Italian Obsession

Chapter 3

Valentina

After work, I had agreed to meet Micah at one of the bars downtown. "It's a weekday, you know."

She nodded. "One drink won't hurt."

"I'm not even 20."

"Oh, right. Sorry. I am sure you'll be excited to turn 21."

I shrugged. "I couldn't really care less about it."

"I respect that."

"You can still have one if you want."

Micah shrugged. "It's okay, I'll pass too."

"I just can't believe that Danny would do that to me."

"I am not surprised. When the man is hungry for something, he goes for it."

"Yeah well, I'm not the type of girl to hook up with my boss."

"I hope you continue to feel that way."

"I don't want to risk losing my job over some dumb mistake, especially if Mr. Burnside found out about it."

"Well, good. I am glad to hear you say that."

"Yeah, and I don't have time for a man, I'm already dealing with enough. I just am glad that I have my brother and his girlfriend."

"What's his name again?"

"Jason."

"I am sure it makes things easier."

"Yeah, it definitely does."

"Do you think you'll mend things back together with your sister?"

"I doubt it. Once she makes her mind up about something, she sticks to it."

"I had to do the same thing with my best friend from high school. Some people can be stubborn, including her but I knew that I had to do it. Now, she just graduated from Columbia College with a nursing degree."

"That's awesome."

"Yeah, but we should head out. We have to get up early tomorrow."

*** One month later:

On my birthday, I had received a phone call from Jessica. "Hey, I just called to ask if you would want to go to dinner."

"I'm not one to celebrate, Jess. You know that."

"Jason is not taking no for an answer."

"I don't know."

"Come on, what's a few hours out?"

"Fine, where am I meeting you?"

"Ruth's Chris."

"Are you serious?"

"Yeah."

"Jess, that's a pricy restaurant. I really don't want you guys spending that much money just for a meal."

"Your brother insisted."

"Will it just be us?"

"Well, my brother has a little surprise for you, so I made sure to invite Katy and Micah, and Danny is joining us."

"What?"

"William asked him, don't get mad at me for that."

I hated accepting her offer, but I would have felt rude if I declined. "Fine, what time should I be there?"

"6."

"Alright, I'll see you in a little bit."

I called Micah to help out with clothing. "It was supposed to be a surprise."

"Jess doesn't do well with surprises. I would have felt bad if I said no, I just don't know what to wear."

"Just wear a cocktail dress with heels or a blouse and a skirt or something."

"Yeah, I guess that works."

"See you soon."

*** After I arrived, I saw Jason's car as well as Micah's in the parking lot and found them sitting at a table. "Hey, thanks for coming!"

"You're welcome."

"Happy birthday, Valentina. This is for you."

William slid an envelope across the table. "What is this?"

"Just open it."

I pulled the piece of paper out of the envelope, including a check. "What is this for?"

"I've been impressed with your work, and Jason wanted it to be a surprise."

"You are really promoting me?"

"Yes."

"Oh my god."

"So, are you going to accept it?"

"Yes, of course!"

"We are getting some new clothes for you."

"I couldn't possibly take this."

Jessica smiled. "Too bad."

After the wine was served, I noticed Danny approach the table and just when I thought things couldn't get any worse, I was wrong.

Natalia lingered behind Danny and sat next to him.