So, my family and I... we're headed to our facility that would be opening in a few days or so, maybe the next week since we started a bit later, but with all the talk going around the city, people were practically dying to hear what I had to say, and what my responses to those were.
Sure... we took our photos... talked to a few people and met some people, but what hurt the most is that... Salomé wasn't here to see this with me. I had Ava, and of course she was invited to the grand opening of this later, but we just met and we weren't even considered anything at this time. And I found it best to not get her caught up in press and all that. She didn't need that even if she and I were just friends for now.
Friends... getting to know one another well. She's a sweet girl. And maybe I can see a future with her, but we're taking it slow and... I just don't want any trouble for her. But of course she can tag along with me when we get to see the openings for both... the Hensworth shelters and mine. If she is wanting to go.
However right now... I had to let those thoughts go and tune in to what the reality is now. Because after all of that, I looked at my father, Nico and he looked at me, before telling me,
"Son. I don't know what you're going to say to these people but be wise about it sí? If it's in our best interest, we don't want to start another war with someone else. This family ain't made for business like ours. Like us, like the Valentinos, even the what once was the Deimos legacy. Let's be smart."
He whispered that to me and I simply gave him a nod, although I grabbed his arm gently and leaned in toward him,
"Trust me pa. I know what to say."
And I let go, and he nodded before just heading off, because someone called him over to speak, but another interviewer approached me and they knew exactly who I was. There was no difficulties... no smartass comments, just...
"Ciao Mr. Aurelio- if we could just have a moment with you if you would please? We have a few questions and we're hoping this doesn't take up too much of your time."
How polite weren't they? Of course they were. They knew better than to mess with someone who held power in the power. Power and authority. Of course they would cower before me, before us, but I placed a hand on his shoulder and I nodded, yet a serious look on my face as well.
"Go ahead and ask your questions and I'll respond to them accordingly."
I pat his shoulder and then placed my hand into my pocket, but the interviewer gave a small smile and proceeded.
"What made you or motivated you to open a shelter of your own here in Rome?"
And of course they would start with simple questions first, but I simply answered them this,
"Simply put. I met a woman... who, heavily believed in putting others in need always before herself. And still does to this day. She and I used to be together. Salomé Ivory. Being heavily involved in the city life, I never thought about such things like that. It's just not how it worked with me. However, seeing her views and her explanations, it opened my eyes to see something a bit brighter in this dark world we live in. Therefore, I proposed the idea to her... and although she is not here... I have followed through with this plan anyway. My motivation was a difference outlook."
And the interviewer nodded his head to me, giving me approval that that was a great answer, but another raised their hand and it was a woman. And they asked me,
"Salomé Ivory, your ex-girlfriend... it seems that she's taken your idea and ran with it. Haven't you've heard of the multiple shelters being opened up by the Hensworth family? It seems her and Christian Hensworth has been in kahoots about it-"
Which I raised my hand to silence her for a moment,
"Let me get one things straight here. I've seen it all. How could I not? It's been everywhere and I've seen a lot of false accusations going on."
And I looked at all of them and they were all silent,
"I don't know who hired that one interviewer that questioned her. But I found it to be very unprofessional to bring such allegations about her causing tensions between us and the Hensworth family. I'm very aware that they have moved foward with the same idea I initially proposed to Salomé. I'm aware that she went to them and had this done. But I am honest... there was no way of her knowing that I would continue this even after we split."
And someone started to ask another question, but I raised my index finger and shook my head,
"I'm not finished."
I would say sternly to them, because I needed to get my point across.
"There was no reason for my name to be dragged into such a conversation. If they had questions, they should've asked me instead. The point here is, all the controversy has the public making filthy comments about her. Gold digger... using us both... whore and all this other shit. But one really knew her, she's not like that. She's not that and neither a pawn or a ploy. So everyone who made such comments, it's a shame on you."
Though one interviewer furrowed their brows and raised their hand,
"But Mr. Aurelio, doesn't it bother you that she's stolen your idea and run off with it?"
There was a small pause before I spoke,
"No. It doesn't. She's moved on and so have I. It doesn't change the fact that it was my idea. But became /ours/. So do not drag her name through the mud and treat her like a dog."
Truth was, it did hurt a bit that she did take the idea and went with Christian but I couldn't blame her. And I wasn't going to be messy. They wanted answers and they got it. Besides, they know not to fuck with me when I say something. What I say is truth. I would never want Salomé's name tarnished by mine. And I hope. I hope that this would lift some of the weight from her. I know... what she's seen has hurt her and cut deep.
"You wanted the truth and that is all. I won't be taking anymore questions at this time."
I told them, and I simply walked away from them. Like I said pa... I know what to say.
