DD's // SAUDADE

- TWENTY-NINE -

"So, what will you do with James?"

Deetra had a lovely day, even if the start was terrible. Her uncle took her to a bunch of shops and bought her clothes and shoes and accessories and everything her heart desired. If Deetra wanted a brand new phone, she would have one. If Deetra wanted a designer bag, Lazaro would pay for one to see her smile. Even if she grew up in wealth, she was never found going around spending hundreds of money on clothes like her brother. It was the first time in her life that she felt like a spoiled kid.

"I have no idea...."

Deetra answered her uncle's question after a lot of thinking. They were done, they had broken up, but she had no idea what would happen after this.

Right now, they were at a café, sitting outside enjoying the hot weather and each other's company. Deetra titled her head and looked around with an emotionless face as she watched a flock of birds fly over her. Lazaro fixed his sunglasses, holding his cup of coffee. It was his third coffee that day, but he didn't care. A little caffeine never hurt anyone and especially him.

"Well, I can send someone to execute him if you want -"

"What! Uncle Lazaro, no! I don't want him dead!"

Lazaro scoffed and leaned back with his palms on his thighs. Deetra leaned on her arms, looking at her cup of tea and seeing her reflection. She had no idea what she would do with James.

"The next solution is to send him back to London so you can enjoy Italy without him around your legs."

"I don't know if that's a good solution, too...."

She sighed before checking her iPhone. She had to fix her makeup and change clothes for the meeting if she didn't want everyone's eyes on her. It was sad, but all those old men would be like rabid dogs all over her if she didn't wear a less revealing dress.

"So?"

"I'll just let him stick around as a bodyguard like the plan was. After we return to London, he will move out...."

The woman mumbled the last part before having a sip from her tea. Lazaro nodded; he could still feel her sadness in the atmosphere. Of course, shopping wouldn't cheer her up entirely, but he hoped it improved her mood.

"If this is what you want, Deetra, then I'll respect it."

He held her hands across the table with a gentle grin. Deetra couldn't hold herself back as her lips formed into a small smile letting her fingers rest on his palms. His touch calmed her more and took her mind away from her cheating partner for some minutes.

"Thank you, uncle Lazaro."

"You don't have to thank me for anything, Deetra."

He laughed softly and glanced at her eyes, seeing them clearly behind those dark coloured sunglasses. Lazaro sighed and glared down for a split second before pulling his hands away. Deetra starred at her uncle confused, she narrowed her eyebrows, thinking something was wrong.

"Are you alright, uncle?"

"You remind me so much of your mother... You know, a strong, empowered woman who doesn't need a man to boss her around...."

The British woman giggled with a wide smirk before biting her tongue to stop herself.

"What?"

Lazaro asked with a chuckle, scared he had said something wrong. Deetra moved her head, signing to him that everything was okay.

"Oh, nothing, it's just that... that was a huge compliment for me. My... mother always was and will be my biggest idol."

"That's so nice of you, Deetra. It's true, though. Selena was an independent woman...."