“Of course, I’m happy to. Raquel tried to ambush me on the way out, but I dodged her.”
“Good for you,” he said as he pulled out her chair for her. “Looks like everyone wanted a piece of you at lunch today.”
They sat down.
“I’m a lucky guy that you chose me.” He smiled and winked at her, his blue eyes sparkling.
He still took her breath away, he was so handsome. “Well, I’ll probably have to work late and I have some making up to do with Sarah, but you’re worth it.” She looked up at him with a knowing smile as she recalled how he looked and felt wearing nothing but a towel.
“I’m glad you think so,” he said as he picked up her hand and kissed it.
The feel of his soft lips on her skin sent waves of arousal coursing through her body. The chemistry she felt with him was orders of magnitude stronger than anything she ever felt before. Her face felt warm. She needed to get her thoughts under control. Try to play it cool around him, which wasn’t easy. “Plus, this sounded important.”
“It is,” he said as the waiter came by to hand them menus and tell them of the lunch specials. They both ordered San Pellegrino to drink.
After the waiter left, Anabelle leaned forward. “So, don’t keep me waiting. What’s going on?”
Giorgio gave her a sly smile and looked up at her through his thick, dark lashes. “Well, after our first date and then our second…um…get-together…at your place, I thought…I hoped that perhaps you and I were now in a different, maybe more solid place.” It was as much a statement as it was a question.
Anabelle blushed and her thoughts once again went zooming to that night. “I had hoped so, too.” He was saying exactly what she wanted and needed to hear.
“Good,” he said, smiling.
The waiter came back with their bottled water and to take their orders. Anabelle was starting to wish at this moment that she and Giorgio were alone. It’s just lunch, girl, she told herself, stay focused.
They both ordered the lunch special.
“Very good,” the waiter said, then took their menus and departed.
Giorgio turned back to Anabelle. “I would like to invite you to a charity ball as my date.”
“Wow, that sounds wonderful. I’ve never been to a charity ball before.”
“It’s quite an experience. Have you ever heard of the Dream Ball?”
Anabelle’s face blanched. “The Dream Ball?” She swallowed hard. “Everyone in New York has heard of it.” This wasn’t what she was expecting.
He smiled. “Well, my family is one of the major supporters of it. We participate every year to raise money for the charitable trust fund, the Dream Trust.”
“Really?”
“Yup, it’s been going for about 11 years now. It’s been pretty successful, I’m proud to say.”
“I had no idea that your family was involved in that. That event is in the papers every year.” She looked down at the expensive watch he had given her. She realized she was going to have to expect to have these kinds of functions in her life if she was going to keep seeing him, but she was immediately intimidated.
“What are you thinking?” Giorgio asked.
He was very perceptive, but she didn’t want to admit her feelings just yet. She’d try to seem calm about this. He probably wasn’t used to a woman who wasn’t already in those circles, one who wouldn’t jump at the chance for such a high profile society event. She didn’t want to embarrass herself. “So what does this charitable trust support?” she asked.
He sat up straighter, smiling. This was a topic he loved talking about. “Many different kinds of things. The vision of it is: To make dreams come true for those who need them most.”
“That’s lovely,” she said. “What does that mean in practical terms?”
“There are several categories, actually. It helps fund some homeless shelters, women’s shelters for those escaping abuse, animal shelters, it also provide funds for lunch and after school programs for schools in low-income neighborhoods. There’s another section of funds devoted to making the wishes of terminally ill children a reality for them.” He thought for a moment, recalling all the aspects of the trust.
Anabelle was riveted.
Giorgio continued listing the trust’s beneficiaries. “There are provisions for micro-loans for would-be entrepreneurs with a great idea for an ethical and environmentally sustainable small business here in New York. The committee also sets up a budget every year to enhance parks around the lower-income areas of the city. You know, tree-planting, landscaping, and fun things for kids like swing-sets, slides, teeter-totters and the like.” He shrugged his shoulders. “I think that covers most of it.”
