Turn Towards the Sun

by Jennifer Domenico

  “Amazing.” I breathe. I listen to his breathing and know that he’s pleasing himself too.

  “Are you ready? Are you going to come for me?”

  I hear his breath catch as my own orgasm washes over my body. I’m panting, trying to catch my breath.

  “Thank you.” I whisper into the phone.

  “You’re welcome. Buona notte my love.”

  “Buona notte.”

  “You look chipper this morning. Sure Enzo didn’t sneak into your room last night?”

  Well, kind of.

  “Just well rested my darling Cassie. What do you want to do today?”

  “Not a damn thing.” She stretches, lounging on my sofa. I hand her a cup of coffee.

  “Pool day!” I yell. Cassie bursts out laughing.

  “We can stay here or go back to Girasole.”

  “Let’s just stay here. That way, we can be as ghetto as we want. It’s hard to be rich and act right all the time.” Cassie is cracking herself up again.

  “That’s fine, we’ll stay here.” I have to admit, that was pretty funny.

  I go and put my bathing suit on and a pair of shorts. I wrap my hair on top of my head and grab two towels for me and Cassie.

  “We should go before it gets too hot outside Cassie.”

  “Alright I’ll get ready. What’s the high today, one hundred and kill me now?”

  “Basically yes, give or a take.”

  Cassie gives me a sisterly shove as she passes on her way to the bathroom.

  “Let’s roll.” Cassie appears wearing a bright red bikini that looks surprisingly good against her porcelain skin. She’s piled her curls up, and cute little tendrils fall all around. She looks so sweet and precious. Until she opens her mouth of course. I smile. Dang I’ve missed this girl.

  “You look adorable Cassie.”

  “What the fuck Ava, you getting all mushy on me?” She rolls her eyes.

  “Must you always be so crass?”

  “I’m not crass, I’m a fucking lady.” We both laugh.

  “Okay Cass, let’s go.”

  We walk over to the pool, which is thankfully close to my apartment, and find two lounge chairs and settle in. A month ago, I would have thought this was a pretty nice pool area. Now I’m painfully aware of the distinct lack of pool boys and misted cabanas.

  “Enjoy your last days as a commoner Ava.” Cassie cackles again. I put on my ear buds and ignore her, listening away to my Hot and Bossy mix.

  I feel a tap on my shoulder and open my eyes to see Cassie hovering over me. I turn my music off.

  “What’s up Cass?” She looks sick.

  “Girl it’s mothafucking hot out here. I don’t feel good.”

  I look at my phone. We’ve been outside exactly twenty minutes. I get it though. It’s hot. We gather our things and head back to the apartment. I turn on the ceiling fan full force and Cassie stands under it, trying to cool off.

  I hand her a cold glass of water.

  “I’m gonna take a nap okay?” Boy the heat really did knock the wind out of Cassie’s sails.

  “I will too.”

  I go in my room to lie down. I feel tired too. I send Enzo a text.

  Me: Taking a nap. Wish you were here.

  Hot and Bossy: If I were there, you wouldn’t be able to sleep.

  Cute.

  I get up and go see what Cassie is up to. She’s on the phone, and I can tell she’s talking to her boyfriend Chris.

  “I miss you baby.” I hear her say in a tone completely foreign to me. It’s sweet and soft.

  “I know…I’ll be home tomorrow afternoon…okay baby…love you too.”

  I walk around the corner and smile at Cass. For some reason, she wants me to believe she’s tough, so I let her. Still it was nice to see her be so sweet to Chris.

  “I can’t believe you have to leave already Cass.”

  “I know. It went quick. But it was fun.” She’s packing her carry on.

  “Happy Birthday.” She turns and hands me a small box.

  “What is this?”

  “Open it.”

  I open the box to find a beautiful crystal picture frame. Inside is a picture of us when we first met. We look so young and happy. Definitely cry worthy.

  “I just wanted to be in your new home too.”

  Tears fall down my face. It’s such a sweet gift.

  “Don’t be a cry baby Ava.”

  Cassie’s gangsta mode cracks. We hug tightly, tears streaming down our faces.

