Make the Most of It

36. Per Sempre

Zayn's P.O.V.

Nikki finally forgave me about what happened at the cafe, even though Carolyn ended up writing her number on a napkin in lipstick for me. It took some effort, but Nikki gave in eventually.

She was now at her fifth meeting in the last three days. I was happy for her, but I hated sulking around in the hotel all day long and walking the streets of Milan all alone by myself. Everytime I would pass by couples holding hands, it would make me want to be with Nikki even more.

I was now walking the streets for the third time now. I swear some of these shopkeepers thought I was crazy for coming back her so often. But hopefully, today would be my last time walking alone. I had decided to buy flowers and a small gift for Nikki, hoping and praying that her line got accepted today, since it was her last meeting.

I stopped at a small flower shop and went in. The little bell on top of the door rang, making the 50-some-year-old shopowner look up at his only current customer, me.

"Ciao! Come va?" I looked at him quizzically.

"Um, no Italian. Only English," I said, akwardly.

"Oh sorry!" He exclaimed. He still had a very heavy accent and I was guessing that he probably didn't know very much English. "What would you like?"

"Flowers for my girlfriend."

"Which type?" He motioned to all the varieties of flowers. There were at least twenty different types of flowers, some that I probably couldn't even pronounce. I glanced around at each of them. I knew roses were Nikki's favorite, but I'm guessing this wasn't a good occasion for those.

So, I went with a boquet of assorted flowers. "I'll take those," I said, pointing to a colorful bunch.

"Ok." He then pointed up to a sign which showed the different sizes of boquets and asked, "How made is she?" He laughed.

I smiled at his humor. "No she's not mad. I just wanted to get her some flowers." I smiled.

He smirked and asked, "Ahh. So you haven't had any eventful nights lately?" I felt the heat rise to my cheeks, but I laughed it off.

"You know what's up," I grinned.

He smiled back at me. "I've been selling flowers to men for almost ten years, son. I always know."

"Any other suggestions?" I asked, even though that wasn't at all why I was buying the flowers. But, why pass up an oppurtunity? It doesn't hurt to try and to be honest, I hadn't had an.... 'eventful night' in weeks. Just thinking about it made me blush so I pushed the thought away.

"Chocolate. It's the only answer," he smirked. We laughed together for a few moments then I finally paid him and left.

"Thank you!" I called out to him, just as the door shut behind me.

I then went to a small jewelry shop. I hadn't ever bought any gifts for Nikki and I guess there's no better time like the present. I walked into the shop and the owner came rushing up to me, with a smile on his face.

"How may I help you?"

"I was looking for some jewelry for my girlfriend." He motioned me towards a glass showcase of assorted bracelets, necklaces, rings, and earrings. Many of the prices were amounts that I couldn't even dream of spending. "Um, maybe a bit less pricey," I suggested.