Anabelle had listened with great interest. She was seeing him in a new light. “Wow, I’m blown away by all that. That’s incredible.”
He smiled shyly. “Thanks, I can’t take credit for any of it, though. My father was the one who got our family involved. He believed very strongly in giving back to the community. In helping those who are less fortunate and are vulnerable members of society. He was grateful that he was able to make a living here when he and my mom emigrated from Greece.” He paused, his voice softening. “He passed away last year, but he often talked about how he worked hard to establish himself here and how people gave him a chance, recognized his hard work and how opportunities were opened to him as a result.”
“I’m so sorry about your father,” Anabelle said. She could see that this was an emotional topic for him. She recalled reading his father had passed away from prostate cancer. She wouldn’t broach that subject just yet unless Giorgio wanted to.
“Thanks. We miss him a lot.” He paused, clearing his throat. “Anyway, My brother, Nikolas, and I participate on the steering committee every year. We raised $5.5 million last year. We’re hoping to better that, we’re aiming for $6 million this year.”
“Giorgio, that is such a wonderful thing your family is doing. Your father sounds like he was a wonderful man. I’m so inspired.” She beamed at him.
He didn’t say anything else about his father. “So, then you’ll be my date?” he asked, looking up at her, his blue eyes intense and earnest as he bit his lower lip. She was sure he could get anything he wanted with that look. It made her temperature rise.
“Of course, how could I say no to something like that? I’m honored you would take me.”
“Well,” he said, reaching across the table to take her hand in his, “you are my lady.” His fingers caressed the top of her hand.
Her heart melted.
The waiter came by with their lunch orders and then refilled their glasses with the sparkling water.
“So when is it?” she asked, as they started in on their lunches.
Giorgio took a sip of water. “Well, you see, that’s why I needed to see you sooner than later.”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s this weekend. Saturday night.”
Anabelle nearly choked.
“I know, really short notice.”
“Giorgio! That’s less than a week away.” She was nearly apoplectic.
“I’m sorry about that,” he replied, with a sheepish grin. “I would have invited you sooner, but we didn’t meet that long ago, then things between us have been moving kind of fast. After the other night at your place…well, let’s just say, I’d like to have you by my side for this event. It’s special.”
She was feeling a rush of mixed emotions. She liked what he was saying. A lot. She was glad he was at least asking her, but she shook her head. “I don’t know about this. I’d like to go, but that’s really soon. Were you originally planning on going alone or with someone else?”
“Just my brother and his wife,” he said, “which is fine. I’m involved and I go every year. I know lots of people there.”
She let out a long sigh. She couldn’t possibly see how she could be ready for something like that ball with such short notice. In addition to getting a mani-pedi and a prop
er hairdo, she’d have to shop around and find something suitable to wear. In fact, she’d have to do some research first to see what the standards were. Come to think of it, she doubted there was any way she could afford a dress like that, as she tried to remember the pictures she’d seen from it in the papers. She remembered diamonds and really expensive-looking gowns. There was no way she could fit into this crowd, even if she had a month to prepare. It was an event for New York City’s high society. The wealthy and the well-heeled. She was neither.
Giorgio watched her. He saw the wheels turning. He had a suspicion as to what was going through her mind. “Tell you what,” he said, “no pressure. Could I just ask you to sleep on it? I’ll call you tomorrow after work and you can give me your final answer then.”
Her face looked tense. “I guess so, but I really don’t…”
“Please,” he said, placing his hand over hers. “Just think about it. Don’t write it off right away. We’ll talk about it more tomorrow night. I won’t be able to see you in person, I’ve got too many preparations for the ball, but I’ll call you. You never know, you might come around to the idea.”
She didn’t want to admit all of her reservations to him. The gap between them in financial terms and social connections alone was incredibly wide. She could try to forget about it when it was just the two of them alone, but this just magnified it. And it was extremely uncomfortable. “I’ll try,” she said.