  She pulls herself together and tries to change the subject.

  “When does Enzo come home?”

  “I’m not sure actually. In the morning, I thought we could grab breakfast then get you to the airport.”

  “Sounds good.”

  We eat leftover pizza and watch some silly reality show. I have no idea what it is but Cass is into it, so I endure it for her. I say goodnight and climb into bed, placing the picture of me and Cassie on my nightstand. I send Enzo a text.

  Me: Buona notte.

  Hot and Bossy: Buona notte. See you tomorrow. E

  The alarm on my phone goes off startling me awake. I wake Cassie and start the coffee.

  “You shower first.” She’s grumpy. Cassie’s hours as a hairdresser vary dramatically, and she is the opposite of a morning person. Worse than me, even.

  I hear a knock on the shower glass and peek out.

  “Buon giorno.” Enzo hands me a towel.

  “You’re here!”

  A gorgeous smile covers his face. “Cassandra let me in.”

  I jump soaking wet into his arms. He pulls me tight, and I wrap my legs around his waist.

  “I missed you so much, Ava.”

  “I missed you too babe.”

  He kisses my neck and lowers me to the floor. “Put your clothes on before we make your friend miss her flight.”

  I throw on a pair of shorts and my cupcake junkie t-shirt. I put my hair in a quick ponytail and slide my feet in flip flops. Enzo is drinking espresso when I enter the living room.

  “Your turn Cass.”

  Cassie smiles and heads into my bathroom to get ready.

  “She’s a good friend isn’t she?” Enzo asks.

  “The best really. She’s my number one. I think Gabby is going to be a really good friend too.”

  “I’m glad you have good people in your life. And I’m glad I have you.” He pulls me to him and kisses me on the cheek.

  “Are you joining us for breakfast Enzo?” Cassie asks, entering the living room.

  “No. You go with Ava.”

  “I want you to come.” Cassie says.

  He smiles. “As you wish.”

  Walking to the car, I ask Cassie what she’s up to. “You’re happy when he’s with you, and I want you happy. I know you sacrificed your weekend with him for me.”

  “I wanted to though Cass. You know that.”

  “Yep I know that. But he’s back now so enjoy.” She winks.

  Cassie continues chatting away as we drive to the restaurant for breakfast. It’s a really cute place that looks like it used to be someone’s home.

  Enzo orders coffee and a plate of eggs and toast. Cassie orders some monstrosity of a breakfast platter that samples almost everything they offer. I order pancakes. Enzo sits back and watches us dive into our food, Cassie talks rapidly the whole time.

  Enzo speaks in a rare moment when Cassie takes a break to breath.

  “I do hope the next time we see you I can meet Chris.”

  Cassie beams. “Me too. I hope that works out.”

  Enzo is certainly Mr. Charming when he wants to be.

  Enzo pays the tab, and we get up to leave. “Perfect timing for your flight Miss Cunningham.”

  Ooh, she got the Miss Cunningham treatment. I swear I see her swoon.

  We pull up to the departure curb at Sky Harbor. Enzo gets out and gets Cassie’s bag for her. He leans in and kisses her chastely on both cheeks. I step out and try not to cry.


  “Don’t be a cry baby Ava. I’ll see you again soon.” She hugs me.

  “Bye Cassie. We’ll see you soon.” I wave as she heads to security.

  “Well it’s just you and me now. What should we do with ourselves?” Enzo squeezes my hand as we get back in the car.

  “I could think of a few things.” I smirk.

  “You’re insatiable Miss Bradshaw.”

  “For you.”

  And cupcakes. Definitely cupcakes.

  We get back to my place, and Enzo looks tired.

  “Do you want to take a nap baby?” Sleep is the last thing on my mind, but I have to offer.

  “No amore, I need to make a few calls. Then I’m going to take advantage of you.” He winks. Goody!

  All his calls are in Italian, and I know he does that when he doesn’t want me to know what he’s talking about. I suppose it could be about Italy though. I lean against the kitchen counter, watching him.

