Turn Towards the Sun: Book Three- Forever in Bloom (The Sunflower Trilogy)

by Domenico, Jennifer

  Before I know it, an army of women come at me and Enzo, patting us with powder and picking at my hair. Now I really know how it feels to be a celebrity. I look over at Enzo who is obviously used to this treatment. He winks and smiles while a woman moves his hair into just the right position, in her opinion.

  After several minutes of this, we are led to our seats. Jasmin sits in her seat across from us and has yet to even acknowledge our presence. She hardly seems like the right choice for perky morning television. I watch her as she gets her thick black hair brushed one more time. She is very lovely, with dark caramel colored skin and hazel eyes. I imagine she grew up competing in beauty competitions and having every boy in her presence fall at her feet. A producer comes over to us and quickly tells us the interview will last about ten minutes including a commercial break.

  A camera starts calling out the cues and right before my eyes, Jasmin Taylor’s face lights up. A gorgeous, albeit plastic, smile graces her lips and she is suddenly extremely attentive to us.

  “Tape rolling!” the camera man calls out.

  “Rise and shine, Arizona. It’s time for your morning break with Jasmin,” the now bubbly host says. “Today we are thrilled to have local architect, Enzo Milano, and his drop-dead gorgeous wife Ava with us.” She turns to face us. “Mr. and Mrs. Milano, thank you so much for being here with us today. Mr. Milano, congratulations on your newest award. Does it still excite you to win awards?”

  Enzo flashes that amazing but reserved smile he uses in professional situations. “Please, call me Enzo and yes, I am always excited and appreciative of any acknowledgement of my work.”

  “But this one…” she glances down at her papers, “is an international award recognizing your global contributions to architecture. That’s amazing.”

  Enzo nods. “Yes. I feel very fortunate.”

  “Mrs. Milano, I’d like to ask you a few questions too.”

  I do my best to hide my surprise. I wasn’t expecting to be addressed directly. I glance over at Enzo who nods slightly.

  “What would you like to know?” I ask.

  Jasmin grins. “Okay, so we hear that you have an active role in designing the new downtown hotel.”

  “I have a small role. Francesca Milano designed the inside of the hotel. I am her assistant.”

  “Mm hmm, and what’s it like working for your husband?” she asks.

  “It’s very nice working for Enzo.”

  Before we can continue, Enzo interjects. “She doesn’t work for me, she works with me.”

  “Of course, Enzo,” Jasmin responds then turns her attention back to me. “Okay, Ava, you are quickly becoming a local fashion icon. Where do you get your fashion sense?”

  I’m completely taken aback by this question. A fashion icon? Me? “Um, well, I just wear what I like.”

  “Well, it’s fabulous. Love those shoes!” she exclaims. “We’ll be right back after this break.”

  “Cut!” I hear the camera man’s voice again.

  Just as quickly as she turned on, Jasmin shuts down again like a robot programmed only for a rolling camera. She picks up her phone and sips water while the primpers do their job on all of us again. We prepare for the cameras to roll again and I watch with a sick fascination as the anchor beams for the camera once more.

  “We’re back with the fabulous Milano’s. Ava, we’re all just dying to hear who you plan to wear to the awards gala this weekend.”

  “I won’t be attending, I’m afraid. I have some family business to attend to.”

  “Oh dear. I’m surprised you’re willing to let your hunky husband out of your sight, especially in Vegas.” The anchor smiles and winks at both of us as she speaks.

  I glance over at Enzo, who has clearly had enough with the girlishness of this interview. He starts to open his mouth but I decide I should be the one to handle this comment.

  “I have no concerns about leaving my husband alone. One thing I’m sure of is that he only has eyes for me.” Enzo rubs my hand affectionately. “He’ll be attending with his sister. It’s unfortunate I have to miss this wonderful event for him, however, as talented as my husband is, I’m sure there will be many more accolades to celebrate in the future.”

  I smile at Enzo and am rewarded with his own magnificent smile in return. I look back at Jasmin, daring her with my eyes to ask me another stupid question. She wisely chooses to change the subject.

