuringly.
“Perhaps, it’s too soon for Enzo? I don’t think he’s ready for a long-term relationship.
He does not come across as a man who will lead a woman on or go into a relationship without knowing full well that he’s committed to her.
As for Tony…” I pause, thinking of the right words to say.
After all, this woman is their mother. “As for Tony…” I continue. “Perhaps he just hasn’t found the one.”
Both Evie and Cecelia smile at that and I slowly withdraw my hand from hers to take a sip of my water which was already waiting for me when I got here.
“I was hoping that the one might be you, Elena.”
And just like that the clear liquid is expelled from my mouth as I choke and cough into the napkin with Evie’s lipstick on it.
“Oh dear, I’m so sorry. I should really learn not to voice my opinions so openly.
Here you go dear.” She passes me another napkin which I take gratefully and wipe my now teary eyes.
All the while Evie is smirking at me. And when the tears clear up enough for me to get a good look at her, she winks at me.
The meal moves on rather uneventfully after my near-death experience and I’m relieved to see Evie and Cecelia getting along so well. After the initial shock, it’s clear to see that Evie has won Cecelia over.
After we eat, Cecelia pulls out a square box from her handbag. It’s beautifully wrapped in royal blue wrapping paper with a huge gold bow on it. She hands it to me with a warm smile.
“Happy birthday my dear. I hope you like it.”
Tearing up I take the gift from her and proceed to open it. Inside is a frame, not too big. Taking a closer look inside I realize what it is that I’m looking at.
“I thought you could put it up in your office, something to motivate you if you ever have a case of writers block.”
Looking down at the gift, it’s so beautifully personal and so meaningful I have no words. It’s my first five-star review. She had it printed out and framed. It’s the most thoughtful gift I could ever receive.
“Thank you so much, Cecelia. You have no idea how much this means to me. I am truly grateful.”
“You’re very welcome, dear.”
“Damn, Cece, that’s going to be a tough one to beat.”
“Okay Ellie, time to open my gift. I must warn you though, It’s not a sentimental gift but it’s a pretty one.”