My Italian Nightmare

Chapter 27: LA Part 3

When Hanna and I got back, Teo had already got us drinks. The band were standing close to the DJ stage and Hanna's eyes almost fell out of her head when she saw Valentina, dressed in a checkered lilac suit with only a black bra underneath it. "Be cool", I whispered and gently tapped her arm. I took the drink that Teo handed me and thanked him. Then I said Hi to Valentina and introduced Hanna. She smiled genuinely and went in to hug her. Hanna looked like she had difficulty holding back tears.
The party was already in full swing and soon Teo and I were dancing to the beats, while Val was talking to Hanna. The drinks were good and I emptied my first one way too fast.
"I'll get another drink", I announced and turned around to look where the bar was.
"I come with you." Edoardo had suddenly appeared by my side and smiled politely. I looked up to him and returned the smile, nodding. "Okay." I could feel Angelo's gaze follow us as we walked through the crowd of partying guests.
"I am...happy to see you here", Edoardo said and gestured his hands slightly before him. I found that very sweet somehow, because I knew he wasn't as smooth a talker as Angelo, and certainly not in English. But the fact that he tried so hard warmed my heart in a way. I knew how it was to learn a second language and how intimidating it could be to talk in it.
"I was rather surprised...although I should probably have known, since you're Gucci ambassadors." We arrived at the bar and I looked at the card that was overflowing with options.
"I need to uh. I need to say sorry", Edoardo began and struggled a bit to find words. "For what I said the last time we had talk." He ran a hand through his hair and looked at me.
"Thank you", I said and was rather surprised, because men usually didn't apologize a lot. He continued: "I should not have uh...ask sensitive things. It was rude."
I raised a brow and lifted the corner of my mouth slightly.
"What do you want?", the barkeeper asked and I shrugged because I was simply overwhelmed with the amount of drinks listed. "I'll take whatever he takes."
Edoardo scanned the card and ordered two Sex on the Beach.
"Classic", I remarked and grinned. "But good", Edoardo replied and smiled back at me. I raised my glass and said: "A questa notta meravigliosa a Los Angeles." Edoardo now smiled in the most genuine and relaxed way I've ever seen him since we met. "A questa notta meravigliosa", Edoardo repeated and we clinked our glasses and drank a sip.
"Let's go back to the others?", I suggested and Edoardo nodded.

We went back to the crowd and had to be careful that no one bumped into us and spilled over our drinks. It seemed like Angelo had loosened up, at least he joined into Teo's dancing and I felt a sense of relief. I didn't want to be the reason Angelo couldn't enjoy this special night. On the other hand, it wasn't like I had really done anything.
"There you are!", Val called and grinned at us. "What have you got?"
"Sex on the beach", Edoardo said and gave it to Val to let her try. "Mhh", she made and licked her lips after taking a sip.
Suddenly, we heard a very familiar voice sounding through the boxes.
"That's one of your songs!", I cried out and saw that Angelo had already been given a microphone, jumped on the DJ stage and began to sing along. Everyone cheered and I couldn't help but join in. Teo and Val climbed up onto the stage and danced along with Angelo, obviously enjoying their spotlight. I was so happy for them in this moment that I couldn't stop smiling. "This is the best thing ever", I said to Hanna who agreed by fiercely nodding. I looked to the side where Edoardo was standing. He was looking at me, his face unreadable but his eyes had a kindness and warmth in them that made me shiver. I raised my brows in a questioning manner, but he just smiled, shook his head slightly and turned his look to his friends singing on the stage.
The crowd applauded and I joined in, when I suddenly saw that Edoardo had left my side and gone to the DJ, saying something into his ear.
"Look Ari, Edoardo is a DJ harasser, just like you", Hanna laughed and I grinned but nudged her. Edoardo came back to us, looking content and took another sip from his cocktail. "What did you ask?", I inquired and look at him curiously. "Something I think you like", Edoardo replied and I looked at him with big eyes. I waited a couple seconds until the other song had faded out and it took only a moment for me to recognize the song that Edoardo had wished for. "Oh my god!", I yelled and immediately gave my drink to Hanna so I could dance. It was The Adults are Talking by the Strokes. Teo came down from the stage and waved at me excitingly, ready to dance with me.
Don't go there, cause you'll never return, I know you think of me, when you think of her.
I turned to Edoardo with a big smile. "Why did you pick this song?" Edoardo once again ran his hand through his long hair and smiled back at me. "I think you look...very lovely when you are so happy", he replied and I could only stare at him in response with an open mouth, blood rushing through my head. Why would he say things like that?
Because he is trying to seduce you, stupid, a voice in my brain said. I shook my head and took a sip of my drink before looking back at Edoardo. "Thank you", I mouthed and he nodded.
After the song I told Hanna and Teo I'd go outside and smoke a cigarette – I had been watching people smoke inside but I needed a moment for myself and fresh air. So I made my way to one of the side entrances and leaned on a wall, taking a deep breath. I lit a cigarette and took a drag, watching the smoke vanish into the warm Californian air.