Whew! The life!
CHAPTER 7
~*~*~
After meeting with Valentina, I alternated between emotions – happy, relieved, excited – a bunch of others and back to happy again. The conversation we had was a healthy and fulfilling one, and a perfect prelude to my impending date.
She called concierge and I was escorted to my awaiting suite. It was as welcoming as the one Natalia was in. Apparently, all the rooms had their own color scheme. Turquoise, and platinum were mine. It was serene and walking into the aura of it immediately brought to mind the ocean.
My luggage had been delivered prior to and once I’d placed everything in the closet and drawers, I started prepping for the reception. That was the part I couldn’t wait to see. All the people in one place would be a sight to see.
I felt like I was in the final hours of a Hollywood premier, and waiting to see who would walk the red carpet, what they were wearing, how they wore their hair, and what they looked like.
The dress I chose from Natalia’s closet was a white Catherine Malandrino. Her being a size six to my seven, gave it a nice fit in all the right places. I completed the ensemble with red dangle earrings, my favorite diamond tennis bracelet and red pumps.
Dressing up had always been fun. Normally, it would happen when my parents were having large gatherings at our house or if we’d been invited to a gala or something of that nature. But prepping for Valentina’s event was a huge contrast. I was stepping out as a woman – an independent woman and it felt good.
I was going for simple with a taste of elegance. I allowed my tresses to hang, giving me a more mature appearance. I took a final look in the mirror for approval, and was pleased with what stared back at me.
Because of all the recent disruption in my life, I hadn’t been interested in looking into my own face, for fear of what I might see in my eyes. But as I studied my face in the mirror, I saw beauty: My hair, eyes, lips, and body. Oh, the body…I hadn’t paid much attention before but apparently, I had curves that had grown in. Thank you white dress for putting them in clear perspective.
I thought to myself how much my dad would disapprove if he had seen me in that moment looking so adult. He still thought of me as his little girl. So did my mom…and that I would always be.
A brief moment of guilt rushed over me that I was at Paraiso Belo living a secret my parents had no knowledge of...
It’s only one time, I told myself. Not that big of a deal.
~*~*~
Nothing could have prepared me for the lounge. As with everywhere else in Valentina’s miniature palace, it was beautiful. A lot of purple and lavender, with red sprinkled throughout, made up the scheme.
There were 12 booths set throughout and at each booth an awaiting gentleman was already seated with varying activity in progress. Whether sipping on a drink or eating from the fruit plate that sat before him, each looked extremely relaxed and ready.
From what I could tell, I had entered a melting pot filled to the brim with nice looking men. I thought to myself, So this is where all the beautiful, rich men hang out, huh?
I was amazed as I looked around the room from guy to guy. My curiosity was in overdrive. I wanted to know what their professions were. Did they come from money? Did they make their own money? If so, doing what? Were they all married or were some just there for fun and because they could afford the high price tag?
Whatever the case, they were there because they’d earned a spot. They were part of an exclusive group of men who had to prove they deserved to be there.
What an operation. Way to go, Valentina!
I was seated with another girl who introduced herself as Iyanna. The area where we sat, seated eight. We had a great view that faced the 12 booths.
Iyanna was also hosting a short-timer who hadn’t yet arrived, so we were invited to the reception as guests. We talked for a bit while waiting for the affair to begin.
There was a guy sitting not too far from us, that both Iyanna and I commented on at the same time. Perhaps because he was the nearest and we could get a close look at him. One thing was clear…he was one gorgeous man!
He had a dark complexion, low-cut hair, broad shoulders. Strong facial features. Confident. Mysterious.
If I was correct, he was an athlete for one of the NFL teams. Maybe even NBA. I had definitely seen him before. I just couldn’t immediately place it. Or maybe he just had that I’ve seen him before, look about him.
Whoever he was, some woman was going to be very lucky.
Down, girl! I told myself. He’s spoken for already…At least on this trip he is.
I smiled to myself, already exploring future potential.
~*~*~
Right in the middle of my chocolate athlete lust fest the lights dimmed, the music came to a halt, and I heard, “Good evening, gentlemen! I hope we didn’t keep you waiting too long…” I immediately recognized Valentina’s voice over the microphone.
Right then she appeared as stunning as ever. Valentina the Vixen wore a black evening dress that hugged her body like an original birthday suit.
You go girl!
The diamonds in her ears and those around her neck sparkled, even from where I sat. Her hair, pulled up high in a bun, accentuated the dress perfectly.
Elegant.
“Without further ado, here are your hostesses!”
One by one, they all sashayed in. I hadn’t seen Natalia since earlier in the day when I left her to have my meeting with Valentina. She looked gorgeous.
She wore the prettiest platinum dress with her auburn hair pulled into a high ponytail, with a swooped bang that touched slightly behind her ear before joining the rest of the upsweep.
She was flawless and had the perfect accessories to complete the ensemble. She looked at least four years older than her nineteen.
Wonderful was the rainbow of colors in the procession. The women were from everywhere! All beautiful. Anyone could see that Valentina chose hostesses carefully. They all wore dresses for the occasion and it looked more like a fashion show than the prelude to a date.
