Beyond the darkness

Chapter 7

Ava's POV

<<< The next morning >>>

I....couldn't sleep....I couldn't sleep a wink. I can't believe it....I'm being pursued by the most eligible bachelor in New York.

"Ahhhhhhhhh!!!!!"

"Why are you shouting at 6am in the morning?!" Sofia stood at the door holding her rolling pin

"Were you going to use that on me?" I asked with a raised eyebrow and she grinned

"It's good you're already awake else your backside would be stinging by now" I rolled my eyes and stood up " Don't forget today is the day we have to deliver the pastries to that company banquet"

I stretched my muscles and smiled" Isn't that in the evening? You're so excited to go to a formal party aren't you?" She smiled sheepishly

" You got me...even though we're just going to deliver the pastries I'm sure I can stall so we at least enjoy one song" I laughed

" I'm sure you will, you are Sofia Sanchez after all. Anyway, since we'll have to lock up early let's get to work" she saluted and left

I showered and changed into white jeans and a black crop top. I tied my hair up and went downstairs with my phone in my pocket. When I reached the counter, what I saw made me pause in my tracks.

"Ava, you have a secret admirer" I walked to the large bouquet of red roses and took the card on it, opening it to read

'Good morning'....that's it?

" Good morning? That's it? Some admirer, do you know who sent this Ava?" I couldn't help the laughter that escaped my lips. Mr. Ricci....is still a man of few words. " Do you know who it is?"

Unconsciously I answered, " It's Mr. Ricci of course" then....I realised what I said and turned to find Sofia's mouth agape, oops. "Urm...so, shall we get to work?"

I moved to go to the kitchen when she stood in my way with her hands on her hips" Give me the deets now" I sighed

" Fine fine I'll say it" I told her everything that happened yesterday and when I was done she squealed

" Oh my God oh my God, my bestie is dating Antonio Ricci!"

" Woah woah woah, we are not dating. Did you not hear me, he said pursue"

She rolled her eyes at me" Oh please darling what's the difference. Would you say No if he asked you to date him right now?"

I was quiet for a minute and then returned her gaze" I'm gonna be honest with you....I would totally date him right now" she smirked and went behind the counter

"Exactly, so even if he's pursuing you as you said girlie it's still the same thing" I sighed

" Yes Miss all knowing Sofia I'm going to finish the pastries then we can go and get ready for that banquet after all no matter how little time we spend there we must still look elegant doing it"

Sofia smirked " And that's why I love you so much" I blew her a kiss and took the bouquet of roses to go and place them in a vase. Mr. Ricci....I couldn't help but smile as I thought of him, I can't wait to see him again.

I arranged the bouquet and placed them in vase I had in the kitchen. After making sure they were well maintained, I wore my apron and got to baking.

After making the batter and placing them in the oven, I stretched my muscles and placed the dirty dishes in the dishwasher. Sofia entered with a box and a smirk on her face

"Sofia, that smirk on your face isn't telling me a very nice story" she laughed and set the box in front of me

"Well it should cause our dresses are finally in. If I'm going to crash a banquet with my bestfriend, I'm going to make us both do it in style. Plus If I didn't get us dresses I can only imagine what you planned on wearing to that place"

"Let's get them to the room then, I wouldn't want the dresses to get soiled in the kitchen" she picked up the box and we walked upstairs to my room. After setting the box on my bed, I opened it to find.... "Sofia, isn't this a bit much? I mean..."

"Much? I actually held back and picked the simplest dresses." simple she says. "Anyway the red one is yours and the blue one is mine" I pouted about to protest but she rose her hand up silencing me "I know what you're about to say, I'm giving you the red one because you will rock that dress end of story" I sighed

"Fine, let's go and start cleaning up the place so we can leave for banquet of your dreams" Sofia grinned and latched onto my arm

"Aww, this is why I love you so much. Anyway, have you heard from Gabriel? It's been a while since he went for that business trip"

"Well...now that you say it, I wonder whether he got my souvenir. I hope it gets here in one piece"

"At this point, your cruelty knows no bounds" I smiled appreciatively and she stared blankly at me "Girl, we both know that wasn't a compliment"

"Huh....it wasn't?" we both started laughing and headed downstairs to pack up the place.

<<< Time Skip >>>

As soon as I stepped out of the shower Sofia entered and my phone started ringing. I saw the screen and went wide - eyed, Mr. Ricci?! I hurriedly answered the call

"Hello, Mr. Ricci?" there was silence on the line before his oh so sexy voice came through....control yourself Ava

"How are you?" I couldn't help the smile that came on my face as i sat on my bed

"I'm fine Mr. Ricci, what about you? How was your night?"

"It was good"

"That's great. I really loved your flowers and....your note thank you" I couldn't help the snicker that escaped my lips at the thought of his note

"I'm glad you liked it. I called because....I might not be able to come to the bakery today."

"Oh, don't worry about it. You can always come tomorrow...my bakery is always open to you. I closed early today anyway, I have to send some pastries to a company banquet"

"A banquet?" he was silent for a few seconds before he spoke again "What's the company name?"

"Zenith Finance Group"

"Huh, okay then...I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Of course see you tomorrow Mr. Ricci" I ended the call with a smile on my face when suddenly someone cleared their throat. I looked up to see Sofia standing at the entrance of the bathroom with a smirk on her face and in a bathrobe. I placed my phone down and cleared my throat.

"Let's get dressed" she started laughing really hard

"Do you have any idea how red your face is right now?" I pouted

"Stop teasing me" she wiped her eyes and walked over to the bed

"Fine I won't tease you anymore, let's get dressed we don't want to be late" I nodded and stood up