ROME
We needed to walk from the parking area to the shop, and we were like strangers.
I offered my arm. “Storm, I don’t bite.”
She rolled her eyes before she gave in. “Fine.”
“I thought after what we shared last night. You already learned to trust me.”
“What we shared?” Her cheeks burned bright red. Maybe her idea went a little deep. I didn’t mind, though. It sounded appealing. Only I didn’t know if it would happen sooner. “We barely shared anything.”
“I was looking forward to another sharing session with you.”
“Sharing session?” She looked amused. “Maybe we should attend a grief session one of these days.”
“I don’t mind as long as you come with me.”
“No, thank you.”
“At least you didn’t ignore me the whole day.”
“Why would I? I still need this job.”
“Am I really a terrible boss?”
“I’ll send you my full evaluation by the end of the month.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “I should do the same.”
“It’s nice to hear you laugh, not always barking around like a rabid dog.”
“I pretend I didn’t just hear that.”
Carly just stopped. Her hand around my arm turned into a grip.
I looked down at her, and she was looking across the road. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“Storm?”
She swallowed before she spoke again. “I thought I saw someone I once knew.”
I stopped and looked at her. “If you’re in trouble, please tell me. I can help you. I know people who can sort it out.”
She licked her lips. “I’m not in trouble. I promise.”
“But you will tell me, right?”
“Aren’t you always trying to save the day, Captain Langston?”
I smiled. “Not always. Wait, how did you know I’m a Captain?”
“Heard it.”
Zee was already holding the door, waiting for us.
Carly looked at the boutique’s name before she turned to me. “You want a tux? You could have just told me.”
“I wanted to take you for lunch. Your free lunch.”
She hit me playfully on my arm. “It’s the only reason why I am here.”
I was greeted by Jess, my personal couturier. He was in his sixties but strong as a mustang.
“Hi, Jess. How are you?”
“You look good, Rome. Did you drop a few pounds?”
“A pound or two.” I shook his hand. “This is Carly Storm. Storm, my old friend, Jess.”
“Hi. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Jess.”
“Pleasure is all mine, my dear.” He inspected Carly’s wardrobe. “Do you always wear pants?”
She beamed at the old man. “No. I wear skirts and a dress. You disapproved of my chosen fashion?”
“Oh, no, dear.” He waved his hand off. “You looked great for a woman wearing pants.”
“Why, thank you.”
“I guess you are not from around here.” He started measuring my shoulders.
“Nope, sir. My accent always gives it away, isn’t it? I should practice my New Yorker twang.” She tried the American accent, and she was good.
“I can name a few countries. By your height, figures, and your eyes, it drops to the two.”
I watched Carly shift in her seat uncomfortably.
I turned around and mouthed at Jess to stop inquiring.
“Do you want a custom suit, my dear?”
“No, thanks. Just for that guy.” She pointed at me.
“Alright.” When he measured the length of my suit, he noticed, “You lost a few pounds, son. I hope it’s intentional.”
“I’ve been busy lately.”
“Take care of yourself, Rome. Your father will agree with me if he’s here.”
“I know.”
“It’s done,” he announced. “I’ll have it sent to your penthouse on Saturday morning.”
“Thanks, Jess. I’ll send the cheque tomorrow.”
Zee and Storm went out of the shop before me. I put my suit back on.
“She’s a good woman.”
I fixed my tie. “You figured that out in like two minutes.”
“I knew it in five seconds, son.”
Jess was once a military intelligence before he found his passion in couture. His children were all successful, but he couldn’t leave behind his love of making the custom-tailored suit.
“She has something from her past that she doesn’t want other people to know, especially you, as it might change the way how you look at her.”
My brows furrowed. “What do you mean?”
“Just trust the process.” He pointed at my chest, where my heart lay. “Trust this.”
I looked at the door. Carly and Zee were delightfully chatting. They were both smiling as if they loved what they talked about.
“He respects her a lot. He doesn’t have intimate attraction toward Carly. Your girl looks at your bodyguard as her big brother. My guess is she has one. You can trust him with her even if you leave the two of them in a dark room alone.”
“You’re creepy, old man. But thanks.”
“Take care of yourself, son.” He clapped my shoulder.
“What did you two talk about?” I joined them.
Carly smiled earnestly. “Where to next?”