Valentina continued her introduction.
“We are happy you joined us and are sure you will enjoy your time here at Paraiso Belo. You have been assigned your very own hostess for the duration of your stay and very careful steps were taken to pair you with the woman that matches closest with your preferences. If for any reason you think the match is not right, please let me know and I will do all I can to rectify the situation. However…I do not foresee that being a problem.”
She gestured toward the smiling ladies and exclaimed, “I mean look at them!”
Applause erupted throughout the lounge, and as I looked around I saw smiles on all the faces in the room.
“One more thing, before I turn you over to your hostesses…please focus your attention to the back of the room for Iyanna and Gabriella. Iyanna has been with Paraiso Belo for six months, you may have already met her.”
Iyanna stood and waved to the crowd, as the applause continued.
Then it was my turn.
“Gabriella, my American princess, has just joined us and this is her first visit. Please give her a welcomed applause.”
I followed Iyanna’s lead and stood to deliver a quick wave.
“Welcome to the family, Gabriella!” she announced.
I hadn’t expected any spotlight to come my way, but I thought it was very sweet of Valentina to acknowledge us even though we were only observers for the evening.
CHAPTER 8
~*~*~
When the girls spread out to their assigned guests, Valentina made her way over to our table. “You girls look beautiful tonight!” she exclaimed proudly.
“Thank you!” we both responded.
“So do you, Valentina!” I complimented.
“Thank you, Gabriella. What did you both think of the reception?”
“Loved it,” we managed in unison, then looked at one another and chuckled at the coincidence.
Smiling, Iyanna responded, “I am ready. It’s been a few months since I’ve seen Manuel, so I’m excited.”
“Good. He seems to have found a favorite in you, so I’m sure it will be pleasurable.”
“He is always a lot of fun, and it doesn’t hurt that he is very…uhmmm…experienced,” she blushed. “I think I’ve learned quite a bit from that man. I am eagerly anticipating his arrival tomorrow.”
“And, Gabriella…how are you holding up, my love? All set for tomorrow? Did you preview your portfolio?”
“I did,” I answered, smiling. “As soon as I got back to my suite, I unpacked and took a look to see what my guest was all about. I’ve done my homework.”
“Hmmm,” she said. “I see a smile…”
“Yes, you do,” I said bashfully. “I didn’t realize until right now, how wound up I am, or that I would even be at all.”
“Wound up, huh? Well, that’s good news.”
As we chatted into the night, I periodically glanced over to observe Natalia’s interaction with the chocolate NFL guy. In some weird way I knew she’d end up the lucky one. She handled herself well and appeared to be in her element. I was proud of her.
She turned at a point, flashed a smile my way, and refocused on her guest without missing a beat.
Iyanna excused herself and took a trip to the bar for a drink.
As soon as she left, I posed a question to Valentina that I had wanted to ask the moment I saw the room full of eye candy.
“Valentina, was there ever a time that you talked to these men during the intake process, or when you met them in person and found that you were attracted in any way?”
“Not at all.”
“Really? I find that hard to believe. It’s like a candy store.”
“You know, Gabriella, I can honestly say that my entire heart belonged to my husband, so I was never attracted. I knew that I was born to be his wife,” she said, blushing. “I was fortunate enough to have him as mine for 12 years and not a day went by that my love didn’t grow. Even after he passed, I didn’t cross lines. These men are not the ones I would fill my life with, if you know what I mean.”
“I absolutely know what you mean,” I admitted looking around, but still thinking that if I were her, I would have probably taken a few dips in the man pool.
She looked, and with a half smile, as if she knew what I was thinking.
“I know you can’t imagine it now, but when you fall in love with the right one you’ll reflect on this very conversation and know exactly what I meant.”
I couldn’t help but smile at the beauty of love – especially on the right two people. Valentina and Dionisio seemed to have shared it. My parents also had it, so I’d seen it play out all my life.
Me, on the other hand, I didn’t think I wanted to give that much of myself to someone ever again. I was young, beautiful, intelligent, and I just wanted to learn me and see what it was that made my world go around – as a serial dater.
My plans were to get my degree, decide on a career and go after it with my whole being so I could build my own empire – maybe even like Paraiso Belo.
I leaned over to hug Valentina. I wanted her to know that I had listened to what she said and that I acknowledged and honored her love for Dionisio.
He was still in her heart and the pain was fresh. I could hear it in her voice when she spoke about him.
“I’m so sorry, Valentina. I’m sure you’ll find that love again one day.”
“I appreciate that. Maybe one day I will…but I’m not rushing into any arms. I have a lot of special memories to keep me company.”
As we concluded the conversation, on cue, Iyanna reentered the fold…drink in hand.
“What did I miss?”
CHAPTER 9
~*~*~
Early the next morning, I was standing on the balcony admiring the view, and reminiscing about the previous night’s reception, when there was a knock at my door. When I opened it, I didn’t expect to see Natalia on the other side, but there she stood.
