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CHAPTER 41
Dillon
Italy was great, but we had to return to the city. I had urgent business to attend to, and Azzaria’s graduation was approaching. I’d say this was the best vacation I’ve been on, and I’ll certainly take Azzaria on many more. She was nearly frantic because we left the lemons at the hotel, so I walked for thirty minutes to get them while she waited at the airport.
We landed about three hours ago, and she had cried herself to sleep. She didn’t want to leave, but we didn’t have much choice. Sometimes, I had no idea how to handle her emotions, but I always found a way. How was I supposed to know she’d start crying about returning home from a three-day trip that she planned?
My favorite part, however, was the museum. I have a special connection with all forms of art, especially painting. I loved the detailed Italian art, and I may have purchased a few pieces to hang in my penthouse. Each piece was around $70,000, but who cares? I could afford it, and if I want something, I’m getting it without a doubt.
We sat in my office, Cuddles and I. Cuddles is the teddy bear Azzaria bought me with our initials on it. She kept me company because Precious and Pebbles were busy, and she’s much better than my friends because she doesn’t talk.
I had to alternate between cooking dinner for us and doing work because as soon as she’s awake, she’ll be pestering me for either food or undivided attention. I couldn’t offer undivided attention right now because I’m in a work slump, but I could offer food.
The latest project I’m working on is innovative design. We’ve been trying to get this bill passed for months, but every time we submit a draft, it’s marked as faulty. Melissa was in charge of that, but I put her back at the reception and hired some specialists to get the ball rolling. I needed this bill passed, and I needed it right now.
Kamadge stopped by today to give me in-person updates on Matthew. He’s suffering as he should, but they needed me to finish the job today. I don’t usually keep people at Malen for more than three days, and it’s been about two weeks now.
The cleanup team was sent to search his apartment for any trace of other victims. He was staying at the Millings property in the west under the name of “Sandra Lemar-Cooper.” By the looks of it, they had a sexual relationship, and suddenly she went missing. My guess is that he killed her. He’s a menace and he needs to be put away.
I sensed her. I didn’t have to lift my head to know that she was standing at the door or somewhere close to my office. It’s almost like my brain had receptors that only work when she’s around. “You’re awake, how was your sleep?”
“It was good,” she yawned between statements, walking over to sit in my lap. I lifted my head to look at her, and she kissed me deeply. “I like the smell of the dinner, but I hope you cooked enough.”
“I think so, why?”
“My mom just texted me to ask if the three of us could have dinner sometime and I told her she could come tonight.”
“Meeting your mother sounds fun. Do I have to get dressed for that?”
“Be yourself,” she said calmly, “my mother can sniff out a fake persona from a mile away. This is what I’m wearing to dinner, so just put on pants and you should be fine.”
“Okay, precious.”
We sat there for a while until she went to set the table.
Her mom had texted her that she was coming in about five minutes, so Azzaria’s head was spinning all over the place.
My disposition remained the same as always—unbothered. There’s no reason to work myself up over meeting Azzaria’s mother. If I had the pleasure of winning over the stubborn daughter’s heart, I’d be fine with her mother. But I was concerned about not knowing what to expect or the questions I’d be asked.
I didn’t care if my parents liked Azzaria because they don’t have a say in my life. But I cared about Azzaria’s mother liking me since she’s one of the top influences in Azzaria’s life. There’s no rea—oh, the doorbell rang. She’s here.
I saw Azzaria storming towards the door, but I quickly caught up to her. “Go have a seat. I will let your mom in.”
“Don’t call her Mrs. Willis because she hates my father, so just say Leann, or just don’t say a name, and she’s a hugger.” We quickly kissed, and I made my way towards the door.
It was easy to see where Azzaria got her beauty and sharp cheekbones from. Ms. Leann was definitely a head-turner. She had long, gracious curly black hair and was the older version of her daughter, face-wise. I’m sure as far as mother-daughter replicas go, Leann and Azzaria were on point.
“Good evening,” I said coolly, “You look lovely.”
I moved out of the way to allow her to pass, and she took a step inside, quickly scanning my body and then my living space. She paced herself around before opening her mouth to say anything. Azzaria’s nervousness could be sensed, but I shot her a warm glance which made her smile.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Dillon,” she said, leaning in for a hug. Hugging was something very hands-off for me, but if Azzaria wanted me to hug her mother a thousand times, then I would. “You are even more handsome in person,” she complimented and walked over to Azzaria.
“Sweetheart,” she exclaimed as she saw her child, “You look very comfortable. The dinner smells great.”
“Thanks, Mom, and yes, I’m wearing Dillon’s clothes. He cooked, by the way, because, as you know, I’m a baker and not a chef.”
I couldn’t help but stare at them in astonishment. Through my years of interacting with my mother, it’s never been so pure and innocent.
