Italian Obsession

Chapter 3

Danny

I could hardly believe she would actually turn me down like that. No other female has but if she wants to play hard to get, two can play at that game.

After I got out of my meeting, I received a phone call from Juan. "What's up?"

"I was thinking about taking my sister to dinner for her nineteenth birthday."

"Okay, and? What do I have to do with that?"

"I called to invite you."

"What time?"

"7:30 reservation at Ruth's Chris."

"Is there a reason why you are inviting me?"

"I figured it would be a nice surprise."

"For her boss to be at her birthday dinner?"

"She's been working hard, and I hope that you agree."

"She has."

"Well, I would like for you to tell her that."

"Are you sure that she would be okay with that?"

"Well, you wanted to give her a promotion, right?"

"Yes, but I really don't think that she would appreciate it if I showed up uninvited."

Juan chuckled. "You technically will not be uninvited. Come on, it will be a good surprise for Valentina."

"As long as you are sure about this, I will be there."

"Thanks, Danny. See you in a bit."

"See you soon, man."

I quickly went home and changed into a black dress shirt and dark gray dress pants that I knew Valentina would drool over.

"Babe, where are you going?"

"Dinner."

My wife scowled. "With who?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Because it is my business, Danny. That's why."

"No actually, it is not your business."

"Well, too bad. I am your wife, and I am going to dinner with you."

"I didn't invite you."

"I am going with you, Danny. It is non-negotiable."

"It is business related, why should I allow you to join me?"

"Because we always go to dinner together."

"Well, this is business related and I would prefer you not to join me."

"I am coming, Danny. Period."

"Whatever."

Valentina

"Get dressed in something nice."

"What? Why?"

Juan smiled. "Just do as I ask, Valentina."

"You know that I hate surprises."

"I know, but it's something that is worth celebrating over. I promise you won't be disappointed."

I went up to my bedroom and called Caroline. "I have no idea what to wear."

"Did he tell you what the dinner is for?"

"I have no clue."

"Well, you could wear that short black dress you bought before you moved and maybe top it off with the Gucci heels that you've only worn twice."

"Thanks, Caroline. You are a lifesaver."

"Of course, text me later and let me know how it goes!"

"I will."

I got off the phone with Caroline and after I applied some more makeup and finished doing my hair, I went downstairs. "Are you ready?"

"Yes."

"Alright, let's go."

I entered Ruth's Chris, feeling beyond anxious and the moment I laid eyes on him, I felt my heart drop to my feet. "What is he doing here?"

"He's your boss, Valentina. I figured he should be a part of this as well because he has a surprise for you."

"Why would I want him to be a part of my birthday dinner?"

Juan smiled. "Come on, Valentina. I was really looking forward to this. Is it really that big of a deal?"

"To me it is, Juan."

"Just try to keep yourself together, okay? Try and act like you are happy to see him."

"Whatever."

I sat across from Danny, avoiding eye contact with him at all costs and just when I thought things were already bad, I had one more surprise: seeing my sister walk into the restaurant, and taking a seat next to Danny.