Perfectly Imperfect

CHAPTER 35- What?

"Okay, I'm off to work, baby," I tell Chris before drinking the last bit of my coffee.  It became a routine for us. Wake up, get dressed, have breakfast, go to work and come back home. The only difference is that he can choose to stay home any day he wants. Is that unfair? Yes, yes it is. Do I want to stay home with him wrapped up like a warm blanket? Yes, yes I do.

"Are you sure you don't want me to drop you? I can-" I put my finger on his lips, shushing him. He always does this, and sometimes I give in.

"I'll be okay. I'll be back by six, okay?" I hold his face in my hands. He looks at me with his face dopey look. I admire it before catching myself.

I can't crack today.

"Okay," the guy actually pouts. "I love you," he says before kissing me. I get drunk on his kisses every time. He pulls me between his legs, his actions making me dizzy. "Stay," he groans into the kiss.

I knew it!

I smile before pulling away. "I can't," I run a hand through his bed hair. "I love you," I kiss his nose. I turn around when I feel a hand on my butt. I turn around to see the most childish smile.

"A taste of later," Chris smirks. I roll my eyes but can't help the smile on my face.

—

"Cleopatra!" I hear Uncle Fabian's voice from the back.

"Coming!" I respond. He has been working me to the bone recently. He left me in charge of the shop for the entire week a couple months ago. Opening, inventory, cleaning, new shipments and closing. The first two days were hectic by myself, but by Wednesday, I got a steady routine that was ready for any day he put this shop in my hands. I open the door to his office and see him with his glasses on reading something on his screen. "Hi," I greet him as I close the door.

"Ciao, cara," he says as I take a seat. I sigh. Since I got here this morning, I haven't had a rest. I had to polish some clocks, reorganize the ornaments on the shelves, pack away the new items, and make a bunch of calls for our upcoming open house. We're planning on moving the shop soon so we came up with some ideas to bring in some cash. "I need you to run some errands for me, dear. It's quite a lot so you may go into overtime today," he informs me. I hold back a groan.

I love Uncle Fabian but this is getting a bit much. "Sure, no problem," I nod with a forced smile. He hands me a list, and my eyes almost pop out my head. Twenty items. Twenty places. I read every item strategizing the ride. I saw balloons on the list. These must be the things we need for the open house.

"All good?" he asks. I look at him. He raises his eyebrow and I nod.

"I'll leave now," I tell him before standing.

The earlier I leave the earlier I get back.

—

"Done," I sigh as I close the shop van's door. After nineteen stops, it's filled with balloons, flowers, and boxes of mystery items. I bought some coffee on the way back. I check the time. 7 pm. Great. I called Chris earlier to tell him I'll be late tonight.

I turned unto the street and saw a car I know all too well.

Chris is here.

My heart practically beats out my chest as I park. I can't wait to see him. The only thing is, the store is dark. Not a light is on. Did Uncle Fabian leave? I push the door, and it's open. Something isn't right. I pull out my car keys, ready to stab someone. "Uncle Fabian?" I call out, only to be met by silence. "Hello!" I yell again.

Silence.

"Hell no," I scramble to run out the door when the lights suddenly come on, blinding me.

"Surprise!" I scream. My eyes see Chris, Uncle Fabian, Luca, Kendra, Mateo and Gia. What the hell?

I'm still stunned, and genuinely confused, so all I can say is, "What?" Uncle Fabian walks towards me with his hands behind his back. "Cleopatra, my dear. You have been my right hand since you came out of college, and I have never regretted it. Since day one, you have worked hard putting 110% into everything you do. I can depend on you. My shop might not even be open right now if it wasn't for you," he tells me. My heart melts. I always loved working for Uncle Fabian. Music and antiques are my loves.

"I'm at the age where I need to take things slowly. I'm not getting any younger, cara. So, I came to a decision," he says, revealing what's behind his back. He hands me a paper.

"What's this?" I ask before opening the paper. It's a deed. Not just any deed. The deed to the shop and business transfer papers. Hold up. Did he just give the business to me? I look at him, trying to see if this is real.

He chuckles at my disbelief. "You've earned it, cara. I wouldn't have passed it to anyone else. Except for your big head brother, but he has his own path," he smirks while I'm still trying to comprehend what's happening.

"Hey," Luca cuts in, pouting clearly not impressed. Kendra kisses his cheek and laughs. "Your head is perfect for me, baby." Luca's face lights up. Such a softie.

"So what do you say, cara?" Uncle Fabian asks. Words can't describe how I feel right now, so I just engulf him in a tight hug. He stumbles back a bit and chuckles. "Is that a yes?"

I'm crying my eyes out so I nod. He hugs me tighter. "Thank you," I say. So many ideas for the shop race through my mind. After a few seconds, I pull away.

Uncle Fabian wipes my tears. "It's yours, all yours," He gives me a pen to sign the papers. I dry my face before signing. My hands couldn't stop shaking, and I almost drop the pen.

"Done," I smile. Vinci Antiques is all mine.

—

"I'm so proud of you, tesoro," Chris whispers in my ear. After a bunch of tears, we had a little party. Of course, Gia made sure we had my favourite food and music. Turns out the balloons and flowers were for me.

"Grazie, baby," I kiss his jaw. "I have so many ideas running through my head already," I beam. I want to combine music and the beauty of antiques. Turn this place into a local destination.

"Well, you are the owner now, baby. I know will turn this place into something great," he kisses my temple.

"So I'm guessing you knew about this for a while?" he proudly nods. My jaw drops. "And you wanted me to stay at home with you?" I can't help but bring it up.

"I always want you with me," he kisses my shocked face. "Besides, I love annoying you."

I roll my eyes and smile. "Whatever."

I feel an instant hand on my butt, squeezing it. My head snaps to Chris. He has that look. The one that says, 'I love your attitude but don't play with me.'

I happen to love that look so I push him some more. I roll my eyes again, making him growl lowly. He suddenly stands with his hand in mine, "we're leaving."

My eyes widen, but excitement zooms through my veins. Gia and Mateo smirk at us. Luca stares at us in suspicion. Kendra gives us a sheepish thumbs up. I almost bust laugh at that. "Okay cara," Uncle Fabian says, pulling me into a hug. I'm surprised he even got that far. Chris is in the mood. I release Uncle Fabian and the man himself pulls me out the door. I get in a quick wave. He impatiently puts me in the car and drives us home. More like speed home.

He pulls us into the driveway and climbs out the car. I barely have time to take a step before I'm carted over his shoulder. I squeal in surprise. I hear nothing but his shoes stomping on the floor, his heavy breathing and the front door open.

My eyes widen again when I see Ana. She looks at us fondly, before winking at me. "Oh, hi Ana. Bye Ana!" I yell because Chris shuts the door. I'm suddenly standing on the ground, looking up at this man. His eyes hold a hunger that he only has for me. "Something wrong?" I smirk.