O L I V I A
"Fuck! Alessio!"
"Shhh. You're going to wake the whole house up."505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCQ3HpRSmo
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I roll over onto my back and feel my breathing coming out fast. I was on cloud nine and I never wanted it to end.
Alessio looks over at me and smiles. "Did you enjoy yourself?"
"I always enjoy sex with you." I laugh and push my hair away from my face.
"Or you're good at faking it," He teases and kisses my cheek. "Are you excited for graduation?"
I groan loudly at the thought of walking in front of thousands of people. I had been so ready for this day and now I just felt terrified and unprepared.
"What if I fall?" I whisper.
He laughs and runs his fingers down my cheek. "I'll be there to encourage you the whole time."
"You aren't going to walk?"
"No," He tucks his arms under his head. "I have my diploma plus, I'd rather watch you."
"There won't be any other visitors?" I ask him hesitantly. The thought of another Monica showing up was enough to make my stomach hurt.
After Alessio had found me at the party, I went back to the house with him and we spent a good two or three hours talking about everything that had happened.
Anna had called Alessio when she caught Monica fighting with the nurse. She had tried to play it off as a miscarriage but the nurse was positive there was never a baby and Monica was not pregnant.
Anna threatened Monica that night but tried to fight back by saying she'd get Adolfo involved for trying to ruin the agreement.505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZOaB5KAZF
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Alessio told me about the car accident with Giovanni and that had really messed me up. Knowing he could've died that day and we never would've had our true closure hurt a lot.505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0O4toLRhc
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There was so much I wanted to experience with him. It just really put into perspective how human he is.
He confided that Monica continued to try and play off the miscarriage until he was able to gather all of the facts. She realized quickly she couldn't continue her charades and disappeared in the middle of the night.505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUs9u0Vqgbp
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Alessio said his father was more than pissed about the marriage being called off since it voided the contract but I was just glad to have him all to me.
No crazy girls or made-up babies.
Just Alessio and myself. Finally.
He intertwined our fingers together. "None, love. Just you and I now. Now talk to me about New York?"
"Macy found a pretty affordable place there...I'd be all moved in no later than the first week of July."
Alessio sighs,"Why won't you let me buy you a place? Or at least help with your rent?"
I stand up from the bed and grab my shirt. "I don't want anyone thinking I am accomplishing all of this due to my rich boyfriend."
He sits up and grabs onto my waist. "I have nothing to do with this. This is all due to your talent and intelligence."
"Let's just take this slow with the whole buying me a home and such," I tell him awkwardly.
"Fine," He huffs in defeat. "Have you been studying for your finals?"
I glare at him. "You are talking to me. The girl who has literally been obsessed with her grades since birth."
He smiles and pulls me onto his lap. "My smart girl."
I shrug and wrap my arms around his neck. "I guess so. It's just a nice distraction especially with stuff going on with Sierra and Kim."
"Like what?"
"Well...Kim is pregnant."
He laughs, "Can't say I'm surprised."
"Don't be mean," I snap and bat at his chest. "What if it was me in her situation?"
"That's different because it would be our child." He muses.
I roll my eyes, "You say that now."
He scans my expression. "Are you trying to tell me something?"
"No!" I gasp in horror. "No pregnancy here."
He nods, "Good...but if it ever-"
"Alessio!" I interject. "No pregnancy voodoo on me."
"Fine! Fine! No pregnancy voodoo." He laughs and holds his hands up in surrender. "Now what's going on with Sierra? Still trouble with Harrison?"
"Well...he has been blowing up my phone, wanting to make sure I know to talk to him if I find anything out. Sierra has just been dismissive when she's around me. I'm assuming she still thinks something was going on behind her back."
Alessio reaches over and cradles my face. "Don't worry about Harrison, we'll make sure he stays off your tracks."
"Please don't kill him, Alessio," I narrow my eyes. "I can't handle more on my plate."
He locks his pinky with my own. "I pinky promise, love."
"We'll see." I tease him.505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpujTK9Q7yY
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He pulls my face towards him and distracts me with a heated kiss. I immediately lose myself in the moment as we fall back onto the bed.
