The Sleeping Serpent

Chapter 8

The Wardrobe Department buzzed with talent coming in for fittings, and there were racks of clothes everywhere. Once she had a second to breathe, Luna saw she had missed three calls from Nico, and when he called the fourth time, she felt that familiar flutter. But since she was in the middle of a fitting, she had to let it go to voice mail.

At the end of the day, when she and Sam were the only ones left, Nico called again. Before she could even say hello, he barked at her, "Why haven't you answered, Luna? I called a hundred times!"

"I'm sorry, Nico. It was a madhouse all day. I didn't have a minute alone."

Nico snapped back, "I don't care what you're doing, Luna. When I call, you answer! Is that understood?"

Luna didn't want an argument, so simply answered, "I'll try, Nico."

That wasn't what he wanted to hear, however. "There is no try, Luna. Just do it."

He seemed more agitated than usual, so she asked, "What's wrong?"

"I'm very upset. Olivia's leaving."

"What do you mean leaving?" Luna was surprised.

"Just what I said," he barked. "She got into some bullshit program with the San Francisco Opera—thanks to me getting her that job at La Forza," he added bitterly.

Excusing his irascibility, Luna attempted to console him. "Nico, it's not that far. You can visit her. It's a great opportunity for her. Think of her career."

"You're an idiot! I taught her everything. She's mine, and now she'll go and fuck everyone in San Francisco."

With that, her phone beeped, indicating he was gone. She thought about calling him back, but decided to let him cool down instead.

On her way home from work, she stopped at Amaru to offer Nico some comfort. The door to the apartment was open, and she walked in, calling out his name. He greeted her casually, wearing only a towel wrapped around his waist and a mop of wet hair. Momentarily uncomfortable, Luna turned her back to him. "Oh, sorry. I didn't realize you'd be in the shower."

"Don't be silly. I always want you around."

She was relieved he had, indeed, calmed down and was actually being sweet. Deliberately looking her up and down, his eyes landed on her cleavage. She feigned shyness. "Nico, stop it. You embarrass me!"

He replied flirtatiously, "Do you go to work like that and flash your tits at everyone all day?" Then, without waiting for an answer, he turned, calling over his shoulder, "You want a glass of wine?"

Luna trailed along behind him. "Sure, if you're having one."

Handing her a glass, he raised his in a toast, "Los amigos son como las estrellas. No los ves siempre, pero siempre están allí."

"That sounds beautiful, Nico. What does it mean?"

He translated slowly, gazing deeply into her eyes. "Friends are like stars. You cannot always see them, but they are always there."

Thinking how Olivia was leaving him, Luna whispered, "I won't leave you, Nico, ever. I promise."

After a few glasses of wine, Nico lamented, "She's not who I thought she was. I'll never find anyone who really cares about me."

Luna nodded sympathetically. With nothing to say, she simply took a sip of her wine.

° ° °

In high spirits, Nico spouted, "Luna, did you see 'LA Social' in Los Angeles Magazine today? There's a picture of me with Erin Whelan. They call me the go to yoga guru! My phone has been ringing all day!"