Page 88 of Always Mine
“Mar-co,” she says in a singsong voice, drawing out the syllables in his name. “I just want you to know I think you’re an incredible driver, ten out to ten do recommend. But,” she says in a more hushed tone, leaning in slightly towards him. “You’re being a fucking terrible boyfriend! So please put us all out of our misery, tell your girlfriend she looks fucking hot, and give her a proper kiss. I’m not sure how much eye-fucking even my smutty heart can take.”
Once again she renders Marco speechless, which sets Evie and Stella off in another fit of giggles. “Oh, and hopefully you’re also a great matchmaker, because I want a proper introduction to the grumpy lawyer with Big Dick Energy. We’re soulmates. He just doesn’t know it yet.”
Let the fun and games begin.
Chapter fifty-eight
Surprises
Marco
Afterafewroundsof drinks at Le Sip and lively conversation that runs the gamut from teasing to banter and some unreciprocated flirting between Chiara and a broody Raf, we make our way to the Natalia Hirsch photography exhibition. As promised, Sophia leads us to a side door so we can avoid the media and red carpet rolled out for the event. Arabella is in work-mode and not able to give Luca her attention, yet he still dotes on her, bringing her water and some glucose lollies to keep her energy up. “Did you see the way she smiled at me when I took her water? And the way she placed a hand on my chest and leaned in to kiss my cheek to say thank you? We texted this afternoon. I think she might be changing her mind about us. What do you think?” Luca babbles, clearly trying to find signs pointing to answers that I just don’t think he’s going to find tonight.
“Bro, last time I checked, I wasn’t fucking cupid,” I say jokingly.
“Fuck you. I just need someone who understands to talk to.You and my sister clearly had feelings for a long time before you became this fucking lovesick,” he says with a grimace, gesturing between me and Sophia, who is tucked into my other side but fully invested in a conversation with Chiara, who’s explaining to her the inspiration behind the photo series we’re currently standing in front of with Stella, Evie, and Seb.
“Isn’t she talented,” comes a voice belonging to Natalia Hirsch herself from behind us. I move to make room for her in our little group. “I knew the moment I worked with Chiara that she would be an asset on my team.”
“That’s a huge compliment, but I have a lot to learn,” says Chiara, almost awestruck.
“You have natural instincts, my girl. Now, introduce me to your friends.”
A hand claps me on the shoulder. “What did I miss?” AJ asks as he pushes his way through.
“AJ?” Chiara whips her head around to find her cousin. “What are you doing here?” She’s trying to remain calm, but her voice sounds an octave higher than usual.
“Chiara was just about to make introductions,” Natalia says with laugh, holding out her hand. “I guess we’ll start with you. I’m Natalia. Lovely to meet you, AJ.”
Her inflection makes is sound more like a question, and AJ nods as he takes her hand and kisses it.
“The one and only. The pleasure is all mine.”
Chiara stifles an embarrassed groan as the rest of us stare on, amused.
Ignoring her cousin’s antics, Chiara makes introductions to the rest of the group, and they all chat some more about upcoming assignments and which images from the exhibition already have buyers lined up.
I notice the way Raf watches Chiara. I can tell he finds her fascinating, but he’s desperate to fight it.
Arabella signals to Natalia that she’s wanted elsewhere. “I’ve got to keep mingling, but it was nice to meet you all. Thanks for coming out to support me.” Then she turns and embraces Chiara. “You just let me know your start date, and I’ll have my EA sort out all the paperwork you’ll need to complete. Then we can get yoursponsorship sorted so you can stay in New York,” Natalia says to Chiara. “It would be great to have you on board for a major shoot we have coming up.”
“Excuse me, what?” hisses AJ. “What the fuck is she talking about, sponsorship and staying in New York?”
Chiara avoids his question. “Please excuse his uncouth behavior. I’ll be in touch.”
Once Natalia is out of earshot, AJ repeats his question. “Chiara, what the fuck is she talking about?”
“Oh God! I think I’m going to need another drink to survive this.” She waves down a waitress with a tray.
“Have you lost your fucki—” His lecture is cut off by Raf’s deep voice.
“If you’re moving to New York, you need to make sure you have all your sponsorship and immigration papers filled in correctly, or you could risk deportation.”
“Thanks, Daaaad,” she claps back in response to his condescending tone. “For your information, I’m working on it. But I’ll let you know if I require your legal services.”
“We’ll be having a fucking conversation about this, Chi,” AJ commands. “When my dad hears about this, you won’t need a lawyer, you’ll fucking need Jesus.”
The waitress Chiara flagged down appears from the opposite side, and as she goes to hand Chiara her drink, a familiar voice that I wish I could erase forever cuts through the air.