Do You Remember Baby Girl?

1

Laura smiled.

She never thought her life would become like this. She had a great job, a sister who she loved with all of her heart and a boyfriend who loved her. Granted, she didn't love Mark like him, but she knew that wasn't real. That it could never last. She was living in a fantasy world and her bubble was popped the moment he walked away.

Him being Massimo.

She shouldn't have been surprised, though. He was the only man whose lies she believed. He was the only one she opened her heart too only for him to stomp right over it. But no more.


"Are you okay Laura?" Glancing up at her current boyfriend she offered him a bright if forced smile.


"I am fine. Just tired is all. You know how it is. Switching my new medicine can be exhausting." He frowned before grabbing her hand.


"I do understand. After all, I am a doctor." Laura looked into Mark's kind eyes wondering why on earth she couldn't love him as much as she loved him. It wasn't fair and she even told Mark about her ex. Not everything of course, especially him being a mob boss and insanely powerful. But she did give him the gist of her heart being broken.

She met him months after Massimo left. She was leaving her own doctor's appointment and she met him around the corner from her place at a local coffee shop. They talked for a while, but her aloofness only made him more persistent. When she finally explained to him her hesitation for entering into another union he only grabbed her hand and told her they could take it slow.

That was five months ago.

Since then, Laura settled into a sense of normalcy. She went out with her best friend and sister, went to work, and met with Mark on various dates and dinners. He even took her to several of his black tie events and seemed pleased to show her off. There was just something else missing in her life. And Laura was too cautious to ever try and examine what the crux of the problem was.

So she pretended.

She laughed to bring her back to their conversation.

"You are correct. Smart doctor and all. I think I'm going to head home though. Not feeling too well Mark." He squeezed her hand before looking into her eyes.


"Okay. I can take you-"


"No. It's quite alright. I think I'll just head home alone."

Not giving him a chance to speak she kissed his cheek before turning and leaving the crowded ballroom. She picked up the train of her long gown and maneuvered through the crowd. When she stepped into the cool air she took a fresh breath before descending the steps. When she was on the last step she glanced up and her heart all but stopped. Leaning against the car was a man she never thought she would see again. Massimo's right-hand man.

"Domenico. What are you doing here?"


The handsome young man tilted his lips up in a smile. It was a sad one, but it was still a smile somewhat.


"Coming to get you. Laura, we need your help. With Massimo."


Frowning, she asked why.


"He was seriously injured." At Laura's gasp, he quickly continued.


"He's fine. Much better but he needs someone to help settle his affairs. He can't trust anyone but me and Mario."


"What happened?"


Domenico studied her hard before continuing.


"His financier was spying on him while giving personal information to his business rivals. His accountant had been stealing thousands of dollars."


Eyes wide, she took a step closer.


"Did Massimo catch him?"


"Yes, he did. However, he was shot in the process. Again, he's out of critical condition, but he needs someone to help with his accounting. We know you're good at that."


Letting her red train drop to the ground she smoothed down her form-fitting red dress before looking away.


"Domenico, I can't-"


"Yes, you can Laura. He needs you. We need you. The money, you can make sure it's all there, and even try to find someone outside of the family and business. But right now he cannot do this. He needs to focus on getting better."


Laura folded her arms over her strapless top.


"He left me, Domenico."


"I know."


"It's almost been two years!"


"I know that too! And I told him it was a bad idea but he swore you were in danger. The-"


"No," she said interrupting him. "I cannot hear any excuses. It doesn't matter anyway. I am with someone else."


"Then it shouldn't be a problem. You come, stay at the villa for the next six months to help us straighten this all out, and you can return to your life."


Laura studied his face, but he gave nothing away. She sighed before taking a glance behind her.


"When would we leave?"


"Right now. You know clothes, supplies are not difficult."


"My job?"


"Do you really want to work dealing with other douche-bags? You work for Massimo, you know he'll agree to a company you can run. You're much better than what you are doing, Laura." As she took in his words she glanced left, then right. No one was around and would see her leave. As much as it pains her to admit it, the first time she was taken by the man she found herself excited. It was a. new chance, adventure. And her ex wasn't giving her what she wanted or needed.


That's not to say she would be engaging in such behaviors with the man again, but she couldn't forget. She also had been thinking of quitting her job for a while now, and this would give her the chance to do so.


"After the six months when everything is squared away you will, or more importantly he will let me leave?" Domenico nodded.


"Very well. But I have to let Mark know."


"Of course. You can call him when you arrive at the villa in the afternoon."


Hiking up her dress, she stepped into the car and once again allowed herself to be swept away in Massimo's world.


She hoped this time she would come out unscathed.