“Good, thanks,” he said, giving her a big, movie-star smile.
They finished their lunch and he kissed her goodbye. He watched as she walked back to the office, her head hung low in thought. He smiled. He had an idea.
Chapter 17
Anabelle had worked late Monday night, and then spent a panicky rest of the evening rummaging through her closet, finding nothing even remotely suitable to wear, and then on the phone complaining about the situation with Sarah.
Sarah wasn’t impressed that a man would give a woman so little notice for such an important event, no matter the excuse. She said that he shouldn’t have put her in a position like that. She emphasized how he had no consideration for Anabelle with respect to how much time and money goes into preparing for a high society event.
Anabelle agreed. She was planning on turning down the invitation. Her life would be much simpler that way. She could spend a cozy Saturday night cuddling with Jasper. At least he didn’t put crazy demands on her. Maybe all I need is my cat, she thought to herself. We could live happily ever after. After having some treats and a nice, long tummy rub, Jasper seemed to agree.
*****
Tuesday came and Anabelle’s stomach was in knots. She felt both disappointed and relieved that she was going to turn Giorgio’s invitation to the ball down. Maybe next year, she thought, if we’re still together then. She realized that was a very long ways away and a pretty big ‘if’.
Raquel came up to her desk not half an hour after she got to the office. She hadn’t even finished her first cup of coffee yet and yesterday had been a long workday.
“Before you go making plans, I’m going to need you to work through lunch today. No excuses. We have to get the Tsar Enterprises proposal ready for next Monday.”
“Monday? I thought it was set for Wednesday next week?”
“Change of plans,” Raquel said with a dismissive wave. “Get used to it. It’s the nature of this business. In fact, we may be working late most nights and through all the lunch hours this week. I want this presentation to blow them away.” She walked away without so much as an explanation as to why the deadline had been moved up.
Anabelle fumed. As usual, no thanks for working late last night, no good morning, and no consideration. Giorgio hadn’t said anything to her yesterday about the change, so she figured this had to be Raquel’s doing. Maybe just to keep her on edge. She went to pick up the phone to call Sarah. She dreaded having to cancel on her friend again. This wasn’t the kind of person she wanted to be. Before she could dial, Jennifer came rushing over to her.
“Anabelle, there’s a package up front that you need to sign for.”
She put the phone down. “Okay,” she said as she followed Jennifer to the reception area.
She stopped in her tracks when she saw it. It wasn’t a business delivery. Sitting on the reception desk was a rectangular box wrapped in pale lavender wrapping paper, with a shiny dark purple ribbon tied in a big bow around it. An envelope was tucked under the ribbon.
Anabelle signed the delivery man’s sheet and thanked him. He left.
It was then that Jennifer noticed her new Versace watch. “Whoa,” she said. “Nice blinged-out watch!”
Anabelle smiled and nodded. “Thanks. It was a gift.”
“Oh, the very fine Mr. Tsarkopolis I assume?”
Anabelle lowered her voice to a whisper. “Yes, he got it for me on a business trip he went on. We’ve sort of been dating. It’s really new, so nothing serious yet. Don’t tell anyone.”
“Nice! You lucky girl, you. Don’t worry, my lips are sealed,” she said in a hushed voice, pretending to zip them. “Well then, I wonder who this package might be from?” Jennifer asked, winking and giving her a light elbow.
Anabelle blushed. “I’ll take this over to my desk.”
“Oh no, you don’t,” Jennifer said. “Us women live vicariously through these things. Open it here. I’m dying to know what he’s sent you. Read the card first.” Her eyes were alight with curiosity.
“If you insist,” Anabelle said, winking at her. She opened the envelope. She read it and her heart skipped a beat.
“What does it say?” Jennifer asked, leaning forward.
Anabelle smiled, her heart beating faster. “It says, For my beautiful Anabelle, in the hopes that you will join me for a magical night of Dreams… Giorgio…xo”
“Wow, romantic or what!” Jennifer said, placing her hand over her heart.
