“Well, we’ll have to make sure that happens again then, won’t we?”
“I very much look forward to that day, amore.”
“AVA, HONEY, IT’S your dad.” I hear my dad’s voice and notice it sounds so sad. I feel immediate concern over what I’m going to hear next.
“Dad, what’s going on?”
“It’s your grandpa Jack. I’m sorry, honey, he died this morning.”
“Oh no. How?”
“Just natural causes they say. Your grandma was with him and it was peaceful. The funeral is Saturday but we’d like you to come out to LA a few days early if you can.”
I glance up at Enzo, who sits working at his desk, staring intently at me. We are supposed to go to Vegas this weekend for the big International Design Awards Banquet. It’s a big deal for Enzo, but this is family. “Okay, dad. I have to talk to Enzo about some things and I’ll let you know when I can come out.”
“Alright, Ava. I’ll wait to hear from you.”
I hang up the phone and sit down in a nearby chair. “My grandpa died.”
“Oh, Ava. I’m so sorry,” Enzo says.
“It’s okay. He was 94 and was starting to decline. A matter of time I suppose. The funeral is this weekend so I have to miss the award banquet. I’m sorry.”
“Amore, there is no need to be sorry. I will skip it and we can go pay respects to your grandfather together.”
“Enzo, that’s impossible. You are getting the main award. You have to go. It would be poor form not to.”
“Nothing is more important to me than family. You know that.”
“I do.” I nod my head. “But seriously, I am fine. I haven’t even seen my grandfather since I was 21. He’s had a hard time remembering people the past few years. I can do this then I’ll be home to celebrate with you. I’m just sorry you have to go alone.”
“I don’t know, Ava.”
“Please, Enzo. I would feel terrible if you didn’t go. You deserve this award and I’m just sad I won’t be able to see you accept it. Can you bring Checca?”
“Perhaps. Are you sure?”
“Quite sure. It won’t be as fun as Vegas but hey, nothing can top our last trip there.”
Enzo smiles. “That is very true. But there is always another opportunity, no?”
“Yep.” I rub my tummy. “Until you knock me up again.” My comment makes me laugh but Enzo crinkles his nose.
“I do not knock my wife up, Ava. We are making a family together.”
“I know, Enzo. Forgive my crassness. I just need to make light of it when I can. It makes me feel better about the whole thing and the fact that I’m not pregnant yet. It happened so quickly last time.”
“It’s only been a few weeks. You know the doctor said it could take a few months for your hormones to balance out again.”
“Yeah, I remember.”
“We have the rest of our lives, Ava. We’ll get there.”
“I know.” I pick up my notebook as my mood shifts quickly to sadness. I hate this topic. “I have some things to do. I’ll see you a bit later.”
“Ava?”
“What?”
Enzo stands and walks towards me, then takes my hand and pulls me close to him. “The babies will come.”
I relax a little and wrap my arms around his neck, inhaling his amazing scent. “I know, babe. Thank you.”
“I do worry still at times about your, er, emotional health. This was very traumatic and I’m not sure you’ve truly worked through it. Do you think you want to talk to someone?”
“Enzo, please. It’s the past. There is nothing to work through. I just want to move forward and I’m tired of people asking me if I’m okay. I’m fine. I just want another chance. I want to have our baby.”
“You will. It will happen.”
“Yeah,” I say, turning my head away. I’m so tired of everyone’s encouraging words that mean nothing until I get my baby.
Enzo gently grabs my chin and turns my face back to his. “Don’t push me away, Ava. These are not just words I’m saying to you. I mean them. Somehow, things always work out for us and this will too. I believe it in my heart.”
“I’m glad one of us does.”
“You don’t believe it?”
Shaking my head, I respond. “I’m not sure.”
