La Serenissima (Venice)

Chapter 3: Lunch Date With His Son

"I need a favor." I said turning to Sean, after successfully convincing Charles to let me sit up front. That morning I had woken up early thankful that removing the alarm clock had worked and Vincent was still asleep. DeLisle had cancelled the days activities for him so that he'd be well rested for the dinner this evening. I'd convinced him to ride with us to the restaurant since he didn't have a driver and a bodyguard only accompanied him during major events.

We were on our way back from our morning's session with Vanity, which took longer than I thought. I didn't think they'd go the lengths to perfectly style my hair and makeup my face. I had less than half hour before I was to meet William at the restaurant.

"Yes Ms Hier?" he asked and I rolled my eyes at the formalities.

"Could you drop me off The Ivy, I have a lunch date this afternoon." I asked cheekily and he nodded, battling a smile.

"It's my job Ms Hier, no questions asked." I frowned.

"You can ask as many questions as you like Sean, I won't bite" I added reassuringly. I pulled out my pocket mirror to do a quick inspection. I looked like I just walked off a Covergirl billboard. My eyes were shadowed with a dark bronze below my perfectly highlighted brows and a gorgeous dark red matte lipstick which I noted to buy as soon as I left. My hair was curled perfectly and draped over my shoulders and I was dressed in beige romper and my favorite pair of Alexander Wang strappy heels. I felt once again overdressed but thanked William silently for choosing a restaurant where there'd be thirty more dressed like me.

I tried to persuade Charles to go on with Sean, that I'd be safe here with William and that the restaurant had top security. He wasn't too convinced but his wife called asking if he could collect their four year old daughter Kay-dean from pre-school since she wasn't feeling well. After I walked through the main entrance, I was greeted by a well dressed usher, who lead me to a booth near the back of the restaurant. I caught a glimpse of a shiny silver Armani wristwatch and butterflies exploded in the pits of my stomach. Relax Alex, its just lunch. He probably won't even notice how over dressed you are.

The usher left and I inhaled deeply before patting him on the shoulder. His head shot around and his eyes darted open as his gaze ran from my eyes all the way down to my shoes.

He whistled. "Well someone decided to get all gorgeous for little ole me." He teased and I stuck my tongue out before sliding into the booth. I silently begged that he couldn't notice the blush that crept on my cheeks.

"You wish, I just left the Vanity Fair meeting so I didn't have time to go home and change." I sighed, brushing my hand through my hair, careful not to ruin it.

"Well I'm glad you didn't, you look amazing." My cheeks grew even hotter and I smiled at him.

"Thank you, quite charming yourself if I do say so myself." I replied primly. Mimicking his accent became a hobby for me. He was wearing a light blue dress shirt and khaki dress pants, his sleeves were rolled up, showing the well defined veins on his inner forearms. His hair soft was ruffled and his bright hazel eyes were glowing. He looked more than charming, he looked like a tall glass of refreshing iced water after a ten day hike in the desert but I wouldn't let him in on that.

I scanned the menu and grimaced at the selections. They had the audacity to say some of these things were edible? When the waiter showed up I gave him a warm smile and ordered the Citrus Chicken Sorrento. Smirking at my choice, William ordered the Garden Primavera, both well known and tasty Italian dishes.

We talked idly until our food arrived and I felt hungrier than I did when I first arrived. I sliced a small piece of the chicken and closed my eyes at the decadent flavors dancing on my taste buds.