  “Okay, Enzo, let’s talk about your new project.”

  Enzo talks for a few minutes about La Bellissima, his hands and body getting in on the conversation. I love watching him talk about his work and witnessing his excitement as he discusses his latest masterpiece. Jasmin has the good sense to act interested, whether she is or not is anyone’s guess. As the interview closes, she provides information to the viewers about our website and pleasantly invites us back anytime we want. We hear the cameraman call cut and watch once more as Jasmin Taylor returns to her disinterested self. We stand as Eric comes back to join us.

  “You guys were terrific,” Eric says. Glancing over at Jasmin, he shrugs. “Sorry about her. She had a bad breakup last night, again, and she isn’t quite herself.”

  “Oh, so normally she actually has a personality?” I ask.

  Eric smiles and looks over his shoulder as we walk out. “A little bit, yeah.”

  Jasmin doesn’t even bother to say goodbye to us and we leave after thanking Eric for his hospitality. “Well, that was ten minutes of my life I’ll never get back,” I say to Enzo.

  He looks up and stops walking for a moment, before boisterously laughing. “That, amore, is a perfect way to sum up what just took place.”

  I smile and rise up to kiss his cheek as Grayson pulls the car around to pick us up.

  “You were great with her, Ava. The nerve of her to make such a ridiculous comment.”

  “It was quite gossipy and honestly, asking who I’m going to wear? Like I’m going to a red carpet movie premier. Who cares what I’m wearing!”

  “Clearly more people than you think.”

  “Well, now that you have a wife, I think you may have to endure more fashion commentary and the like.”

  “Small price to pay for such a treasure,” he whispers in my ear before kissing me softly.

  “Mr. Romantic,” is my response.

  “AMORE, CALL ME the moment you to get to Los Angeles,” Enzo says as he leaves me at my gate.

  “Of course, Enzo.” I look over my shoulder to see Cassie and Chris saying goodbye. I’m really happy that Cass is coming with me. I haven’t seen my extended family in years and it always helps to have a friend in an unfamiliar situation. “We’ll be fine.”

  “I know you will, bella.” He leans in and kisses me softly. “I’m going to miss you. Terribly.”

  Wrapping my arms around his waist, I return his kiss before saying, “I’m going to miss you too. I hate when we’re apart. Sunday can’t come soon enough.”

  We hear the boarding announcement for First Class passengers. Enzo quickly kisses me again and Cassie hurries towards me.

  “Have fun, enjoy your accomplishment and tell Checca to take pictures for me,” I say as I kiss my handsome husband one more time.

  “I will. I love you, Ava.”

  “I love you too, my prince.” With that, Cassie and I board the plane for Los Angeles.

  As we settle in our seats and prepare for takeoff, Cassie looks over to me. “This is kind of a bummer weekend, isn’t it? Are you sad to miss out on Enzo’s award show?”

  My eyes glance across the aisle as a pregnant woman settles into her seat. I can’t tear my eyes from her bulging belly and my hand involuntarily goes to my own flat stomach. I wonder for just a moment how far along I would have been and would I feel my baby kick. Would I know if it was a boy or a girl or would we have waited to be surprised? The thought causes a painful tug on my heart before Cassie gets my attention again.

  “Ava?”

  I glance back at my friend. “Yes, I
’m bummed to miss it but I know there will be more. It’s not right of me to act put out when my mom’s dad died though.”

  “I guess. You don’t seem like you really knew him. I never heard you talk about him.”

  “He’s had dementia for years but his body was healthy so he managed to live a long life. I know my mom is sad but he didn’t know who I was since I was a teen.”

  “Well, at least you’ll be there for your mom. That will make her happy.”

  “I know. Besides, like I told Enzo, nothing can compare to our last trip to Vegas. Maybe it’s good I’m not there. I can keep that trip fresh in my mind.”

  Laughing, Cassie agrees. “Epic!”

  LOOKING ACROSS LAX airport, I see my mom and dad standing in the waiting areas in front of security. As expected, my mom bursts into tears as soon as she sees me.

  “Hi, mom,” I say, hugging her.