“Well then you need to think about it some more. I could not have imagined the happiness I feel now because of you but I believed if there was someone out there for me, someone who would love me completely and unconditionally, I believed I would find her. And I did. She sat next to me on a plane one day and I was bewitched. The way my life has changed since you came into it is almost inexplicable. Don’t you see how amazing our love and our life are? Don’t you wake up every day and thank God for the blessings in your life? Don’t you know, Ava, how much I love you?
I told you once that every morning I wake up and stare at you, astounded that you belong to me. It’s still true. What I feel for you would scare you if I could find the words to explain it. The depth of my love for you is startling. Nothing, absolutely nothing matters to me but you.”
Tears start to roll down my face as I listen to Enzo’s emotional words pouring from him. I can’t even find my own response and I simply nod and listen while he holds me and talks.
“Ava, I would give everything up in a moment if you wanted me to. All the money and prestige that was so fulfilling to me before would be joyless without you to share it. I want our babies; you know I do. But I want you more. I want your happiness and your laughter filling my ears again. I want this life with you, whatever the future holds. Whatever this life will bring, I want it with you.”
I look up and see tears in his eyes. Realizing how strong he is being for both of us, I simply press my lips against his in a kiss.
“Enzo, you have no idea how much your words affect me. I love you and everything about you. I sometimes lose sight of my blessings, but I am thankful you are here to remind me. I’m okay, I swear. Yes, I get sad sometimes but it gets easier as the days go on.” I run my fingers through his thick hair. “My life is amazing because of you and I will make sure to be more thankful about it. I love you too; you know this. It’s almost impossible to remember what my life was like before you were in it. You are larger than life and your love is perfect for me. Thank you for loving me like you do.”
“My heart dictates my love for you. It is not a choice.” Enzo smiles, but I can still see the sadness and worry that lingers in his eyes.
I reach up and stroke his cheek. “We both have work to do before the weekend.”
“Yes, you’re right.”
I try to move away, but Enzo won’t release me. “Enzo…”
He leans in and kisses me, passionately, as though it’s the last time he will ever have the chance. My entire body reacts to the kiss, pressing into him, as I run my fingers in his hair. If I wasn’t sure how much Enzo loves me from his words, it’s crystal clear from his kiss. He releases me, leaving me breathless, and smiles. “Now you can go.”
“I’ll look forward to more of that later.”
“As you wish.” He smiles and winks as he heads back to his desk.
Out in the lobby, I pause for a moment collecting myself. That man could overwhelm the toughest chick. After all this time, I think I can finally handle his intense displays of emotion.
I walk back to the area where Francesca was working earlier and see her talking on the phone. She looks up at me, and waves as her smile fills her face.
I listen to her finish, then turn her attention to me. “Yes, Ava, did you check on the order with the bed linens?”
“I called this morning and they should arrive tomorrow actually.” She nods and smiles, making a note in her journal. “My grandfather died this morning so I have to go to California this weekend.”
“Oh, Ava! I’m so sorry. Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine. It was sort of expected, I guess. I mean he was old and not well. Anyway, you know
the awards are this weekend in Vegas so I hope you can go with Enzo.”
“Take your place with Enzo? I couldn’t.”
“You have to, Checca, or he would have to go alone. I have to go be with my mom.”
She nods. “Oh, yes, of course.”
“It’s not ideal but I don’t want Enzo to miss out on this in person. It’s an amazing accomplishment.”
“Yes, it is. I will go. Can I do anything for you?”
“Nope. Just support Enzo. I’ll be back as soon as possible.”
“Yes, well I’m sure we will only go for the day, no?”
“I’m going to leave Thursday and I plan to be back on Sunday. Until then, let’s just keep working.”
“Yes. You know, Ava, I mean to tell you all the time. I’m very impressed with your focus and drive. Even with everything…” she waves her hands dramatically in the air. “Everything that has happened.”
“Life must go on. I could lie in bed and cry every day or I could get on with it. I choose to move forward.”
Francesca rubs my back. “Yes, that is good. As long as there is time to heal too, no?”
“I’m fine, Checca.” How come I am the only one who seems to believe me? “What calls do you need me to make?”
