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I sat at Valentino's desk in his home office, working on replying to many emails that were not handled while we were away in London. Everything seemed to be getting back to normal, whatevernormalwas. I suddenly found myself growing very sleepy and decided to go upstairs and take a nap. I texted Valentino to let him know in case he needed me for anything.
Hey, I'll be napping for a bit if that's okay.
Moments later, he replied,Sure, get some rest and I will see you in a couple of hours. I love you! XO
I love you too :* xoxo
I smiled as I closed my laptop, meandering to the elevator. As I entered the foyer, Joseph was standing with an older woman. She was dressed in what I can only describe as the classicrich ladyattire, but it was hard to tell much about her from where I was standing.
Joseph glanced toward me and his eyes enlarged as he gave me a tight-lipped smile. Her demeanor changed as she tilted her head toward me. For the first time, I got a good look at her appearance. She appeared young for her age, but I could tell she was an older woman. Wearing a black dress with black shiny jewelry, she draped a small, black bag over her wrist while her frost dyed hair made her blue eyes much more piercing than I expected.
“You must be the woman my son is hiding from me.”
She greeted me abrasively in a prominent Italian accent as she waltzed toward me, placing a kiss on each of my cheeks. Joseph smiled at me, slightly rolling his eyes behind her back. My gaze widened in shock as I stared back at him. He appeared silently apologetic while he watched helplessly as she held on to me tightly. I smiled courteously as we parted, her hands still holding onto my wrists.
“You are Valentino's mother?”
She nodded, smiling “I am, and I would love to take you to lunch so I can get to know the woman who has stolen my son's heart.”
I blushed, glancing toward Joseph for help.
He slightly shrugged, smirking, “I will prepare the car and call the restaurant.”
“Actually--,” I blurted louder than I should have.
Joseph turned toward me, and Valentino’s mother dropped my arms.
“Joseph would you please help me with something before we go?”
He cocked his head to the side curiously, as Mrs. Greco was staring down at her phone.
I pursed my lips, jerking my head in the opposite direction.
“Excuse me Mrs. Greco,” he informed her as he followed me, “we will return shortly and then we can leave.”
“Take your time, Joseph.” She nodded without looking up, “I will see myself into the living room.”
I marched down the two corridors, returning to Valentino's office. Joseph closed the doors quietly. I turned to see him leaning against them, smirking.
“Why is she here?” I hissed. “Does Valentino know she’s here?” I began to pace in front of him.
“She just showed up and it's not like I can deny her access.”
I took a deep breath, as I stopped. “Joseph, look at me!” I gestured toward my outfit. “I cannot go out with Mrs.Country Clublooking like--.”
“You look fine but if you want to change,” he interrupted, “I respect that.” He rolled his eyes then glanced at his watch, “I would, however, hurry because while she is very nice, she does not like to be kept waiting.”
“Oh, even better!” I sarcastically remarked, jogging out of the room, and taking a back staircase to our bedroom.
I sprinted into the closet, wincing slightly as I had not recovered in full just yet. Sometimes glass would work its way out of my skin, causing small abrasions. I frantically filed through dresses, but nothing seemed good enough.
Finally, I came across a dress that would match her style, or so I hoped. I slipped it on before scurrying into the bathroom, touching up my hair and makeup then returned downstairs. She was standing in the middle of the foyer once again, appearing slightly impatient but she smiled anyway.
“Are you ready?”
I glanced toward Joseph and he nodded, faintly winking, approving of my outfit. Relieved, I sighed, smiling at him before turning to her.
“Yes ma'am.”