  We all hug and greet each other as my dad hurries us to the car. Our first stop is my cousin’s house for lunch. I’m told most of my family came, but my Aunt Gladys refused to come. She lives in Maine and decided she couldn’t handle the flight across the country. To say my mother is upset is an understatement.

  Cassie and I listen as she complains about various family members and how arguments regarding what Gramps left in his will have already started. Cassie looks over at me and quietly says, “Wouldn’t be a family event without some drama.”

  “Ain’t that the truth,” I whisper back.

  We get in the car as my dad attempts to navigate LA traffic to get to my cousin’s house. I can only imagine that the next four days are going to be a combination of happiness, sadness, and catching up with a dollop of family tension. I decide to make the best of it. They might not be the perfect family, but they are mine.

  My phone buzzes so I take it out of my purse to read my text message.

  HB&M: I already miss you. How will I survive four days without you?

  Me: I don’t even want to think about it.

  HB&M: Ti amo, bella. Per sempre.

  Me: Io pure. Per sempre.

  “What are you doing over there?” Cassie asks.

  “Texting with Enzo. He’s so sweet.”

  “That’s an understatement. Hey,” she says, pointing at the screen of my phone. “What does that mean?”

  “HB&M?” I laugh. “Hot, bossy, and mine. I used to call him hot and bossy. I changed it after we were married.”

  “Gee, that’s romantic.”

  “You’re right.” I edit the contact listing to read, simply, Enzo. “How’s that?” I ask showing her.

  “Not romantic but at least it’s not goofy. Besides, he’s not that bossy anymore, right?”

  “Right. He’s still hot though. In my opinion anyway.”

  “I don’t think anyone would argue with you on that point. Does it bother you at all the way women look at him?”

  “No, not at all. I know that he doesn’t notice them. He only wants me. Even if someone really tried, I am positive she would be unsuccessful.”

  “Oh for sure. No doubt how he feels about you. I just wondered how it feels to be with someone who gets noticed everywhere he goes for lots of reasons. I mean, you’re no slouch in the looks department either so that helps.”

  “Sometimes I have to remind myself that I snagged that man. Me. I did that. He picked me.”

  “No, Ava. You picked him. He was just smart enough to recognize what a catch you are.”

  “Thanks, Cass. I think we suit each other well.”

  “You do. Especially with all the shit that has happened to you. You guys are tight.”

  “Better because of it. I truly believe that.”

  “So do I.”

  My mom turns around and smiles at us. “What are you two whispering about back there?”

  “Nothing, Mom. Just life.”

  “You have to embrace it. You never know when the clock will run out or when something will change.”

  “Agreed,” Cassie says.

  “Thanks for coming out. I know it’s hard to leave Enzo and with the loss of the…”

  I lift my hand to stop her. “It’s cool, Mom. I’m happy to be here for you.”

  She smiles again and turns back in her seat.

  I PULL OUT my phone to call Enzo. Tonight is his big award’s dinner and it’s starting to hit me how much I miss him. There is no where I’d rather be than standing next to him when he is acknowledged. I dial his phone and wait as it rings a few times.

  “Amore, come stai?” Enzo’s beautifully accented voice comes through the line.

  “Ciao, tesoro. I’m okay but I miss you terribly.”

  “I feel the same. Tonight is just not the same without you by my side. How is your family? And your mother, how is she handling things?”

  “Fine. Everything’s fine. It’s good to see my grandma and a few of my cousins are here that I haven’t seen since I was a teenager. It’s strange to see us all grown with spouses and kids.”

  “I imagine it is.”

  We both sit quietly on the phone for a moment before Enzo speaks again. “Ava…”

  “Yes?”

  “I was sitting here today in my hotel room looking around. It’s big and beautiful, very luxurious. My tux is hanging on the door and the party promises to be very lavish. Every professional accomplishment in my life has always been so important to me and well…”

  “What is it, Enzo?”