She smiles and hands me a folder full of work orders that need follow up and I’m happy to focus on something other than my emotional state. I think I’m doing just fine. Haven’t I shown that?
“WE NEED TO go down to the station for my interview, remember?”
I look up at my handsome husband as I sit on our back patio sipping coffee in the warm spring morning air, watching Maximus roll around in the grass. “I know. I’m almost ready. All I have to do is get dressed.”
“Alright, bella. You looked so settled I wasn’t sure you were going to get back up.”
I laugh softly. “I will. Just easing into my morning. You’ve practically made me an early bird now.”
“I see that.”
I pull myself up from the chair and after dropping my coffee cup in the kitchen, head back to the bathroom to finish preparing for the day.
Enzo is being interviewed about the award he’s getting in Vegas this weekend and announcing La Bellissima is opening ahead of schedule. This is the kind of media attention I’m okay with. Stepping into the closet, I select a pair of Armani black dress slacks and a white silk blouse - both items I picked up at Neiman Marcus yesterday. Putting them on, I gaze at myself in the full length mirror. Running my hands over the silk of the blouse, I marvel at how nicely they fit. I guess it’s true that quality makes a difference. Glancing at the floor I survey my growing collection of shoes and select a pair of ruby red Louboutin platform pumps and put them on. As a finishing touch, I wrap a silver chain belt around my hips.
Back in the bathroom, I put my hair up in a bun and quickly do my makeup. Diamond stud earrings, a wrist full of bracelets, and my necklace complete the look. I add a quick spritz of perfume before I join my husband in the living room.
His eyes open wide when he sees me and he whistles his approval. “I never tire of looking at you. You look amazing today, amore,” he says, as he approaches and kisses me on the cheek.
“Thank you. I feel amazing. I’m getting into this nice clothes concept. Incredible what a nice pair of pants can do for a girl’s mood.”
“I do believe I’ve created a monster,” Enzo replies, laughing.
I grin. “You could be right.”
Just then, Cassie comes out from her room and stops in her tracks, staring at me. “Damn, Ava. If I wasn’t standing in your living room, I wouldn’t have recognized you. You look hot, girl!”
“Thanks, Cass. Some recent purchases.”
“From where? And dang, those shoes are to die for.”
“Neimans and yeah, the shoes are bad ass, no?” I spin my foot around so she can see the famous red-bottomed soles of my shoes.
“I’m proud of you. Not that long ago, you were still clipping coupons looking for sales and outlet stores. Now you march into Neiman Markup and throw down $500 for shoes.”
“She threw down $1000 for those shoes and another thousand for the outfit,” Enzo announces with a hint of pride in his voice.
“A thousand dollars for shoes?!? Ava! That’s insane. Are they lined with gold or something?”
“No, Cassie, they are not lined with gold.” I roll my eyes. “They are very comfortable though. I can work in them all day.”
Cassie leans against the arm of the couch. “Well la di da, Mrs. Milano,” she replies, cackling. “Money suits you, signora,” she teases, using one of Enzo’s many nicknames for me.
I try to keep a straight face but I can’t. Laughter overcomes me and I’m reminded once more why I love this girl so much. “You’re a nut, Cass.”
“Yes. Yes I am. Anyway, I’m sorry to hear about your gramps. I’m free this weekend if you want me to fly out with you since Enzo can’t make it. I could use the break.”
“I would like that, Cass. Thank you. You sure Chris won’t mind?”
“Nah,” she says, waving her hand in the air. “He’s in the midst of like three different websites so he could use a break from me.” She laughs at her own comment.
“Okay, well that’s wonderful. I’ll book our tickets later tonight.”
“Cool. You guys going to work this early?” she asks.
“No, Enzo has an interview to do and I’m just tagging along to bask in his glory,” I respond.
“Ava, you have your own glory,” Enzo says, chiding me.
“Hardly. Anyway, I like living in your sunlight. It’s warm here.” I kiss his cheek before he can say anything else, and grabbing my handbag from the console table, I pat the dog and head to the garage door.