⟡ ⟡ ⟡
"Are you ready?"505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdg2iUK03z
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Kim looks over with her eyes full of excitement. Her entire graduation gown and cap is completely covered in gold glitter from her makeup.505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPCWxqBZFp
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I grab onto her as we enter the auditorium. "I can't believe the day is finally here!"
We take our seats with our graduating class towards the front of the room near the stage. Behind us seas of families and friends start pouring in to fill the lower and upper levels.
How the hell am I going to find anyone in this?
"I am even more excited for your party though!" Kim leans over. "I'm so ready to not think about school right now."
"I know! Are you going to stay anything to Joe yet?"505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡey6hmw1TWn
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She frowns. "After the party."
"Promise?"
She locks her pinky with me. "I promise!"
The principal suddenly walks out and approaches the podium. His voice shakes a bit as he addresses the crowd.
"Good evening Westview High students, family, and friends!"
The crowd grows quiet as he continues on with the speech. "I want to thank you all for coming out tonight in support..."
I peer around the sea of people sitting behind us and try to find anyone that I recognize. There has to be at least a few thousand shoved into this building.
"Hey, Olivia."
I turn to the right and notice Sierra moving to sit by us. Her short hair is in little curls and clipped at the sides with silver barrettes.
"Hey, Sierra! You look gorgeous." I compliment her. I'm honestly a little shocked she's even speaking to me.
"Thank you," She grins and looks away awkwardly. "I want to apologize for my behavior before over Austin. It was out of line."
"It's okay. I completely understand."
She shakes her head, "No, it wasn't! I should've been a better friend to you and I was just feeling jealous. I'm so sorry, Olivia."
I take her hand in mine. "Thank you, Sierra. I really appreciate it."
She smiles over at me and pulls me in for a hug. Kim decides to interrupt the moment and pops her big head in between the two of us.
"Are we besties again?"
"Yes!" Sierra cheers and holds us close. "I love you guys!"505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1WYIkw0VA
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We all three laugh together for a moment and realize they have started to announce names to receive their diplomas.505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsg5tPYhhS
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"Victoria Davidson...Angela Davis..."
"Shh! It's going to be our time soon." Kim whispers.
The line of students pours down the center aisle as the list continues on. I finally hear my name called and stand up to take my place.505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkp5uJBgMC
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My heart pounds quickly in my chest as I walk up the stairs and reach the administration members.
"Ms. Moore, congratulations and good luck!"
I smile kindly at him as he hands it to me and walks down the opposite stairs towards the back of the auditorium with the others. I notice a group of people waving wildly at me and someone hollering.
Giovanni, Beto, Alessio, and Anna are all sitting together and cheering. All of them are matching in black and look so out of place next to the other people around them.
"Woo! Fuck yeah, Olivia!" Giovanni booms and several people shush him.
I shake my head at him and look over towards Alessio. He looks so beautiful.505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxC2fdnS6t
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His black hair neatly styled for the occasion with his all-black suit. He's clapping for me and looks so proud.505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAC3hTjCQu
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"I love you!" He mouths as I pass by and I feel my cheeks heat up.505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgXWqx1MVD
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The line of graduates makes it out the back doors and onto the front lawn to greet their friends and family. I pull my cap off my head and look around for my family.
"Olivia! We're so proud."
I turn at the sound of mom's voice and am nearly knocked over by her. She's already cried all of her makeup off and is nearly in hysterics.
"Mom! It's okay."
"My baby girl is done with high school!" She cries and pulls back to look at my face. "I can't believe it."
Dad eyes me from her side. He doesn't look very thrilled for whatever reason but he does manage a smile still.
"Congratulations, sweetheart."
"Thanks, dad." I pull him in for a hug. "I'm glad you were able to make it."
"Wouldn't miss it for the world," He mutters into my hair. "You did good kiddo."
"Mind if I steal her for a moment?"
I look over to find Alessio standing behind us. He smiles down at me but I catch my father glaring at him.505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJZjEv3oZM
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The tension between them grows and I look between the two of them confused.
"I don't -"
"Dad!" I interject and stare back at him. "It's fine, I'll see you and mom in a bit."
He doesn't take his eyes off of Alessio. "Fine."