  “I want you here to share it with me. All of this has lost its luster without my beautiful angel to enjoy it too. Without you, it’s just a commitment I have to fulfill. When your eyes meet mine across a room, my heart fills with pride. Pride that you chose me. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

  “Enzo, that is so sweet but it will make me so sad if you don’t enjoy yourself tonight. You deserve this recognition and I am with you. My heart is one hundred percent in Vegas with you right now. You have been on my mind all day. Cassie and I drove out to Manhattan Beach for a latte and all I could think about was what a cute town it was and how I’d like to explore it with you. I love Cassie and my family, but they are not a replacement for you. You must know how hard it is for me to be here separated from you?”

  “I do know, amore. In your absence it’s just so apparent how much of my life you fill. There is a big gaping hole right now. Hearing your voice is wonderful, but I cannot wait to see your beautiful face again.”

  “Good,” I giggle. “I’m gonna jump your bones the minute I get home.”

  “Well, that sounds delightful,” he replies, laughing.

  “Please enjoy yourself tonight.”

  “I will do my best, amore. You should try to have fun as well.”

  “You’re right. I’ll try. I love you.”

  “I love you too, bella. Ciao.”

  “Ciao.” I hang up wishing I could jump on the first plane to Vegas, but it’s not possible. My mom would be so upset. The funeral went well this morning, but there are so many family obligations still.

  I glance at my reflection in the mirror of the guest bedroom in my grandmother’s house. This tiny two-bedroom house was filled with my grandparents and their five children growing up. One bathroom and three girls- no thank you.

  Now we are faced with deciding what to do with my grandmother. She probably shouldn’t really be living here alone anymore. My aunts and uncles check on her, but that’s not the same as helping her. She won’t leave though. Stubborn as, well, me. I smile to myself and head back into the living room with everyone else.

  Cassie is sitting on the sofa listening to my Aunt Sarah’s crazy stories of the time she lived in London. I settle in next to Cass and listen too. If I can’t be in Vegas with Enzo, then this really isn’t such a bad place to be for a while.

  We leave tomorrow morning, so I decide to make the best of the time I have with my family knowing that I have the rest of my life to be with Enzo.

  THROUGH CLOUDY EYES, I stare at my reflection trying desp
erately to make sense of my surroundings. I have no idea what is happening right now. All I know is Francesca is screaming at me and throwing things around the room. Her words sound a million miles away and I can barely make sense of anything she is saying. Woman. Yes, there was a woman here. With red hair, no? I run my hands through my hair, willing my memory to speak up.

  Francesca pushes me down on the bed and hands me a bottle of water from the mini bar. Hotel. That’s right. I’m at the hotel. In Las Vegas. I was at dinner? Wait. I shake my head. Why can’t I remember? My gaze shifts to my sister who is using the telephone. She paces back and forth staring anxiously at me, and it dawns on me that something is wrong. Very, very wrong.

  “Yes, Enzo. The hotel is bringing coffee for you now. I don’t know what we’re going to do about this. Do you remember anything at all?” Francesca asks.

  “Checca,” I start but my voice sounds distant even to me. “What happened here? I feel…wrong.”

  “I don’t know what happened, Enzo. You left the dinner table and you were gone for a while. I called your phone, but you did not answer. Something did not feel right, so I came here to look for you. I pounded on the door and when you answered that woman was in your bathroom. Do you know how she got up here?”

  “I have no idea. I remember dinner…then I didn’t feel well. The next thing I know, you are here and there was yelling. I don’t even know who that was.”

  Francesca answers the knock at the door and takes the tray with the coffee from the hotel worker. I watch her cross the room back to me, seemingly in slow motion, and pour me a cup of coffee. I drink it down as fast as I can tolerate the heat, praying it will clear my head. I don’t recall drinking enough wine at dinner to affect me in this way.

  “Enzo,” Francesca starts and sits on the bed next to me. “The woman was Anna.”

  My eyes shoot open wide. It isn’t possible. “What? How could that be? That woman had red hair and…” I stop speaking while my brain races with possibility.

  Francesca rubs my hand. “It was her. I’m sure. I can tell from looking at you that you are not yourself.” She reaches out and rubs my hand. “Do you think she drugged you, Enzo? I don’t know what happened up here, but she was naked and you seem compromised as well.”