  He paces back and forth, every now and then, running a hand through his mass of black hair. He’s barefoot and wearing jeans, the first time I’ve seen him in them. They make his butt look delectable. I hope his business is done soon and we can get back to the taking advantage of me part.

  “Perfetto. Si. Si. Grazie. Ciao. Ciao.” He looks up at me and flashes his gorgeous teeth.

  “Well Miss Bradshaw, are you ready for your ravishing?”

  “Are you ready for me?”

  “I can only hope.” He chases me down the hall, and I squeal with delight.

  We spend the entire day in bed getting up only for food and necessities. Every so often, he answers his phone, speaking in Italian.

  “I’m glad I get to spend your birthday with you Ava. The first of many.”

  “Is that a promise?”

  “Yes, and I plan to keep it.”

  This is going to be a great birthday and not at all how I thought it would be. I was sure I would be alone and eating take out. Instead, I’ll spend it with the man of my dreams. It couldn’t be more perfect.

  “Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Ava, happy birthday to you.”

  I blink to open my eyes and see Enzo standing over me with a tray, singing to me. His voice is lovely-warm, and rich.

  “It’s time to get up amore. I have breakfast for you.”

  I sit up and he places a tray with coffee, juice, pancakes, and bacon across my lap.

  “Did you make this?”

  “You think I can’t cook?” He pretends to be wounded, holding his hands over his heart.

  “I guess I just thought you had people to do that for you.”

  “I travel so much that I really like to do some of the simple things. Sometimes I even do my own laundry.” He laughs, that fabulous laugh of his.

  “You’re not going to sing in Italian for me?” I ask, wolfing down pancakes.

  “Would you like that?” His eyes warm with love.

  I nod enthusiastically.

  “Tanti auguri a te….” It sounds just like our version. He gets to the dear Ava part and leans in to kiss me.

  “I like that version better.” I grin.

  “I’m going to take you somewhere nice for dinner tonight.”

  “Okay. Fine with me. I don’t want you to make a big deal.” I’m a little surprised Mr. Over The Top didn’t rent a museum or something on my behalf, but I’m thankful. Just a quiet dinner will suit me fine.

  “I do have to run out though and take care of some business this morning.”

  “Of course Enzo. I understand.”

  “What are your plans today?”

  “I don’t know. I’m a little pooped after the weekend so maybe I’ll just stay here and read a book.” I already shopped, had a spa day, and a pool day. I’m good.

  He kisses me on the cheek. “I’ll see you in a few hours then.”

  I finish my breakfast and settle on the couch with a cup of coffee and my book. I think I’ll keep my pj’s on all day.

  Enzo’s been gone all day and only texted twice. I know I’m supposed to be ready at six. It’s four so I should start getting ready to give my hair time to dry.

  After my shower, I put on one of my new purchases, a pale blue linen dress. It stops just above my knees and has one shoulder. It’s very simple, but the design is elegant. I put on some nude platform pumps with it. I leave my hair wavy and my face simple with only mascara and lip gloss. And eye cream. Always eye cream.

  I hear Enzo come in while I finish getting ready. He walks into the bathroom and watches me, as per usual. He’s wearing dress pants and a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up and unbuttoned at the top. This is by far my favorite Enzo look.

  “Breathtaking as always Ava.” He kisses me on the cheek.

  We head out for our evening. I have no idea where we are going, and I don’t care. As long as I’m going with him.

  The drive starts to look familiar. I’ve been here before. He’s taking me back to his house. How sweet. Maybe tonight we can christen it now that we’ve crossed that barrier.

  We walk up the driveway, and I notice Enzo is very quiet tonight. He seems nervous. What is he up to? He opens the door, and we walk in.

  “I had some lighting installed this week.” He says, still sounding nervous as he flicks on the lights.

  “Surprise!”

  I jump back and realize the house is filled with people on my behalf. Gabby is here and Camilla. Oh and there’s Stephanie. This is awesome.

  I turn to Enzo and hug him. “Thank you.”

  “I’m not done yet. I have more surprises for you.” He motions for me to turn around. The crowd parts and I see Cassie and... no way, Chris! Then Cassie moves and... oh my God! My mom and dad! I rush to them and hug them both as tight as I can. Everyone starts clapping.