I watch silently as he steers my mother away and the two of them head back in the opposite direction to meet up with Kimberly and her parents.505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgED1fTWidU
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I look over at Alessio and am completely puzzled by their interaction.
"Know anything about that?"
He wraps his arms around my waist. "I don't actually. We've never had any issues, but I don't handle much with him directly as far as the business goes."
"His behavior has been really weird and erratic lately."
"Hmm," Alessio mutters and purses his lips. "I'll see if I can figure out if anything has been going on between him and Adolfo."
"You're the best." I smile and pull up to bring his mouth down to mine.505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgVk7M8bAf
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Someone grabs me by the arm and pulls us apart.
"There she is! Big graduate over here."
I roll my eyes as Giovanni skips around the two of us and showers me in a mess of confetti.
"Really?" Alessio picks the tiny pieces off of his suit.
"It's confetti, cry baby. You won't die from it." Giovanni snickers and looks over at me. "How do you feel, Olivia?"
"The same...just with a diploma in my hands."505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aa8D1hWf2
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"Get excited! Get drunk, do something." Giovanni cheers and Alessio glares at him. "I'm just saying bro, she deserves to do something fun."
"She will do something fun with me." Alessio looks down at me and grins.
"Gross! Don't need to hear about your sex life." Giovanni fake gags and Beto moves around him.
"Congratulations, Olivia!" He says warmly and puts something in my hands. "Just a little something you can add to your bracelet."
Inside the tiny black bag is a gorgeous charm that is shaped like a graduation cap with the graduating year. I hold it in my fingers and watch as the sun reflects off of the gold.
"Thank you so much, Beto! This is beautiful." I pull him in for a hug.
"Of course! You deserve it."
Anna pops up next to him,"Don't forget me!"505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbdxq3cTHY
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She hands me a little box and bounces up and down on her toes like a little girl.
"You didn't have to-"505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVz1F1kgZ3l
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She glares at me and shakes her head. "Open it."505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqv8mrGSyr
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Inside is one of the most beautiful necklaces I've ever seen. It's a layered Topaz necklace with matching earrings.
"I know you don't really like fancy, but maybe you can wear it on one of your dates with Alessio."
"Oh, Anna!" I gush and hug her tightly. "It is so beautiful!"
Alessio pulls me back to my side and turns me towards him.
"She also bought it because I want to take you out to dinner tonight." He leans his forehead with mine. "The only condition is that it has to be out of the state."
"How is that supposed to work?" My brows furrow.
Alessio glances at his brother. "I have a private jet, Olivia."
"Since when?" I gasp.505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhP21FLi3u
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I don't know why I found this surprising considering the amount of money they have but I had never heard of them having an airplane.505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbF8Jb2WBx
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"Since forever," He teases and kisses my head. "It's easier and more discreet to fly privately."
"Fine! Fine! I'll go with you on your crazy dinner date."
"Where to?"
"Well..." I trail off and don't know what to even say.
"Would you like to visit New York for the evening? I'll take you out to eat, call up any friends you want?" He offers.
"Are you sure?"
"Of course," He promises. "Let's get going."
"I'll just have to let my mom know I'll be spending the rest of the day with you."
"No need, I already talked to her."
I glare, "Are you two best friends now?"
"Something like that." He teases me and we wave goodbye to his family before he escorts me back to his car.
He had decided on a beautiful all-black Bugatti.505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGpRms7dox
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It was one of the coolest cars I've ever seen but also terrifying as fuck considering Alessio doesn't know how to obey traffic laws.
"A Romano can never settle for something...humble?" I laugh as the butterfly doors expand out.505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDjMH6f25w
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. Several people around us gasped at the sight of it and quickly started taking pictures as we climbed inside.
"Humble is boring."
The entire drive is completely horrifying and I think I had my eyes shut the entire time. Alessio was having the time of his life with the windows down and some metal songs on full blast.505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3byxco1FzC
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I didn't even know he listened to music! Him doing anything normal ever was still so weird.505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToj1Khp7AN
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When we finally arrived at our destination I was grateful when the engine turned off and I could actually let go of the "oh shit" bar.
