Trouble in Paradise (Amelia's & Giovanni's Story)

First Meetings

                                                                    Gio

6 hours into the drive and both Cole and Amelia are asleep. Cole is spread out on all three seats resting his head on a pillow he brought, and Amelia is curled into a little ball leaning against the window. I can't help but fixate on the way her face scrunches every so often, to distract myself I pick up the blanket that had fallen and lay it back over her.

Pretty soon we're gonna have to stop for some food, and a bathroom break. I spot a plaza with a bunch of different restaurants and stores and decide this would be the best place to pull over. Once I pull in I reach back to flick Cole, he screeches as he wakes up successfully awaking Amelia. 

"Where are we?" She asks with tired droopy eyes. Damn, why couldn't she have looked like an ugly mop after waking up?! 

"I stopped at a plaza, we're about half way there. Where do you guys want to eat?" I ask

Cole speaks up first, "Dude you've known me for how long and you still have to ask, obviously Chipotle." 

I instantly look over to Amelia to make sure she's okay with the decision, not that I care or anything its just the polite thing to do. "Amelia? Is that okay?" 

"Yeah, sounds good to me." She says while shrugging.

                                                                                            ~~~~~~~

Once we've all used the bathroom and sat down with our bowls Amelia begins to speak, 

"Okay so we need to go over a view things, some expectations if you will." she says with a self assuredly smile.

"O-kay?" I say hesitantly.

"Great!" She's all smiles, " Alright first order of business, it is absolutely crucial that my family likes you, no scratch that they need to love you. I'm close with all 6 of my family members, but Grace and Elias are the closest to me and just as important as my parents. Secondly, my dad can be.. protetective as can Grace so is important you get on their good sides. Thirdly, we need to get on the same page about the details of our "relationship". So, how about we met at the beginning of the year when I bought the building next to yours. You were just so kind and gentlemanly that you brought me some welcome to the neighborhood flowers."

"First, no need to worry sweetheart parents love me, I've just got that natural charm. Second,  that sounds good, and very accurate you know the gentleman part." I shoot her a sly grin.

"Whatever as long as we're on the same page, oh I almost forgot about Cole! Cole you'll tell my family that your his assistant, and since he's becoming the CEO of the company soon you're here to make sure he still keeps an eye on the business. Now the most important rule of all, is that both you boys behave. Got it?" She's basically beaming, happy with herself for working it all out. 

I can't bring myself to burst her bubble so I just nod my head and agree, Cole does the same.

Cole scoots closer to Amelia and leans in with a smirk on his clean face, "Now Amelia dear tell me, will there be any pretty ladies in attendance?"

Amelia sighs "Rule number four, keep your filthy hands to yourself."

Cole rolls his eyes, " You can't keep a tiger in a cage sweetheart, especially not one this good looking." 

I want to wipe the smirk off his face, why is he calling her sweetheart, can't he find his own nickname?!

"Umm yes Cole you can, that's why they have zoo's." Amelia shakes her head looking like a disappointed mother.