The Balotelli-Bale Series Book #3: The Italian Belle

Chapter 54: Guests

Marianna's POV
My life has been great even if not perfect for the last few years. I have made peace with a lot of tragedies that could have otherwise destroyed me. But even with a perfect cloudless sunny day, the weather can change suddenly. The clouds that are darkening my clear blue skies are Nate and Wayne. They will cause another life wrecking storm if I'm not careful to take shelter.

"Why papi? Why are they coming back into my life at the same time as if they agreed? Why?" I made my thoughts audible so that I'm not the only one suffering from them.

My father let out a frustrated sigh. He's not happy about Nate being back. He rubbed the back of his head looking groggy from a lack of sleep. We have been up all night. Neither one of us wanted to leave. Nate has been in the hospital room all night talking to his son. At some point I eavesdropped and they were talking about his job in the navy. I seriously hope he's not giving Nicko bad ideas. Regardless of our indifferences it pleases me to see them together. They like each other and that is the most important thing. I have nothing against Nickolas having a relationship with his father.

I never thought Gio would grow old but he's getting there. His denial is the only reason he avoids greys. He is always dying his hair. I reached out to touch the smooth dark waves. I'll dye mine as well if I see one strand of grey hair. As for Nate, it's a full head of silver hair. Dios mios! He's a sexy silver fox! Why does he have to be so when I'm trying to hate him? And is it just me or is he calm?

"Some things are written in stone." He mattered. "He brought a friend. Who is he?"

He is gesturing at a man with jet black hair like the dead of night. It's the first time I'm seeing him. His eyes are a deep deep deep blue that reminds me of the sea. He smiled at me when he noticed I'm staring. Another handsome mess. Who is this one? A new friend? He got up from his chair making his way towards us.

"Michael Ballard." He stretched out his hand. We shook hands and I could not help but drown in those beautiful eyes yet he's the most disinterested man I have met. I get a lot of attention from men but this guy is not like the rest. He keeps his eyes tame and not wild with desire. "I work with Nate. He's told me so much about you."

"What does he say? Good things I hope. This is my father, Giovanni."

He also greeted daddy bending slightly because he would not get up.

"What any man would say about his beautiful wife."

"Wife?" We both asked.

The man cringed. "Oh boy! I sense I have overstepped."

"Nate told you we are married?" I queried since I signed the divorce papers after having Tony.

"Yes he did. I didn't mean to cause any trouble."

"Not at all." I assured the man. "But we aren't. As far as I'm concerned I'm single."

"My bad. Accept my deepest apologies for being presumptuous. Would you happen to know if he's almost done? We have a lunch date with my family. He is introducing Nickolas to my kids."

"He is?" I asked.

My plan is to go straight to Milan with the boys. I have a fashion show and I can't miss it. Nate is helping Nicko dress up so that we leave the hospital.

"Again, I'm overstepping. I'll just go sit over there quietly and wait for him. Excuse me."

After he left daddy gave me a smile. "Why the hell don't you bring men like that home? Men who apologize over little things. He's kind and easy to bully. I can tell."

"I like the bad ones it seems. Can you go check on them?"

"It's a father and son moment. We don't like Nathan but we have respect that. Don't ruin it."