“Just around the corner.”
We crossed the street. Zee was behind us.
“You’re attending a charity gala.”
“Took you long enough to figure it out.”
“I knew it the moment we went to the shop.”
“Hungry?”
“Not really. We’re gonna finish your errands, then let’s have lunch. I don’t mind a burger or a chicken sandwich.”
I looked down at her. Well, she was almost at my eye level with her stilettos. “You’re not choosy.”
“Free, right?”
I couldn’t help but smile. She looked adorable. “Food or money is not a problem to you, Storm. Your shoes alone are worth a thousand bucks. Your bag as well. You could have a good position, but you choose to be an executive assistant. I read your resume-”
“But I can’t certainly be a CEO. Can we not talk about it? I just wanna walk with you like we are two ordinary people. Can you not ruin the fun?”
“I’m sorry. I won’t mention that again.”
“Thanks. And your penne yesterday was delicious.”
I laughed. She didn’t say anything other than the meal was delicious. I thought she didn’t enjoy it. When I asked if she wanted more, she refused.
“Did you cook it?”
“Why do you look so surprised?”
“Your mother owned a restaurant, but it doesn’t mean you go to the kitchen and learn a few recipes.”
“That’s exactly what I did. I learned how to cook that penne when I was twelve.”
“Wow. So you can literally make it with your eyes closed?”
“Yes.”
“Well, aren’t you a perfect ideal man?”
I stopped in front of a dress shop, shaking my head. “I’m far from an ideal man, Storm.”
She read the shop aloud and looked at me. “Are we shopping for a dress for your date too?”
I didn’t know if I read her expression right, but she seemed not happy about it. “Yup. We’re shopping for you a dress.”
She held my arm. “Wait. What? Me? Your date?”
“Not my date, date. My partner to the gala.”
“Yeah, that’s what I meant. I can’t.” She stepped back.
“Why? What do you mean you can’t? I will buy you a dress and shoes and take care of your hair and makeup. I will hire a professional if that’s what you are worried about.”
“No.” She turned on her heels and walked away.
“Storm, wait.” I stalked her. “Carly, just talk to me.” I managed to grab her wrist.
She stopped and turned around with a look as if I had just peed in her cereal.
“Can you please tell me why?”
“You wanna be seen with a woman? Because if that’s the case, I can arrange a date. A celebrity of your choice.”
“I want Marilyn Monroe, then.”
“I always thought you were into a blonde.” She rolled her eyes.
“Wrong. I don’t prefer a woman by her hair color or any color at all.” I slipped my hand into my pocket. I wanted to tell her that I wanted her to come with me because I enjoy her company. “I’m not gay.”
“What?” She looked shocked. Then I realized something. She had no idea about the article online.
“Wait a sec. You thought I think you’re gay?” She was about to burst into laughter but held it back, pressing her lips tightly.
I scratched my eyebrow. “I thought that you read an article about me, speculating that I’m gay because I haven’t been seen with a woman for years. All they had were pictures of friends and me.”
“And it’s a big deal. Why? Because of your sexuality?” Carly was amused. “I think you look hot as straight or gay. Either way, you’re being honest to yourself.”
“Hmm.”
“Is that all? Hmm?”
“So tell me why you don’t wanna come with me?”
She looked away and breathed deeply. “I hate camera, attention, and crowd.”
“Were you a celebrity back then?” I looked her in the eye, berating whether I should tell her the truth why I wanted her to come with me.
“Nope.”
“I promise we’ll just attend, stay a few minutes, then leave. I will stay by your side all the time.”
“No photographs.”
“Are you some kind in trouble with the authority?”
“No.” She waved her hand with a smile. “I’m a good foreign citizen. Not issued even a parking ticket, Mr. Langston.”
“But you did break a few rules.”
“My family rules. Yes.”
“I’ll buy you a pair of shoes.”
“Are you bribing me now? I’m flattered.”
“A bag like that.”
She shook her head.
“Okay. A bonus. Twenty percent of your salary.”
“Thirty.”
“Twenty-five.”
“Thirty. And that?” I pointed at his beard. “Could use shears.”
I couldn’t help but smile. “Twenty-five. It’s final.”
“God, you’re so bossy.” She walked past me. “Let’s get this over with. You’re buying me a dress and a pair of shoes, Langston.”