"How do you not get pulled over?"505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfteD4ZWLga
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He shrugs, "Threaten the police or bribe them."
"Rich people." I roll my eyes at him and look down at my outfit. "Should I change?"
I had opted for a really cute black dress my mom bought me for the occasion. It was simple but had hints of silver throughout the fabric and paired nicely with my wedges.
"You look beautiful," He says as he helps me from the car. "Olivia, I'd like you to meet our piolet for the evening. This is Mr. Ambrose."
A tall man with a tanned complexion approached us. He was dressed in the typical pilot outfit you usually see and looked to only be a few years older than me.
"Pleasure to meet you!" He bows his head. "I'll be flying for you both tonight. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask."
"Thank you, Mr. Ambrose." I smile and look back towards Alessio.
"Shall we?" He asks and takes my hand in his.505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4APxheew82
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The two of us walk hand in hand up towards a massive jet with "Romano" sprawled across the side in Gold italic.
"This...this is yours?"
Alessio laughs, "Belongs to the Romano family."
"Wow!" I say and look it over. "Unbelievable."
"Just wait." He teases and pulls me up the stairs.505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZOLtyOwOX
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Inside the jet is set with black leather chairs and a beautiful red wine-colored sofa. There's a fully stocked bar off to the right and a tray set out with an array of cheese and fruits next to a bottle of champagne.
"Wow!" I admire and pick up the bottle. "This is beautiful. How often do you use it?"
"When we need to travel under the radar."
"Good for illegal business?" I eye him and pop a strawberry in my mouth.
"Let me worry about the details, gorgeous." He muses and pulls me close by my waist. "Now sit tight."
Alessio gently pushes me back towards the sofa behind us and his knee pushes my legs apart.505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWhvCpyNHc
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I feel his mouth come down against the sides of my neck and his free hand traces up the length of my spine.
"Want another present?" He kisses my neck. "I'd be happy to help you join the mile high club."
"M-maybe on the way back," I tell him breathlessly. "I've never been in a jet and I'm a little scared."
He kisses me fully on the mouth and moves to sit beside me. "Just relax and enjoy, love."505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyyJ7PgPgR
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Mr.Ambrose steps into the cabin and bows as he greets the two of us. "We'll be heading off now, sir."
"Wonderful," Alessio states and sits in the spot next to me. "We're ready to go."
I watch him as his hands move to harness me into my seat. He notices my terrified expression. "Do you need anything to ease the nerves?"
"No," I shake my head. "It'll probably make things worse."
He nods and kisses my cheek. "Let me know if you change your mind."
The jet roars to life and we idle for a few minutes before it starts to take off down the runway. Alessio muses silently at my terrified expression and squeezes my hand in reassurance.
I try to keep my eyes shut tight as the engine continues to roar loudly and starts to ascend into the air. I feel my stomach flip and grab Alessio's arm.
"It's okay, Olivia," He whispers in my ear. "Look outside."505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpyvwoeBTe
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He pulls back the curtain from the little window and points out to the city below us.505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjGh3EIxt0
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Everything looks so small and detailed from this height but the view is incredible. He certainly has set a high expectation for our dates.
Our trip to New York only takes us a couple of hours on his jet and soon enough we are landing in a private airport and exiting the plane together.
I decided to invite Amy out to dinner but I wasn't really sure how hungry I was now that I stuffed myself on two glasses of champagne and cheese.
The door opens and the stairs slowly extend out from the plane reaching the runway. I try to take the first step down but apparently, I didn't do a very good job.
"Woah there lightweight!" Alessio laughs and grabs my elbow.
"I'm not!" I glare at him and he releases me as we reach the landing.
"Let's get to dinner."
"Are we taking a cab?"
"No," He smiles and motions to something behind me. "We're driving that."
I follow his gaze and find a stunning black Lamborghini parked there. Under the soft lights along the road, it almost looks like the paint has hints of purple in it.
"How many cars do you have?"
"Not mine."
"What do you mean? Giovanni's?" I look up at him.
"Yours." He says simply.
"Shut up!" I gasp. "You're so mean. That's a cruel joke."
