Aces & Spades

Blood

Bella:

I get out of the car and walk side by side with Massimo until we reach the front desk, where a different girl was standing behind it.

"Mr-Mr Giordani. What can I do for you?" The fear in her voice causing her to be quiet.

I turn to look up into his eyes for a response but all he does is nod his head indicating that I should answer her.

"I left a black duffel bag here- well outside the club. I was wondering if anyone turned it in."

"Let me check." She says running towards the door behind her. I turn back around, facing Massimo. His eyes were fixed on the door with his arms crossed, standing stiff. 

"You shouldn't be so stuck up all the time Mr. Giordani. It scares people when you act like this." 

"I like scaring people."

His emerald gems look down at me, holding my gaze.

The creak of a door interrupts us as the girl comes out holding my small black bag. 

"Is it this one?" She asks placing it on the counter for me to inspect. I notice the small spade symbol embroidered on the strap for me to realize that it's mine.

"Yes, it is thank you for your help." I say whilst slinging my bag around my shoulder. I see Massimo exit, leaving me behind. I push past the heavy door and run up behind him. 

"Is something wrong?" I ask.

"No." he replies bluntly. We just stand opposite each other in silence for a few seconds before I spot a small ice cream shop across the road.

"Do you want to get some ice cream before we get back?" I ask as a smile starts to grow onto my face in an attempt to change the subject.

"No, I have work to do."

"We'll be quick. You need to take a break from all your work no?"

"Why do you never listen to me? I said no." He says starting to raise his voice.

I start to step back instinctively, watching his eyes notice our new distance. He doesn't come closer instead letting out a deep sigh as he rubs his fingers on the sides of his forehead. 

"Per l'amor del cielo hurry up." He says as he walks past me across the road to the small shop.

[translation: for fucks sake]

I follow behind him, not as excited as I was a few minutes ago. But, the moment we enter the shop and the little bell rings above my head, my mood shifts. The shop was decorated with baby blue seats and white tables with, I'm guessing, around fifty different ice cream flavors to choose from. My mouth instantly starts to water as I run up to the glass display and start noting the flavors I liked in my head.

"Hello, my lovely, what flavor would you like to try?" The frail old man behind the counter asks me.

" I think I will go with one scoop of Oreo and one scoop of vanilla please." I ask starting to bounce in my space. I turn to face Massimo, his gaze was already focused on me.

"Come on, choose your flavors." I wave him over.

"I'll have two scoops of chocolate please." He says as he reaches for his wallet.

"You're so bland. Who just has chocolate?"

"Didn't you get a scoop of vanilla?" He answers back.

"With a scoop or Oreo." I mumble under my breath.