We were at the dinner table, and the first thing I noticed was a slightly tense air between Claire and Matteo. Claire's phone kept buzzing with notifications, and she seemed stressed and worried. I tried asking her about it, but she swept the topic away immediately.
Claire has always been distant from me. She never really accepted me, and that's fine-I can't do anything about it. But I am grateful for whatever she did for me when I was a kid. She let me live in her house and made me food... she did what my mom never did.
Mom... I have no idea where she is. Or even if she is alive. Does she miss me? No... the real question is, does she even remember me? What if she has a new family now?
"Val... honey, why are you crying?"
Dad's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I realized I had been zoning out, fiddling with my food, and tears had stained my cheeks. I wiped them away immediately and looked at both of them.
"Sorry... I was just zoned out. What were you saying?"
"I was asking how your work at the new club is going. Any troubles? Though I know it's one of the best... the more premium, the higher the demand."
"Everything is good. I mean, they gave me a house to live in, and I've started my online course for Finance and Business studies."
"That's amazing, sweetie. That's what I like about you. You never give up, no matter what."
"That's something I learned from you."
He chuckled and took a sip of his drink. Claire suddenly stood up when her phone rang and stormed off the dinner table, catching both of us off guard.
"What's up with her? She seemed very stressed about something."
"No idea. I tried asking her, but she denied it, saying it's nothing serious."
The next day, I left for Milan early in the morning. Matteo insisted on staying, but I had to return to work and couldn't afford to miss my online classes either. I had plenty of messages from Carlos asking if everything was okay.
I told him I'd be coming to the club tonight, and that's what I did. Once inside the dressing room, Carlos hugged me, and I hugged him back, which was kind of surprising for him. He pulled back, taking my face in his hands and inspecting me closely.
"What?" I asked, laughing a bit.
"Hell, it seems like I haven't seen you in ages."
"I know things have been a little intense lately, but now everything is in line. We're back together. I kind of missed being on stage."
"Only the stage?"
"Fine, I missed you too."
He laughed a bit, let go of me, and started to get ready for my performance. It was for the VVIP section, and the outfits were a bit different. Hmm... my wardrobe had changed.
After I stepped on stage, the sound of those men swooning like a horde of hyenas was overwhelming, with money scattered in bundles on the floor. Carlos was performing nearby, his grace and flexibility were astounding. I needed to take some lessons from him.
Once my shift ended, I changed into my regular clothes and headed to the changing room. Carlos had already changed and looked up from his phone, smiling at me.
"I've ordered Chicken Alfredo pasta for you."
"God, how did you know I was craving that?"
"Come sit."
I laid on the couch opposite him, my feet aching from the heels, and small blisters forming.
YOU ARE READING
CRIMSON KISSES
General Fiction"Does that turn you on baby ? The thought of getting caught while you shamelessly grind on my fingers?" I could only nod. . . . In the crucible of her own personal inferno, she embodied the relentless fire of vengeance, seared by haunting memories o...