  “Mom! Dad! How did you know? Cassie I saw you leave!” Words pour out of my mouth. I am overwhelmed with emotion.

  Cassie speaks first. “When Enzo came home yesterday he told me his plan and asked if I could get your parents out here. I couldn’t think of a better gift for you. I never left. I turned around and went back to the hotel, as soon as he got you away from the airport. Enzo was sweet enough to get Chris out here for me.” She explains.

  I hug Chris. “I just came along for the ride Ava.” He laughs.

  My dad squeezes me. “When Cassie called and told us what was happening, we had to be here for you. Plus, we wanted to meet the man who wanted to do all of this for our baby girl.”

  My mom continues. “He arranged everything, Ava. We even flew first class!” My mom sounds like a bumpkin, but it’s endearing.

  I turn around and look at Enzo, who is standing back and watching his planning unfold. I know for certain that this man loves me.

  “Everyone!” Francesca raises her voice. The crowd quiets down and gives their attention to her.

  “Yes, please take the champagne. Enzo will make a toast.”

  Enzo walks and stands next to me. He clears his throat and lowers his head for a moment before he speaks. He seems nervous. Now I’m nervous.

  “I’ve known Ava for just about a month now, but it feels like a lifetime. I wasn’t expecting any of this to happen when this striking woman sat next to me on the plane that day. Now I can’t imagine my life without her. I’m so happy that all the people she loves can be in the room for her tonight. I wanted all of you to know how I feel about this girl. She’s very special to me, and I love her deeply.”

  I hear a few romantic sighs from the women in the room. I look at my mom who dabs tears from her eyes. Even my dad looks a little teary.

  Enzo continues. “So I promise I will always take care of her and always love her. And I will do my best to bring her the happiness she brings me. Happy birthday bella.” He kisses me on the lips, and the room erupts in whoops and hollers.

  I am beside myself. I have never had anything this sweet or thoughtful done for me in my life. Lonely brokenhearted pissed-off girl no more.
>
  He hands me a small box. He’s visibly relaxed now.

  “Open it.”

  I pull the ribbon and unwrap the velvet box. I open it and gasp as I put my hand over my mouth.

  “What is it?” Cassie calls out.

  I turn the box to the crowd. It’s a breathtaking and way too big for its own good diamond pendant necklace.

  “Damn. He’s good.” Cassie says.

  “Enzo I can’t believe this party. It’s amazing.” He puts the necklace around my neck.

  “You’re amazing. You deserve it. I would give you the world.”

  “You already have. How did you pull this off?”

  “The travel arrangements were easy. Checca decorated. Paolo cooked. Easy.” He beams. I can tell he’s happy it all came together.

  I spend the evening talking with my parents who are shocked of course. But after the Mayor of Loserville, aka Steve, I think they can get behind my new man.

  “It was so sweet Ava. Enzo came to the airport and picked us up. He treated us like royalty or something.” My mom is wide-eyed as she speaks.

  My dad rubs my arm. “Yes, he did treat us very respectably. It was very impressive.”

  “He’s like that dad. He treats me like royalty every day.”

  “We’re glad you’re happy and that you found a nice guy.”

  Francesca approaches me and squeezes my arm. “I am more hopeful!”

  I am too.

  Stephanie introduces me to her boyfriend Max. “Ava this is so exciting. The best part is seeing Enzo in his natural habitat.” I throw my head back in laughter.

  Gabby and Francesca bring out my cake. It’s a three-tiered square cake, and it’s decorated with white fondant with delicate purple sugar flowers dotted throughout. Each tier is finished with purple ribbon. I turn to look at Enzo, grinning.

  “Purple and white. A winning combo.” He kisses me on the cheek.

  “I love it.”

  We kiss as the crowd sings happy birthday to me. Best. Birthday. Ever.

  Grayson and Paolo load up the cars with the out of town guests to take them back to Girasole. I say good bye to every person in the room, thanking them for everything. We wave as the last car pulls away. Enzo stands in the foyer with a big grin on his face.

  “Happy?” He asks.