I used to love watching her eyes light up whenever a stroke of inspiration hit and her dedication to not rest until the artwork was perfect. To me, they were always flawless, even as initial sketches.
“Oh, wow! This is perfect. You didn’t have to do this; it’s too much!”
“You’re welcome, darling. Nothing is too much when it’s for you. Seeing as it’s Friday and Amanda returns to the office next week, I thought it would be a good idea if you had the chance of remaining tied to the company in some way. After all, you’ll always be a part of Notti Designs. I thought that if you truly want to let go of teaching and when that passion returns to your heart, perhaps you can have your own division at Notti Designs. You could create artwork for interior design clients and naturally your own independent clients too. You would receive the entire profit, plus a normal salary. Even if you don’t know now, the offer will always stand.”
I want nothing more than for Valencia to be a part of Notti Designs permanently. To run the chance of seeing her for more hours of the day and collaborate with her on business projects.
“That would be perfect. You’re spoiling me!”
“I’m not spoiling, baby. I’m just giving you everything I can because you deserve the world.” I pick up a small canvas from the drying rack. “I painted something for you.”
“Oh? This day just keeps getting better!”
“Mmhmm, never doubt my artistic hands.”
Valencia bites her lip. “I prefer those hands when they’re on me…”
I arch a suggestive brow and smirk. “As an architect, I’m obligated to ask you the following question. You prefer my hands on what specific parts of you, Mrs. Giannotti?”
“On everything, Mr. Giannotti.”
Hell yeah, baby.
“Well…it’s your birthday so be careful what you wish for, darling.” I come to a stop in front of her with the canvas behind my back. “Okay, promise you won’t laugh?”
“Promise.”
I haven’t even shown her the painting for a split second before she’s shaking with laughter. Blends of pink, red, and yellow spread across the top of my canvas, creating a dawn sky. I’ve also painted textured green hills, but I know for a fact that they’re not what has her so flustered. Holding hands on top of one of the hills are five stick figures. It’s supposed to be our family, however they’re stick figures and practically have no identifying features at all…yeah, not my proudest moment!
Valencia points at what is supposed to be her and happy tears flow. “Oh my goodness! Why are we stick figures? I can’t get over the fact that the only thing differentiating me is the ponytail!”
“You said you wouldn’t laugh!” I tease through my own laughter.
“I’m so sorry, I can’t help it! This is gold! You’re supposed to be good at drawing!”
“Darling, this was my third attempt!” Our bodies continue to rumble as I pull her closer to me. By the end of it, I’m wiping away both of our happy tears. “It’s a masterpiece, no?”
“Hmm, I’m afraid you won’t be taking Monet’s crown anytime soon, Mr. Giannotti.”
“Oh, what a shame!”
Our banter brings back so much. It’s so refreshing to share moments with her like this.
“Have mercy on me…” I playfully murmur against her pink, full lips. “For tonight I’ll show you all the other things my hands can do, baby.”
Valencia
I’m still in awe of Giulio’s surprise earlier today when I park in the driveway of our new home. I cannot believe it’s ours. I’ve been beaming ever since. This represents our fresh start. A better start. The home we’ll bring Addilyn to live happily in.
I love everything about Mercer Island. It’s a beautiful neighborhood, the security and the fact it’s only a short fifteen-minute drive to the city. The grass is much greener for me on this side of Washington and not just metaphorically. Every single one of our neighbors has a blooming rose garden running up their drive with hopeful tinges of scarlet red.
I prefer it here. I love the serenity, the privacy, and most importantly, the fact that the tight feeling isn’t in my chest anymore. It hasn’t been there ever since my life changed for the better. I’m a million percent devoted to the love of my life and my newfound self-confidence.
Today, my last day at work, which is also subsequently my birthday, goes by so fast. I honestly enjoyed working with this team. Giulio is thoroughly blessed to have such passionate employees. Giulio not only blocked out our lunch hour schedule, but also Bryce’s, Kayla’s, Lance’s, and even Marcus’ for a joint birthday celebration at a nearby café.
I would like to say that the relationship between us and Marcus is better, but it isn’t. There’s still tension due to everything that’s happened, but today’s my birthday and so we put it aside.
Just as I set down my menu, Helena struts into the café grinning with killer heels and pledges she has plans for the rest of the afternoon with me before the kids get out of school. And so that’s how it goes. I have the most beautiful lunch surrounded by the people I adore before being whisked away with my sister.
I never thought it would take me twenty-eight years to have an enzyme facial, but Helena’s peer pressure is worth it. The entire afternoon we spend pampering ourselves with chilled mimosas at the beauty spa and hair salon where blowouts and manicures are hot red on our list of must-dos.
With everything that’s happened during the past seven months without Addilyn, neither Slonne nor Oscar have been interested in any extra circular activities. But now they’ve been wanting to try it out and so it’s better late than never, even if they did both miss the initial lessons.
During our lunch, Giulio stated he would go personally to enquire about a later start at both the soccer club and dance studio before taking Oscar and