His hands reach out to cradle my face. "I'm not joking. I purchased it yesterday when I said I had business to attend to."
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"Wasn't a hassle at all. I want you to have something special."
"Alessio..." I start and look over at the death machine again. "I've never driven a car like this."
"You'll be great," He promises. "It's an automatic and we can keep it safe here until you officially move."
"Are you sure? This is...so much."
"Olivia," He pulls my face up to kiss me. His lips are warm and I feel myself melting into a puddle. "I love you and I wanted to do something for you."
"Okay...okay."
He wraps his arm around me tightly and leads us over to the car. Thankfully, he decides to drive tonight and holds up the passenger door for me.505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFT6hn3LHcK
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The interior is all black leather and the new car smell hits me as soon as I buckle into the seat. I run my fingers across the smooth material and smile.
The car rumbles to life and Alessio looks over at me.
"What do you think?"
"I'm terrified of it," I admit honestly.
He rolls his eyes, "I'll teach you my tricks."
And just like that he is back to his normal self and speeding through the busy streets of New York. While the best that he can since the streets are always full here.
Compared to him having the time of his life back in California watching him drive like this here was somehow a lot more terrifying because he decided to just merge in and out of traffic repeatedly.
We don't talk much the entire drive to the restaurant but I don't mind since it gives me time to marvel at the city. I always missed seeing how it looked late at night. Everything felt so alive at this time.
"Amy is going to be meeting us here shortly. " Alessio says and pulls down a side road.505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6pHoZhpc6
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The car stops in front of a restaurant called Carmines. A red canopy leads the way towards the entrance displaying the name brightly on the side.505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjCGsUU54g
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There's a long line of people standing outside along the sidewalk waiting to get in. Everyone looks to be dressed in suits and fancy dresses.
"This is insane," I tell Alessio as I take in the crowd. "I've never been here."
"It's amazing Italian food," He muses and leans over close to my face. "I know Italian is...your favorite."
My cheeks heat up again and he kisses my cheek. He comes over to my side and helps me out of the car.
He guides us past the long line of people waiting to get in and walks right up to a young kid standing at the front next to some guys working as security.
"Piacere di vederti, Marco." Alessio nods kindly. (Translation: Nice to see you, Marco.)
"Ah! Mr. Romano. How are you, my boy?" Marco cheers and reaches out eagerly to shake Alessio's hand. "It's been forever, Sì."
"It has," Alessio smirks and looks down at me. "This is my girlfriend, Olivia. I have a reservation tonight for the two of us plus one."
"Of course! We have the private dining section reserved for you." Marco tells him and ushers us inside quickly. I can hear people behind us groan impatiently as we are led inside.
"An entire private section?" I hiss at Alessio under my breath.
He smirks but doesn't respond as Marco pulls back a door opening up to a gorgeous private dining room with a bar, pianist, and several tables set with candles and roses.
"I'll have someone be with the two of you shortly, Mr. Romano," Marco says as we take our seats. "Please enjoy!"
I look around at the expensive decorations and candle-lit chandeliers hanging gracefully from above.
"This is...amazing."
"I'm glad you like it." Alessio reaches across the table to hold my hands. "Your other present just arrived."
I followed his gaze and spotted Amy being escorted into the room by Marco. Her blonde hair has been curled and she's wearing a maroon dress and black pumps. She blows Marco a kiss and looks around the room in awe before she sees me.
"Ahhhh! Olivia! BITCH! This is amazing."
I laugh as she runs up and hugs me tightly. The two of us squeal together like we are twelve before her eyes land on Alessio at the table.
"Ohhh! So this is the charmer," She muses at me and reaches out her hand. "Nice to meet you."
"Pleasure is mine," He takes her hand and kisses it politely. "Always glad to meet a friend of Olivia's."
"So," Amy starts excitedly and grabs a bottle of red wine. "What are we having?"
"Amy, we aren't twenty-one!" I scold her.
She looks over at Alessio who waves her on. "It's alright, Olivia. Marco is the son of the owner. They don't mind if it's under the Romano name."
"How do you know him anyway?" I ask curiously.
"Long time family friend," He grins a little and pours three glasses. "Marco's a good guy and his family has helped us out a lot."