“Hey, Gabriella!” She threw her arms around me, energy in overdrive. “How did it go last night? I feel so bad that I haven’t gotten to spend time with you,” she said remorsefully.”
“It went well. You looked soooo pretty in your platinum dress! Oh my god! Just beautiful. And your date…sexy as hell!”
“He is, isn’t he? She leaned in close to my face, and whispered, “He is as good as he looks too.”
“You’re not supposed to kiss and tell,” I teased. “However…I figured he would be. I don’t think a man who looks like that could disappoint.”
“Good observation.”
“Lucky you! Let’s hope my guest is worth the wait,” I said with a smile.
“What were you doing before I got here?” she asked. “Did you go down to eat yet?”
“I was out on the balcony taking in the wind.”
“I see that,” she said taking both her hands and ruffling them through my unruly mane. “These curls are everywhere, just begging to be tamed!”
“Whatever!” I shot back. “Leave me alone!”
“Okay, okay…” she laughed. “I won’t talk about how wild your hair is. I’ll just tell you how pretty you are – even with your hair a mess!”
“Enough, girl!” I laughed. “Didn’t you come to say how sorry you are that you haven’t spent time with me? And how you’ve neglected me?” I joked.
“Oh no!” she declared apologetically, her entire expression changing.
“I’m kidding, Talia!” I exclaimed, nudging her shoulder lightly. “You’re at work. I get that. I just wanted to mess with you the way you were messing with me! Don’t worry about the time spent. I know where your room is if there’s anything urgent. Although, your date…that’s more like pleasure than work. If that was work, I would go every day, all day and into the night!”
“You don’t even know the half of it,” she grinned, plopping down on the bed.
“Yum…I hope mine is as tantalizing as yours.”
“Valentina’s on top of it. I’m 100% certain you will like what she has for you. And look at you…he will be mesmerized.”
“By the way, I wanted to tell you…talking to Valentina yesterday was an experience. She is everything you said she was.”
“I figured you would think so!” she boasted.
“I think I love her, Talia! She is so sweet and knowledgeable and real.”
“Se juntar ao clube. You’re in a long line of admirers!” She laughed.
“So…what do you think of your suite? Nice, huh? They’re all pretty fabulous. And even if you had stayed with staff, it’s nice there too. When I tell you they thought this place out, they did.”
“I am in deep like with it. I may have to change my room’s décor when I get home to pattern it after this one.”
“You’re too cute,” she said. “You’ll do no such thing. You will wait for the unveiling of the new house that tio Gabriel is buying, and go from there. Okay? And thank you,” she said, rising from the bed and kissing me on the cheek. “I just wanted to come say good morning, give you a hug and suggest that maybe later when your guest arrives, we double for an early dinner.”
“That sounds good. He’s due in a few hours.”
“Okay, then I’ll wait to hear from you,” she said walking out the door. As I was about to close the door behind her, she asked, “How are you feeling about things? Are you nervous at all?”
“I’m good. Way better than I thought I would be. I’m looking forward to meeting Mr. Victor Silva.”
“Well, that’s good to know. I’m just down the hall, so if you need me for anything just call my room or come find me…unless…you see a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign dangling from the door and hear sounds of ecstasy coming from the other side.”
“You’re soooo bad!” I laughed. “Thank you for looking out for me. You know I appreciate you, right?”<
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“I do, and if I haven’t told you, I’m happy you’re here, but kind of sad that we’re not spending the time we normally would.”
“It’s perfectly fine. Just make sure that with the fat check you’re getting, you book a flight to California real soon. No joke, either!”
“That’s a good idea. I have to renew my passport so that when it’s time to go, there’s no delays.”
“Yes. Or…Or…you could just see about dual citizenship like yours truly,” I teased. “Now, head back to your sleeping beauty and I will probably see you later when my mystery man arrives.”
~*~*~
The rest of the morning went by quickly. Aside from breakfast and a quick last minute swim, my only activity was hanging out on my balcony. I loved the view from there because it offered a peaceful calm I needed.
I hadn’t seen Iyanna, but we had agreed to meet near the lounge for the arrival of our guests. That eased things a bit because while the nerves had managed to leave me, it was still comforting to have someone familiar there.
I took great care with my appearance. I wanted to be as natural as possible and even opted out of calling one of the resident stylists because I didn’t want anything too fancy.
Although my preferred hairstyle was always a ponytail, once again I chose to let my curls fall freely, and in whatever direction they chose.
Light eyeliner application, mascara and my favorite Prrr MAC lip glass completed the makeup portion. I was aiming to please, just didn’t want to go overboard.
I wore a lime green halter top that stopped at the right spot to expose my midriff, a pair of earrings that matched the lime green hue perfectly, white couture jeans and a powder blue suede pump. I’d always loved mixing colors.
I was happy to see both Valentina and Iyanna, as I made my way down the hallway. When I realized they were wearing dresses, I panicked a bit.
Oh Shit! I hope I didn’t miss a note, phone call or something.
“Good afternoon,” I greeted, nervously.
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