Simone Valentino

~~~10~~~

 I walked into the grand dining room. Food laid out on large dishes. Each plate had about a dozen utensils, I didn't know how to use most of them. Val motioned for me to come over to where he was. I sat down next to him and folded my hands in my lap. I looked over all of the food and glanced at the small girl across from me. When I smiled at her she looked down at her hands and her face went red. I looked to Val, hoping for some kind of answer but all he did was flash me a crooked smile.

Something about her reminded me of John.

That was it. I looked to see if anyone was staring and leaned over the table.

"Your dress is very nice.'

She looked up at me with a cross between terror and confusion. She somehow goes even pinker and mumbles a thank you. I lean back in my chair a little.

Simone elbows me and I stiffen as I feel his breath in my ear

"Be nice!"

I give him a hard stare. He leans away and turns to Giovanni, they begin to talk in Italian too fast for me to understand. The air was filled with a quiet buzz as a man walked in. I look him up and down. Started out by noticing the small details of his too clean oxfords and gold details of his belt. His three-piece pinstripe suit was busy yet it hardly distracted from his face. He looked like an aged version of Simone. His jaw was sharper and covered in grey and black stubble but you could see Simone on his face. The bump in his nose and how his eyes were hooded just enough to make him seem bothered but not tired. His hair was slicked back and out of his face. Wisps of grey through his faded black hair. He ran his hand through his hair and a few strands fell free from the rest. His grey eyes slid in my direction and chills ran down my spine. I froze in place and noticed Simone did the same out of the corner of my eye.

Food was placed in front of us and I added a little of everything onto my plate.

I looked at the small girl and smiled at her. "This is absolutely divine," I said, gesturing to my plate. She nodded and smiled at me, then looked at who I assumed was her mother.

"Thank you, dear." She said warmly and smiled. It was the woman with the earrings in the painting. She looked at Simone, seeing that he wasn't paying attention then leaned near me.

"He normally doesn't seem this happy. Thank you." I didn't know how to respond so I smiled, not hiding my surprise, but I knew she must be wrong. He doesn't even like me, it must be something else.

There was shockingly happy small talk going on that Val made sure I was part of for my benefit. I got up to use the washroom after dinner and then realised I had no clue where it was.

"Val?" I said then everyone who heard me looked up, then laughter broke out from most people. He got up smiling and showed me to the washroom. Before he walked away he stepped closer to me and smiled sadly.

"What?" I asked confused.

"I'd like it if you call me Simone if that's okay?" and walked away before I could speak.

I sat back down and the rest of the evening seemed to fast forward.