Anabelle nodded excitedly. She carefully removed the ribbon and wrapping paper, and then lifted the lid from the box. Inside was matching lavender tissue paper. She pulled it aside and lying there was a deep burgundy satin dress, with intricate beaded detailing around the neckline and a thin bejeweled faux-belt at the waistline. It had two thin straps and a sweetheart neckline.
“Oh my…it’s gorgeous,” Jennifer said.
“Is it ever,” Anabelle agreed as she took the dress out of the box and held it up. It was floor length and had a slit half-way up the side of the dress. The fabric was fine and rich in color. “It’s beautiful,” Anabelle said. “I love it.”
“That color is perfect for you. It will compliment your eyes and auburn hair perfectly. Does he know how to pick them, or what?” Jennifer said. “What’s this for?”
Anabelle briefly filled her in on her lunch with him yesterday, the Dream Ball invitation and short notice she had received about it, and that she had decided not to go.
“Oh, but you have to go now,” Jennifer said, her eyes going wide. “He obviously recognizes the pressure he’s put you under, but he wants you there. That’s huge.”
“You think so?”
“Are you kidding me?” Jennifer asked, giving her a playful push in the shoulder. “Yes, absolutely. He just invited you yesterday at lunch? And then he somehow found a dress that is perfect for you in time to have it delivered this morning? Big effort. Really big.”
“You’re right,” Anabelle said, biting her lip as she realized just how much work he must have put into making this more comfortable for her. She went to place the dress back in the box when she noticed something. “Hey, look, there’s something else in here.”
“What is it?” Jennifer asked.
It was a small square box, also wrapped with a dark purple ribbon. It had a small card tucked in with it.
“I have no idea,” Anabelle said as she opened the card. She read it aloud to Jennifer. “Since you stole my heart, maybe you can bring what’s inside with you to the night of Dreams…”
“This is the most romantic thing I�
�ve ever witnessed,” Jennifer said, swooning. “You are really being wooed, you lucky girl.”
Anabelle nodded, her heart beating fast.
“What’s inside? Open it! The suspense is killing me!” Jennifer said, giggling.
Anabelle lifted the small lid. She inhaled sharply as she saw what was inside.
“Oh. My. God.” Jennifer whispered, her eyes going wide.
Inside the box, lying on a deep purple velvet cushion was a diamond heart-shaped pendant. It sparkled and shone with a brilliance only diamonds could achieve.
Anabelle gently lifted it out of the box, holding it in her hand and up to the light. The heart shape was adorned with twenty-three diamonds that increased in size from the top of the pendant to the bottom.
“It’s stunning,” Jennifer said, holding her hand over her heart. She looked at the back of the pendant as Anabelle held it up. “And it’s platinum. Wow.”
“I’m speechless,” Anabelle said, breathlessly.
“I’m jealous. You know, if you don’t go to this ball,” Jennifer said, playfully bumping shoulders with her, “I can always go in your place.”
Anabelle giggled. “I guess this seals it,” she said gazing at the beautiful pendant and then back down at the dress. “I’m going to the ball.”
“You know if he has a single brother or good-looking friend or cousin, please, please, please send him my way.”
Anabelle laughed and gave her a hug. “You got it, girl.” She tensed up. “I need to hide this from Raquel,” she whispered. “I don’t want her to know I’m going to go to that ball or see what Giorgio has sent me.”
“Why not? She’ll be greeeen with envy,” Jennifer said, smirking.
“Exactly. Giorgio’s still a client, she’s my boss and she has a thing for him. Any way you slice this, makes for an uncomfortable situation for me.” She started packing it all back up.
“Roger that,” Jennifer said.
“I’ll put the box with the pendant in my purse, but the box for the dress is going to be hard to hide at my desk.”
Love in the City, an erotic romance novel Page 14