“Grayson is coming today. We have to go downtown. He’ll be driving us.”
“Perfect. I get to keep my husband’s attention on me the entire time.”
“Your husband’s attention is always on you, my love.”
“Oh gag me with a spoon, you two!” Cassie exclaims.
Enzo laughs which causes me to smile. He has the best laugh. I’m continually amazed at how his laughter transforms him from serious businessman to regular guy; even if it is for just a moment.
A knock at the door signals Grayson’s arrival. We say goodbye to Cassie and the pup and head out.
“Morning, Mrs. Milano, um, Ava,” Grayson says.
Smiling, I reply, “Morning, Grayson. How’s it going?”
“Pretty good. How are you?”
There’s a sweetness to his voice that reflects his genuine concern for me. It warms my heart knowing this big, tough looking guy is really a softie underneath it all. “I’m doing well, thank you for asking.”
He nods and holds the door open for me. Enzo climbs in the opposite side and we both settle in for the morning drive to downtown Phoenix. Enzo pulls out his phone and answers a few emails before turning slightly to face me.
“I’d like your opinion, Ava. Do you think I should announce the tentative date for La Bellissima today? Or wait until we get a little closer?”
I cock my head at him. Enzo has never asked me to help him with any decisions on this level. I am almost too surprised to answer.
“What are you leaning towards?” is my tentative response.
He shakes his head. “I’m not sure. Part of me wants to put it out there and generate some excitement, but there are still so many things that could delay the opening. I just don’t know if the timing is right.”
“Who helped you with these types of decisions before?”
Enzo looks up at me, his blue eyes shimmering in the sun, and smiles warmly. “No one.” He brushes my cheek with the back of his hand. “But now I have you, my partner in all things. I want your opinion.”
This simple gesture nearly causes my heart to burst. “Thank you for trusting me.”
“I always have.”
“My honest feeling is that it is too soon to announce a date. T
o your point, we still have a lot to accomplish. I think you can start talking about how it’s several months ahead of schedule and maybe even share some of the features and amenities of the hotel. That should generate the excitement and interest you want.”
Staring at me for a moment, Enzo simply lifts my hand to his lips, and presses a gentle kiss against it. “Perfetto. As soon as I heard your words, I knew that was the right thing to do. I think I am just getting excited. I love unveiling a new hotel, Ava. It’s like…” he stops suddenly and I think I realize what he almost said.
“It’s like a baby?” I ask. “It’s okay, babe. I understand what you mean.”
“Well, yes. Watching something I created from nothing, become something. It’s the closest analogy I can think of.”
“I get that. It’s very exciting.” I smile and rub his hand, then twist my fingers in his. “You know something?” Enzo looks over at me. “I adore you. You always tell me that, but I need to say it back to you. I absolutely adore you.”
Enzo chuckles softly. “I know this but I do love hearing it. Your words have always been precious to me.”
My eyes shift to the front seat where Grayson sits, appearing to focus on the road, but the smile on his lips gives away that he was listening to us. Pulling up in front of the building where the news station is, I’m reminded of our press conferences related to that horrible book scandal. At least we’re here to talk about something positive.
We walk inside and up an escalator to the studio where the interview will take place. As soon as we enter the room, a receptionist greets us and a young man named Eric comes out to meet us right away. He ushers us to another room where we are told to wait for a just a few minutes until the anchor is ready for us. Never in my life did I think I would be going on a morning show for any reason. Even though the interview isn’t about me, it’s still very exciting.
Moments later, Eric returns, talking in a headset, and leads us to the set where the anchor, Jasmin Taylor, waits in a seat for us. Two women stand over her, fixing her hair and makeup while she sips a cup of coffee and stares at her phone. Her eyes shift up at us briefly, but she makes no attempt to address us or even smile.
Turn Towards the Sun: Book Three- Forever in Bloom (The Sunflower Trilogy) Page 8