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Maria thinks about it for a second. I watch as her eyes trail to Isabella, whose expression is blank. Then she looks at Enzo. Finally, she sinks back in her chair and shakes her head.
“No, I’ll stay here. Thank you.”
I smile. It’s not like I can force her. And she has impeccable manners. “It’s okay.”
Breakfast continue silently, and after we’re done, everyone disperses. It’s a weekend so the twins don’t have school. They follow Isabella, who seems to love having them around. It’s clear she adores her little cousins.
After Enzo and Jason leave to conduct their business for the day, I head back into my bedroom which is fast becoming my sanctuary in this house. The only thing I hate is its proximity to Enzo’s room. I hear him come in sometimes at odd hours of the night. I’ve toyed with the idea of approaching him and forcing a conversation but managed to convince myself otherwise every single time.
There’s a man waiting to escort me when I arrive outside of the house. He offers me a short nod and opens the back door of the car for me. Once I’m inside, he gets into the driver’s seat and starts the car. An hour later, I’m among a group of friends,sipping champagne and trying my best to forget just what a mess my life is right now.
“We haven’t seen you around much,” one of my friends says, nudging me with her shoulder. I met her at an exhibit a few years ago. We’re acquaintances, always running in the same circles. “What’s going on? Get a new boyfriend?”
I still. Enzo made it clear that I wasn’t to tell anyone aside from family about our arrangement until he’s ready to go public with it. Thankfully, Elena, who’s also standing in the circle saves me.
“Actually, we’ve been busy with wedding preparations. That’s why Rosa hasn’t been around much,” she lies smoothly.
That seems to appease the women in the circle. Except Daniella.
“So, no boyfriend?” she presses curiously.
I smile and shake my head. “Nope.”
“That’s a relief,” someone says from behind me.
I turn and find myself face to face with a man I don’t recognize. He’s Asian, with dark brown eyes and short brown hair, a perfectly carved jawline, and a small smile on his face.
“I’m sorry, do I know you?” I ask.
His expression grows wounded. “You don’t know who I am? You pain me, Rosa, truly.”
I look back at the circle for someone to provide an explanation.
“He’s Alexander Wong,” Daniella informs me.
“The guy everyone is talking about these days?” I ask dryly.
Apparently, he’s Picasso come back to life. I’ve seen some of his art, but I hadn’t met him. Until today.
“I’m glad to see you do know of me,” Alexander says from behind me.
I turn back to him. “Yes. How may I help you?”
“You could help me by going on a date with me,” he states, getting straight to the point.
My jaw threatens to drop but I manage to school my shock. The women behind me make sounds of surprise and delight, clearly impressed.
“I’m flattered,” I say softly. “But no thank you.”
His expression flickers. I get the feeling he’s not used to being turned down.
“That was harsh,” he murmurs. “You didn’t even think about it.”
Because I can’t. I shrug and offer him an apologetic smile.
He sighs. “Okay, then. I’ll leave you to your friends.”
He leaves and I turn back to the excited women who immediately pounce, talking about how romantic that was and how I should have said yes. I catch slight worry flickering in Elena’s eyes, but she masks it and offers me a small smile. I’m eventually able to escape the ladies to peruse some of the paintings on my own.
