Chapter VII

Light was hurting my eyes like crazy and everything in my head was spinning. And I hated every second of it.
“Look who is up.” Salvatore’s voice was too loud and I fought urge to put a pillow over my head. And then my eyes snapped open.
Oh no.
Flashes from last night overloaded me and I wanted to just sink further into pillows in embarrassment. How could I say all this things?
I finally opened my eyes to see him getting out of wardrobe, only sweatpants hanging low on his slim waist and he was just pulling on a t-shirt.
“I’m sorry. For everything.” Was the first thing that came to my mind.
“Don’t be. You didn’t do anything bad. You just had nice time and told me everything that was on your mind. It’s just almost saddening that you had to get drunk to tell me this. I thought that even though I can be…difficult at times, I wasn’t bad enough to make you fear to tell me about your feelings. We may not be close but we are married. And will be for a very long time.” He said approaching the bed. He took something from nightstand and handed met glass of water and two pills. I sat down slowly, world spinning even more.
“What is it?”
“Painkillers.”
I nodded and took the pills before laying back.
“Thank you, Salvatore. For everything. And it’s not like I’m scared of you…I just thought that you didn’t like me this way and don’t want anything related.”
“Maybe you were right, maybe I did send a mixed message.” He smirked lifting up from bed. “So I’m taking you out tonight. We should try one of this dates, shouldn’t we? Now, go back to sleep, I need to leave soon.”
“What time is it?” I frowned pulling duvet all way up to my chin. Date. That sounded more than nice.
“6.30”
“What an ungodly hour.”
“See you later.” He smirked and next thing that I’ve heard was doors closing.
I drank lasts of water and decided it would be for best to go to sleep in hope that the dizziness would end. Though there was a small smile on my lips thinking about Salvatore’s words. He was taking me out on date.
***
I wasn’t quite sure how I should dress or what to do with my hair or makeup. For a moment I considered bugging Salvatore again about where we are going but decided there was no use since he told me multiple times it was a surprise. Standing in the wardrobe, wrapped in a robe and hair wet after shower I decided to take my chances.
At least tell me what I should wear.
Ever since I woke up – around noon – and had a nicest breakfast that he left for me what consisted of scrambled eggs and toasts alongside this crazy good veggie sausages, we were exchanging messages. It wasn’t much. Just casualties about how boring and painful this day was.
Business casual. I saw a nice pink satin skirt there. I will be back in an hour, Alessandro will walk you to the parking lot.
I smirked to myself. Little spy he was.
With hope that it wasn’t going to be any kind of business or family meeting I picked up mentioned circle skirt that was reaching past my knees and white blouse with black collar.
There was excitement bubbling in my stomach as I got ready, doing my light makeup and curling up my hair nicely. Just when I was putting on my black pumps on small heel my phone lightened with yet another notification of an text and then another. One was from Salvatore that was already waiting for me downstairs and the other from Bianca. I got into elevator with Alessandro that said something me looking better then I did this morning.
“You look lovely.” Salvatore smiled with visible amusement. He stood next to his white Mustang holding up a single red rose that had a thin black ribbon wrapped around it’s stem. My heart beat faster for all three sights – the compliment, rose and him in particular.
“So do you.” With a small smile I picked up the rose. Salvatore opened the doors for me and just few moments later we were out in the open, driving through New York traffic.
“I guess it’s enough of teasing. I thought you would like to go to see some performance on Broadway. It’s not Phantom, I’m saying right away, there was no good places available in suitable hours but I already bought tickets for the show in three weeks if you would like to go.”
“That sounds amazing.”
Truth be told I wanted to jump in excitement. I have never been to Broadway – or to anything remotely close - and was more than happy to attend whatever he has chosen. And idea of seeing Phantom live made me hold back a squeak.
“Play is called Betrayal. Sounded nice, thought you might enjoy it.”
“It could be The Lion King and I would still enjoy it.” I smirked gently.
It was truly an amazing experience to see a play in such a famous place. And having Salvatore next to me was only adding up to that. I even thought that having sits somewhere else – like behind some filar I could be just as excited. Once we got out of the theatre, I wrapped hand around Salvatore’s arm.
“How about we go for a walk to the Central Park?” I asked with a sweet smile and he just nodded. We got into his beautiful car and drove to our destination.
It was cold outside and I almost regretted proposing this walk, but only almost. Wrapping my coat tighter around myself, I got even closer to Salvatore as we walked down the side walk. It was snowing slightly and everything looked so magical.
“You know my sister adores you?” He asked out of the sudden, making me smile. Bianca was an amazing person and I was lucky to have her as my sister-in-law.
“I’m trying my best. Besides, she is great. I never expected someone can be so nice to me, not knowing me too well. She is extra, that’s a fact but I adore her. And I have hard time believing that she’s your sister. You’re so different.”
“Believe me, you are not the only one. Everyone that knows us think so. Even our parents. There were times when I wondered which one of us was adopted. But we can’t disown each other. We look too much alike.” He smirked making me laugh. That was true.
