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Joseph escorted us to the car and slid in the front seat next to the driver after opening our doors.
“I notified Mr. Greco,” he announced, “and he will be meeting you at the restaurant. I also have had it closed for your privacy.”
“Valentino is coming too?”
He nodded, chuckling lightly as he read my mind. I pulled out my phone, sending Joseph a text.
Thank you! I owe you!
He replied within seconds,No worries. Now, be yourself. She will love you!
Mrs. Greco turned toward me, lowering her sunglasses, “Tell me, how does it feel to date a billionaire?” She pursed her lips awaiting a reply.
“Ah, um,” I fumbled, completely and utterly caught off guard, “well I don't really think about that to be honest.” I sighed, “There is so much more to him than money.”
Internally, I flinched. If she only knew how we met. I began to feel less than worthy of Valentino. She meant no harm and was just being a typical mother who cared for her son’s well-being. However, if she ever knew the truth about us, she might instantly dislike me, thinking I was after his money or status.
She smiled, nodding approvingly, “I agree with that.”
“Mrs. Greco.”
“Oh, please just call me Giulia,” she placed her hand on my knee.
“Okay sorry, Giulia.” I continued, even though it felt strange to call his mother by her first name. “Valentino is the most amazing man I've ever met, and I never once cared about his financial situation.” I took a shallow, anxious breath, “I just know he's good to me and I’m good to him. He's incredible.”
She shifted in her seat, pursing her lips. “Well, let's hope you can deal with the secrets he keeps."
I bit my bottom lip, holding in my thoughts as I picked my nails nervously.
I saw Joseph turn his head toward the back seat and sigh. He knew that statement piqued my curiosity. He then turned his attention back to the front.
“We are here.”
The driver and Joseph got out of the car, opening our doors for us. Joseph escorted us inside to a large square table in the middle of the restaurant. I turned to him with a panic stricken face, silently seeking his help. Smirking, he took a step closer to me, leaning near my ear.
“She loves tennis and sailing,” he muttered under his breath, before stepping away from the table and taking a position near the entrance.
Two male servers approached, pulling our chairs out for us. Before I could sit, I felt a hand on my lower back. I glanced up to see Valentino.
“I got it,” he commented to the server nearest me. “Thank you.”
He ambled to his mother first, placing a kiss on each cheek as he greeted her, “Mamma.” He pulled her chair out for her.
She sat with a relaxed smile, almost as if he brought her instant peace. I could relate to that feeling. He turned to me, winking , placing a small kiss but sweet peck on my lips.
“Darling.” He smiled, pulling my chair out for me.
I sat, folding my hands in my lap as the server laid cloth napkins in our laps. Valentino took off his jacket, handing it to an employee before sitting next to me. He propped his arm up on the back of my chair, pulling my body toward him. His mother watched closely as he displayed public affection with me.
“Come stai?” she murmured, placing her freshly poured glass of wine to her lips, taking a sip.
“I am fine, Mamma, thank you,” he sighed, circling my shoulder with his thumb. ”But, please speak English. Isabelle does not speak Italian.” Leaning toward me, he pressed his lips to my cheek.
She rolled her eyes. “My apologies, Isabelle.” She spoke quietly, smiling.
I did not feel as if she were trying to purposely be rude. She seemed like she was just maybe not a very trusting woman. Afterall, she had just questioned me about finances on the way. I would have been the same way if I were a mother in her shoes.
“I am glad to see you Mamma,” I assured her, “but why are you in New York?”