"Really? Like what?"
He eyes me for a moment. "Another time, love."
Amy is too busy chugging down wine and picking at the bread on the table to even take notice of what we are talking about. I purse my lips together but decide not to push the conversation as our waiter comes up to the table.
"Ready to order?" The young boy asks and looks at Alessio nervously.
"Yes!" Amy groans hungrily. "I'll take the stuffed mushrooms, Ravioli, and Eggplant Parmigiana."
"Woman with an appetite," Alessio chuckles and pulls a cigar out. "Penne Alla Vodka and clams, please. Your famous cheesecake for dessert." The waiter nods and tries to write down quickly as he speaks. "Olivia...have you decided?"
"Uhh...the shrimp scampi and garlic bread sound wonderful...with a little side salad."
He nods and jots it down before setting another bottle of wine down on the table for us.
"This is SOOOO fucking fancy!" Amy shouts way too loudly. "I've never been to Carmines! Have you, Liv?"
"No, I haven't. It is nice though."
She pours another glass."You've been keeping this classy guy with good taste hidden in the dark?"
I roll my eyes and look at Alessio's smug face. "No...we've just been stuck in San Diego."
"Well, I'm so excited you are here tonight and invited me! Are you excited about your party Saturday? I can't wait to fly out."
"Well," Alessio starts up, "I'd be happy to have your friends and family use my jet for the special occasion."
Amy looks at me and bread falls from her mouth."He has a FLIPPING jet!? Who is this man, Liv."
"U-uh...he's just lucky." I laugh awkwardly. "Are you sure your family would be okay with that, Alessio?"
"Of course, I'd be more than happy to have Ambrose fly them."
"Yes! Oh my god! A private jet! Freaking amazing." Amy throws her hands up.
"Slow down," I hiss at her as she grabs the new bottle. "Little class, Amy."
"Don't go acting all different on me now because of your new boy toy" She sighs and takes a sip.
I frown. "I'm not different."
The young waiter arrives holding three platters along his arms as another girl dressed in white and black follows behind folding out a tray to hold the food.
They place the piping hot plates of food in front of us and bring out another bottle of wine considering how fast Amy is going through the two we already have.
"It's so good!" Amy says with a mouthful of food. "Wow! Literally...just wow."
"Very good."
Alessio picks at his food across from me but has his eyes stay locked on something on his screen. I try to kick his leg under the table and he glances up at me. Something about his expression tells me he's not thrilled.
"Are you okay?" I say quietly.
He looks over at Amy eating and scoots back a bit from the table. "Excuse me, ladies. I'll be right back."
Amy and I watch as he puts his phone to his ear and heads back towards a hallway where the bathrooms are.
"What's that about?" Amy asks.
"Not sure...he has a lot of family business to tend to."505Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4584qIGmZ
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"So, Olivia," She wipes at her mouth. "Tell me the truth about this Alessio Romano. He's definitely not your average California guy."
" You're right, he's not. His family is just well off...he moved from Sicily years ago."
"I'm totally jealous, girl! He's so freaking hot."
"Amy! You have a boyfriend," I remind her and twirl my fork around the pasta. "He'd be so sad if he heard that."
"I'm allowed to look! Plus, you know things are shitty right now anyways."
"I guess so..." I shake my head.
"Would you mind if I steal Olivia for a moment, Amy?" Alessio suddenly asks from behind us.
I turn in my seat towards him and look at his face. His jaw is set and he looks incredibly tense.
Something must be really wrong.
"Of course! I have food and alcohol!" She winks and waves us off. "Take your time."
He takes me by the hand and guides me back towards the hallway he entered before. His legs are moving too fast and I feel myself start to trip over my own feet.
"Slow down!" I shout.
He releases me and turns around with his hands in his pockets. His shoulders are hunched and he looks like he's about to hit the wall at any moment.
"What is going on? You're acting so weird." I grab his hand. "Please say something."
"We need to leave...soon." He says darkly and stares at the wall behind us as he talks. "I'm so sorry for ruining the night."
I study his face for answers. "What happened? Is everyone okay?"
He shakes his head. "There's been an attack on the Romano Estate."
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