“I can agree.” I placed my head on his shoulder, letting his hand wrap around my middle. It felt so nice to be this close to him. His body was so nicely warm and firm against mine and I felt so…wanted, appreciated. This little date, walk and talk meant so much to me. And at the same time it somehow showed me that he cared and made attempt to know me better. Something I wasn’t really expecting.
“I miss my brother. And I’m scared what my father will do to him. He wants him to become Made Man if your family allows and…I can’t imagine Marco to be one of them. One of us. Don’t get me wrong, I just…he is my little brother.”
“I know, Christine. And none offence taken. We both know how this life is. I especially. And it surprises me to see your father putting his family in it for all costs. I was born in it, so was my father. We didn’t choose and your father did.”
“He was always crazy.” I said with the sad smile, recalling some moments. How he acted, what he was telling us, how he treated the only woman that somehow managed to love him. He was always so different. Not only from what I wanted him to be as a father but also a man. I never would understand why Antonio has chosen to live this way, to do this illegal business and to step into Familia.
“At least you are now away from him.” Salvatore said quietly and I could hear concern in his voice that made me smile gently. So did the soft kiss that he placed on my forehead.
“You’re so lucky to have parents like yours. I mean, I don’t know them well but they seem so nice and good. Nothing I would expect from Boss and his wife. I may be mistaken but still…”
“You are not. They are amazing parents. Always has been. My father may be who he is, order people around to do all the nasty things and do some himself but they are the best I could wish for.”
The way he spoke about them made my heart swell. He must have really love his parents and after all the image they had shown to me wasn’t this far from what they really were. That had me at ease and that moment I made mental note to ask Eleanor out for dinner someday. And from that another brilliant idea came.
“Can we invite them over for dinner sometime?” I moved away from Salvatore slightly, just to look at him with the biggest smile and hope he would say yes. “I would cook something nice and I would have a chance to meet them a bit better.”
“Of course, if that’s what you want.” He responded with that smile and I couldn’t help myself but kiss his cheek gently with a small ‘thank you’.
We walked through park for a bit longer, talking about all the nonsense and even though it was getting unbearable I didn’t want to be the one to end this nice evening.
“We should get going. It’s freezing.” Salvatore announced finally.
“Okay.” I smiled at him and with my hand in his we came back to the car. He turned on heating that quickly made me less cold, and drove towards our home. It was already late and tiredness was slowly hitting me despite all the excitement of the day.
Once we got to the penthouse and more then happily I took of my shoes tossing them in the corner.
“We should go to bed.” He looked at me with a snarky smile.
My body stiffed and I looked at Salvatore with eyes wide opened. Did he thought that we would just dive into it?
“Oh don’t look so frightened. It’s late and we should get some sleep.” He said with a small laugh and I just rolled my eyes.
We turned off all the lights and went to the bedroom. I quickly changed into my nightie and got into bed next to Salvatore. He changed into his usual pants and long sleeve that did him all the justice with how tight it was. That moment I wondered how it came I never saw him without a shirt. Not that I was waiting only for that – it was at most just opened and he always seemed a guy that would sleep naked.
“Good night.” He turned off the lights and before I knew it he pulled me closer to his body, arm wrapped around me. He placed a soft kiss on my forehead and I felt even more warmness spreading through my body.
I was grateful for this day, for this date. Salvatore surprised me but it was a pleasant surprise and certainly I was looking forward more of this.
“Good night.” I muttered already half asleep.
***
I paced around the kitchen, preparing dinner and Alessandro truly had a bliss watching me.
“Don’t you have anything else to do?”
“And miss such a show? Forget it.” He smirked from his spot on the other side of the kitchen counter. I was out of my mind, preparing perfect dinner and wondering why I even got an idea to invite Salvatore’s parents over for dinner. It was dumb idea. Everything had to perfect. Table was already set for five – since Alessandro was apparently joining us – and all that was left was food.
“At least be a bit helpful get wine glasses on the table.” I sighed getting roast out of the oven.
“Whatever you say.” Alessandro said with bright smile, getting up from couch.
Just few moments later the elevator doors opened and Salvatore walked inside. He had his coat hang over his forearm, black suit and shirt on. I wondered how he managed to look so nice after a long day filled with whatever he was doing. I must’ve look like a mess, my braid falling around, white shirt and grey skirt somehow not dirty thanks to the apron.
“It smells nice.” He said approaching me with his lips curved up in a smile. “ Hi.” To my surprise he left the soft kiss on my lips before moving away. It was something so…simple. And it had me smiling like crazy. Salvatore looked at Alessandro frowned and then at set of fine china and silverware.
“You are free to go.” He announced to his cousin making him gasp and me let out a laugh.
“What? No! She’s making roast and baked potatoes. You can’t just dismiss me like a little bitch.”
“Yes, I can. You have your own apartment so go, use it. I will make sure to keep you a piece of that roast.”
“He has an apartment?” I let out, shock visible on my face. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting, it wasn’t like Alessandro was always with Salvatore. After all he have been my bodyguard for only few weeks now.
