Since we first met last year there’s always been something about her that was odd. Something I couldn’t quite pinpoint, and to be frank, I don’t appreciate her having her cake and eating it too.
A gust of cool breeze fans her perfectly curled blonde hair. She’s gorgeous and from our brief conversation last year, married. She had moved to Seattle with her family ahead of the kindergarten year from San Jose when her husband was transferred. Weeks after settling in, his work needed him back in California and Zoe hadn’t wanted to move and so he’s been flying back and forth on weekends for the past year.
So, it’s understandable when Zoe looks at me with those perfectly curled lashes and tight pink bodycon dress asking about Giulio, I don’t get the best feeling.
“Look…I’m sorry, but I have to go now.”
Her glowing expression dims. She crosses her hands over her chest, spilling more cleavage than I needed to see. “I wasn’t joking, Valencia. Some days are tough. I’m not going to steal him from you…just a little something something. I want to organize a play date for Slonne and Samuel with him. You know, so the kids can play together on a Friday afternoon. You’re not together anyway and it’s just a play date for the kids, Valencia.”
What?
A little something something?
Hell no. I’m sensing ulterior motives for this ‘play date’ cover up.
“I don’t think he will be interested, Zoe.”
“In me?”
She seems offended and I suppress the urge to roll my eyes. This entire situation is ridiculous! She’s married! “No, I meant in general. We both have a lot on our plates and—”
“And Giulio can be the judge of whether he’s interested or not. This is for the kids; don’t you want Slonne to have a friend beside her brother? Come on! Now, are you going to give me his number, or do I have to wait until I catch him picking up your kids one day?”
There’s no way in hell!
I’m not jealous, but Giulio will see right through the ‘play date’ motive with her protruding love heart eyes and far from subtle wedding ring. He would decline any offer simply because it’s not our objective. Technically we’re still married and we made a deal to not venture into new waters until we formally decided if this separation would resume or end in divorce.
My heart beats furiously as I grip my car handle. Never have I had to associate with anyone like her. “I don’t think it would be a—”
“Are you really that delusional, Valencia? Can’t you see it?” Zoe hisses coldly. The space between us narrows until her cheap perfume runs through my airways. “Giulio doesn’t want you. That means he can go around seeing whoever he wants. That woman can be me. That woman can be somebody else. I’m sorry about Addilyn’s disappearance, but freaking pull yourself together, girl. You have to move on sometime, and for god sakes, smile more often!”
“You better—”
“What? Watch my mouth? No, babe, I won’t. But you better keep an eye on those windows. Ha!” She taunts with a victorious snarl. “One of these days I’ll invite Giulio to a play date with the kids and then you and I can have a little chat. Goodbye, Valencia.”
Buh-bye.
I’m too taken aback by her words to say anything. I despise confrontation, and although Giulio and I have stepped over the line, I would never make a scene with somebody I barely know.
My jaw remains on the ground as she proudly sashays to her car.
What the hell just happened?
“For the third time, I cannot permit you to enter the premises any further.”
“Sir, you don’t understand. I don’t have my ID because this is my first day!”
“I’ve heard that before.”
I clench my fists at the security guard. His stare degrades me, threatening everything I pushed aside on the way here. After Zoe, I had managed to calm myself down. Some people aren’t worth the time and if she likes insulting others, that’s her issue to deal with.
Just when I thought today could be looking up, the guard won’t allow me access to Notti Designs. He stopped me at the downstairs lobby, right by the elevator. I already flashed my license but what he seeks is a keycard. One I don’t have! I’ve never seen him before, meaning he must be a new guard with no clue that I, in fact, am Mrs. Giulio Giannotti.
Nerves drill at my weak spots. It happens whenever I’m on edge.
The guard remains calm during the entire altercation, his hands never once straying from his hips. I should know better than to push my luck. His fingertips are brushing his holster and I’m not looking to start any chaos, but I do need to get through him.
“I’m technically married to the man who owns this company. You have got to believe me when I say this is my first day!”
“I’ve heard that one before too. Look lady, why don’t you go home and start a fan club for Mr. Giannotti instead. Okay?”
My jaw involuntary drops.
He can’t be serious!
What is wrong with people today?
“I don’t know what else to say.”
The guard glares at me pointedly. “How am I supposed to know you truly work here? Oh, that’s right I don’t. I can’t help you without a keycard. Is that clear?”
“But I—”
“I said is that clear?”
“No.” Giulio’s voice comes from behind. “She’s with me. That’s the only proof you need.”
An aggravated Giulio approaches from behind me, gripping a leather suitcase. The guard wordlessly allows him entry and I finally feel secure enough to step through behind him.
I thought wrong.
The guard reaches out a hand towards my shoulders. “Lady, you can’t enter.”
Giulio’s narrowed gaze drills deep into the man’s shaven head as he grips his outstretched wrist, preventing the guard from touching me. “And
