Chapter 7

Dinner with Paolo

 

 

Sofia didn’t forget Paolo’s visit to her workplace. She would never forget it. If Gianni didn’t leave her alone about it, she would end up having to find another job. Not a day passed that Mr. Rossi didn’t mention it, either. Sofia was sick of hearing about Paolo and his stack of money.

They didn’t know who he was. Not yet anyway. Surely they would see something on the news about him and recognize him; then the ribbing would go on endlessly and get worse.

The first week after Paolo’s visit, Sofia kept it from her mother, not wanting to upset her. But by the middle of the second week, one of her mother’s friends had already heard about the incident and told Maria all about it. Sofia could’ve wrung her neck for spilling it that way and without talking to her first about it. But, done was done.

“Sofia, all I’m saying is that no matter how he seemed at his house or at the diner that was a very sweet gesture. He just wants to talk; get to know you. Where’s the harm in it, Sofia? It’s so sweet that it breaks my heart. Invite him over for dinner. I’ll go stay with a friend for the night. Please.”

“Mother, you aren’t seeing the whole picture. He’s an ass! I don’t want him over for anything.” Sofia flopped onto the sofa and pulled a pillow over her face.

“Do you enjoy making your mother sad?” Maria sat on the edge of the little coffee table near Sofia.

Shaking her head, she lowered the pillow. “Mama, he’s handsome but he’s…oh, I don’t know; I just don’t fit into his world. I’m not a rich woman. I don’t want to always be standing out as the poor little girl who found a rich knight in shining armour who felt sorry for her and made her somebody. I’m not going to be noticed in this world just because I’m on the arm of a rich, spoiled brat.”

“You could teach that brat something about how the other half lives maybe. Do him some good to be with you, I’d say. Maybe deep down he knows it, too and that is why he is so persistent. Did you ever think of that? We’re all put here for a reason…maybe teaching Paolo is yours.”

Groaning, Sofia put the pillow back over her face again.

She hated it when her mother was right.

It had crossed her mind that if Paolo was so persistent, then, it could be because he was a good person deep inside and no one had ever shown him how to be good instead of petty and spoiled.

After agreeing with her mother to invite him to dinner, Sofia refused to call him or to write to him to do so.

“No, Mother. Only if he pursues me again. If he’s gone, then good riddance and I don’t have to stress about him. If he’s not gone, then I’ll ask him over. If for no other reason than to prove to you that he’s beyond my help.”

“Fine, dear. Thank you!” Maria kissed Sofia’s cheek as she passed the sofa.

The next day, Paolo called Sofia’s cell phone.

“Sofia, I don’t know what to say other than I want to see you. Just you. I want to have dinner with you alone somewhere. Here preferably.”

“Well, so much for niceties, huh? Okay, Paolo. I’ll have dinner with you, but it will be at my apartment, my home on Saturday evening at, let’s say, six. Be on time and dress casually.” She hit the button to disconnect the call, smiling and biting her bottom lip.

As the day wore on, she had difficulty containing her excitement. She told her mother about the dinner date. Maria was thrilled and kissed her daughter’s cheeks and forehead.

“I’m so proud of you. Now, I’ll go to Francine’s for the night on Saturday and you cook him a proper, Sofia-good meal. That boy eats your cooking once and he’ll never leave you alone!”

Saturday came and at fifteen minutes until six, Sofia was cleaning up the kitchen. There was no way she could get it all finished before six, so she decided to serve dinner on the balcony. She was only on the third floor and there were two balconies above hers, but it would have to do.

Paolo arrived at six and Sofia greeted him. Her excitement had built all day until she was actually happy that he had shown up. Her smile was genuine even when Paolo looked around the apartment with a bewildered expression.

Tucking a stray curl behind her ear, she said, “I know; it’s small, but it’s mine and I make the payments from working a job which I enjoy.” She showed him to the balcony.

“I understand. My father enjoyed the fruits of his labor very little. The man enjoyed that he was independent and wanted for nothing, but he worked himself into an early grave, too.” Paolo sat while Sofia poured wine.

“I’m sorry about your parents, Paolo. They were good people.” And that was true. She had liked them. So had her mother; that’s why Maria was so adamant that Sofia at least see Paolo. She was convinced that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.

“Thank you.” He took his wine and sipped, eyeing her oddly.

“I’ll serve dinner now. You sit and enjoy what little view there is of the river and the park. I’ll be right back.”

In the kitchen, she swooned from the pressure of his presence. She still couldn’t quite believe that he was on her balcony getting ready to dine with her; alone. She’d never had a boyfriend that she’d cared to keep around more than a week or two—they all had agendas and the agendas weren’t good.

Plating up the food, her waitressing skills kicked in and she carried the food out on a tray like an expert, not spilling a drop. Paolo was handsome and sexy in the dimming light of dusk. He looked like a portrait sitting there in his polished perfection. Was there a good man hiding in there? She hoped so.

“Sofia, dinner was excellent and I must admit that I quite enjoyed the view, too. I seem to forget how endearing the smaller, simpler things in life can be; how gratifying. Thank you.” He touched her hand across the table and smiled what she thought was the first genuine smile she’d seen from him.

Her heart leaped in her chest and her smile broadened. Maria had been right; he could be shown the way.

“You’re very welcome. I’m happy that you came, Paolo.” Her cheeks flushed hot and she looked down at their hands—his much larger, stronger hand lying over hers. She liked how his hand felt on hers. She imagined what it would feel like on her naked body.

Her cheeks burned hotter and she took a deep breath. Best to push those sorts of thoughts out of her head.

Paolo reached for the wine and poured them both more. “A toast to the little things.” He raised his glass to hers.

“To the little things.” Usually she didn’t drink so much alcohol, but this was a special occasion for her and she had imbibed enough to be tipsy. Fighting the buzz of the wine, she stood and reached for the plates, stumbling against the table a bit.

Paolo put a hand against her waist and hip to steady her, but didn’t move it when they were both sure she had her balance again. Their shared laughter broke down into a solemn stare into each other’s eyes.

Sofia felt the moment slipping away from her control. She didn’t fight it overly much. Especially when that strong, warm hand slid down to her thigh and under her dress to touch her bare skin.

Cold chills broke out all over her body at his touch. His hand traveled up to her ass and he cupped her ass cheek, squeezing it sensually.

His moan of appreciation wasn’t lost on her, either.

Paolo stood and moved behind her, cupping her ass in both hands and pushing her dress up over her waist.

Breathlessly, she whispered, “Paolo, I think we should stop.”