“Yes, downstairs.” Salvatore nodded taking one of the plates away as the blond man rolled his eyes. Soon enough he was gone with a humpty ‘bye’.
“So how is it then that he always stays here?” I raised my eyebrows, putting plate filled with roasted veggies on the table.
“Alessandro is very…special person as you might have noticed. Besides, better be safe then sorry.” He shrugged his shoulders casually, taking off his suit jacket. I was glad that he wasn’t going to put on this formal self for dinner with his parents.
“I’ve noticed. But you can dismiss him more often, I have nothing against it.” I smirked.
It wasn’t long before whole dinner was on the table, just in time as elevator doors opened again. I let out a heavy sight but Salvatore’s hand on the small of my back made me a bit more assured as we made our way to greet them.
I wasn’t sure what exactly I was scared of since my in-laws were just as nice and sincere as the last time I saw them. If not more. Eleanor greeted me with hug and compliments just as her husband did, making me blush. I was more them happy when we sat down at the table – Salvatore on the head, me on his side and his parents on the opposite side of me.
Salvatore poured everyone wine and we started eating while I got even more compliments – about food this time.
“Look at two of you, holding hands...it’s so nice to see you like this.” Eleanor started, big smile on her face and just now I noticed that my hand was locked in Salvatore’s as he was holding fork in his left hand. I blushed slightly and for a moment thought that he might be embarrassed and let go of me but he didn’t do so.
“You look just as newlyweds should have. And if I know something is the fact that you can’t fake this little glances and that look on your faces.” It was Ricardo this time as he shook his face but it was rather because of impression.
“So I have it that things between two of you are rather nice?” Mrs Lombardy said before sipping on her wine and I’ve decided to shy away and look at my food. I wasn’t the one to talk about my feelings – not only it wasn’t what I was used to but also I haven’t even talk it through with Salvatore.
“Yes, they are, thank you Mother. But if you two would be so nice and change the subject.” My husband smirked making me grateful.
“Right. Sorry.” Eleanor let out a small laugh. Shortly after that Riccardo and Salvatore got into their own conversation while me and my mother-in-law were exchanging some casualties.
“Christine, I talked with your mother few days ago. She mentioned that you haven’t called her since the wedding. She was worried.”
Guilt almost swallowed me as I looked up at Mrs Lombardy. She didn’t look mad – there was this pleasant and warm look on her face as usual.
“Oh, right. Thank you for reminding me. Truth be told is I was so caught up with adjusting here and this whole new routine and I just forgot…”
“Don’t worry, sweetheart. You don’t have to explain yourself. Truth is, even my perfect son forgets to call me. Or visit me. For most of the week or weeks but I’m always more then willing to remind him of myself.” She laughed and I just smiled, catching Salvatore’s understanding look while he still spoke with his father.
In all honesty I couldn’t get myself to call my mother. As much as I didn’t want to I somehow felt not there yet. It was stupid, that much I knew. She didn’t knew anything bad, she wanted only good for me and I still was blaming all the bad upon my father but idea of calling her, hearing how she was and Marco…it was too much. Perhaps because I was missing them so much. Which again was so silly. I’ve already been out of the house, with no vision of coming back there and yet I kept in touch with her. I didn’t know why this time it felt different. One thing I was certain of was that I would need to call her. And invite her to lunch or over. I bet she would love to see Salvatore’s house – that was mine too now no matter how weird it still felt. I really was an awful daughter.
Lombardy’s visit came to an end quicker then I expected. Beside few not so pleasant subjects I enjoyed their company and found myself somehow sad once they left but prospect of being invited to their house over for tea whenever I wanted was pleasant. It felt nice to know that I was welcomed somewhere, especially at the house of my in-laws.
I stood at the sink, doing dishes while Salvatore stood next to me, drying them. I was surprised that he offered help. I thought that most likely he would just disappear in his office and spend rest of the evening there but then I understood. Most days he did it with Alessandro and I assumed that they were talking business there, so it was a nice surprise to have him stay with me.
“I am almost certain that my parents love you. Perhaps maybe even more then me.”
“No they are not!” I laughed. “You are exaggerating. I must say, I like them. Really much. And I would give anything to have at least a piece of such a relationship with my parents like you have with yours but at least I have them in my life.”
“Now you are just being cheesy.” Salvatore pointed out making me roll my eyes but also laugh. He was right after all.
“Maybe, but it’s all true.” I smirked wiping hands away in my apron as last dish was all clean. “I will go take a shower now if you excuse me.”
“Go on. But maybe we can watch something before going to bed?” He offered crossing his arms over his wide chest.
“That sounds nice. But no horror movies.”
“I will find something.” Salvatore nodded. “By the way, I wanted to thank you for tonight. And say that you did great.” He said with a smile before placing a soft kiss on my forehead that made my skin burning.
With heart beating fast and pride filling my chest I marched upstairs to the bathroom. In the end this evening didn’t turn out to be a disaster. And as I was stepping inside the shower I found myself daydreaming that our life together would only get better.