Romani Prince

Chapter 12: Pictures

"These are great, Gaby!  You always had a very unique perspective and your technique improved quite a lot from last year!"

Nibbling on my bottom lip, I hover over Mike's shoulder as he goes through the pictures on my laptop.

Suddenly, he stops at one of my last pictures... of Luka on the beach.

"Great movement and, ohmygod, what a hunk!  You should use him again!  Mike notices me blushing instantly.  "Is he your new beau?"

Suddenly very interested in my clear toenails, I nod shyly.

Mike practically jumps off the chair and pulls me into a bear hug.  "Finally!  A man worthy of my beautiful Gabriella!"

"Uff!"

Mike may be as gay as they come, but he is almost as tall and muscular as Luka.

"Mike!"

He lets go.  "What happened to boring Carl?  Tell me... everything!"

So, my first day back to work at Stern Studios ends up in hours of deep conversation with my boss and friend, Mike Stern.

"A gypsy prince?"  Mike stares at me in amazement.

"Romani!"  I correct him.

"But that's... absolutely enchanting!  When can I meet him?"

I narrow my eyes at a very excited Mike.  "Why do you want to meet him?"

Mike leans forward on his white leather chair.  His hands clasped together as if he's ready to start on a new project.  "Oh, come on!  With the two of you, destined to always find each other through time?  I can do an entire exposition on your story...  Plus, you two are gorgeous!"

I push back and cross my legs.  "No way!"

Mike waves a hand in the air, dismissing my answer.  He had tried countless times to get me to model for him, but I never gave in.

"One day you'll do it and love it!  But maybe with your Luka you'll agree to it, now."  He slants his head with his sweet puppy eyes, begging.

"I'll ask, okay?  But he's very busy!"

Mike gets up from the couch.  "Right...  Doing the whole prince thing."  He sounds bored.

"He has duties!"

"Three hours!  It's all I ask!"

I almost feel guilty.  "We'll see...  He's not even around, this week.  I'll only see him again on Friday."

How is it possible that I miss Luka so much, already?

My watch tells me that it's time to leave, so I kiss Mike goodbye and drive home, hoping to hear from Luka, soon.

I didn't want to bother him on his first day with the clan.  He's getting acquainted with the new situation and I don't want to sound all needy.

I hope everything is going well, though.

As soon as I park on my driveway, I send him a brief message.

Me: "All solved?  I miss you so much!"

No response.  He must be busy, still.

I walk inside the dark kitchen and Zed comes to greet me right away.

There's a variety of cold cuts and cheeses for a perfect sandwich and Zed appreciates a slice or two of turkey while sitting patiently by my feet.

I grab my plate, a bottle of water and head to my room.