Kate
It’s been a little over a week since Tony and I ate at Champagne. We’ve continued our normal routine and haven’t had any sightings of Matteo. I’m starting to think he’s not something to worry about. It’s been well over a year. If he were going to show up, wouldn’t he have done it already? He knows who I am, and it’s not that hard to find me. I’ve decided to not stress about things and quit looking over my shoulder. As a result, my mood has significantly lifted. The proverbial weight has been lifted off my shoulders.
I just finished another critique. There’s nothing worse than a horrible meal. I can honestly say I don’t think this restaurant is going to be around much longer. The food is average, but the service is poor at best. Hopefully, it was just an off night, or they’re in trouble. I dread giving bad reviews, but I think it’s well deserved in this case. Instead of writing it now, I’m meeting up with Kendall, Tony, and Jasper at Fool’s Gold.
Jasper has become a permanent fixture in our lives, especially now that Kendall has taken a liking to the tattooed bad boy. Surprisingly, they seem to work. I never would’ve expected it, but he has just the right temperament for a high maintenance diva. It makes me like Jasper that much more. It’s not just anyone who can put up with my best friend.
It’s a nice evening out. The air is warm, but not sweltering. There’s a slight breeze that’s a rarity during July in New York City. Since the restaurant, I critiqued was only fifteen blocks from the bar, I decide to walk. It gives me a chance to clear my mind and work off a few calories.
I stare into the stores and restaurants as I stroll leisurely along the sidewalk. This is definitely my type of shopping. I love to peer through the window and if something catches my eye, I walk in and buy it. I’m not one of those people who can spend hours sorting through things to find that one item. It just seems like a waste of time.
I walk down Houston and have just passed Bowery Street when I notice someone is intentionally walking next to me. I’m not sure how long he’s been there because I’ve been too busy looking in the windows. And in New York, there’s always someone walking next to you. I’m a little on edge. I reach into my pocket and locate my phone. I place my hand on it, ready to hit the panic button if necessary. I’ve gone from calm to ready to take flight and run for my life. I swallow hard before turning my head to find out who is violating my personal space.
I’m not any more at ease to find Demetrio next to me. He smiles and winks. How and why does this guy keep popping up around me? In the restaurant was one thing, but here on the street? This is weird. I walk a little faster, hoping to find a well-lit area or store I can walk into just in case he gets any crazy ideas.
“What are you doing here?” I’m sure the expression on my face isn’t too kind. Furthermore, I don’t care. I want Demetrio to go and never come back. I want him to leave me alone. New York is a huge city and the likelihood of running into a complete stranger as many times as we have is slim to none. Needless to say, I’m very nervous.
“Don’t be frightened. I was checking out the NYU campus and walking around the area when I noticed you. There are so many strangers in this city, it was awesome to run into a familiar face.”
I’m skeptical. Should I believe him? His excuse seems plausible. How else would he run into me? It’s not like he could’ve known where I’m going. Besides, when Jasper did a search on him, nothing came up. As far as we know, he’s the graduate college student he says he is.
“I apologize. I’m just not used to running into people I just met so frequently. It’s odd.”
Demetrio’s smile gets bigger, if that’s even possible. “But it’s a pleasant surprise, right?”
Ah, no. How do I say that to him? How do I politely let him know he creeps me out? “I’m sorry. It’s just I’m in a hurry to meet some friends.”
I pick up my pace in hopes he’ll get the picture that I don’t want to chat. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work.
“Oh, are you going to see Kendall? She’s an awesome girl.”
“Ah yeah, and my boyfriend.” I stretch my long legs further, making my strides longer. I want to get to Tony as fast as possible. I think about pressing the panic button, but it seems silly. Being creeped out hardly qualifies as an emergency situation.
“Would you mind if I tag along?”
Somehow, he’s managed to keep up with the pace. Crap, I can’t shake him.
“I don’t think so. Tonight’s not good for that.” Okay, I’m going to count to ten. If he’s still here, I’m going to press this damn button. I’m definitely freaked out now.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to impose. It’s just I’m going back to Italy soon, and I’m kind of homesick. I don’t have anything to do but go back to my empty hotel room.”
I think he’s trying to appeal to my compassionate side. Unfortunately, that left a long time ago. I’ve learned to listen when I feel uncomfortable about a situation, and now is definitely one of those times.
I didn’t reach ten before I was in front of Fool’s Gold. Demetrio is still by my side as I rush into the bar. I immediately spot Tony. He turns toward me as I walk across the room to him. He must see how rattled I am because he and Jasper instantly stand from their seats and move at Mach speed to my side. Tony wraps his arms around me and guides me to the table as Jasper escorts Demetrio outside the bar.
“Baby, are you okay?”
The warmth of Tony’s embrace and the kindness in his voice are soothing. I know everything is going to be fine. My racing heartbeat slows, but tears form in my eyes. “I don’t know why I keep running into him. I tried to get him to go away, but he wouldn’t.”
Tony kisses the top of my head. “Why didn’t you call me? I would’ve come for you.”
I wipe the tears off my cheeks. “I thought about it, but I wasn’t sure I should.”
He rubs my hair and back. “Any time you feel uncomfortable in a situation you call me or press that button. I don’t care if you think it’s silly. I can’t help if you don’t let me know.”
I nod. My heart warms knowing that Tony loves me so much. I’ve never felt as secure as when I am with him. Somehow when he holds me in that strong embrace, Tony makes all the world’s problems disappear.
“I should’ve met you at the restaurant and walked with you. I don’t want you walking at night by yourself anymore.”
I pull away and stare at him. His face is serious, and I can see in his eyes that he’s scared. He genuinely worries about me. “I can’t have you spending every moment escorting me everywhere. That’s absurd. You have things to do also.”
“Kate, nothing is as important as you are. I mean nothing.” Tony leans in and places his lips against mine. They’re soft and warm. His breath smells of a combination of mints and barley from the beer he’s been drinking. His hand caresses the side of my face, and suddenly, I’m lost in the man I love. The man I’d walk the earth for. I need him as much as I need food and water to survive.
“Jesus, you guys. Get a frickin’ room.”
I pull away from Tony just as Kendall pulls on my hair. I’m not sure where she came from, but she’s here now.
“Hey, girl. Where did you come from?”
Kendall smiles and takes a sip of her martini. “I just went to powder my nose. Where’s Jasper?”
I glance at Tony, whose jaw is now clenched. He’s looking out the door in search of his friend. There’s a vein popped out of his forehead. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it before, but I know what it means. I take Tony’s hand and guide him to the wooden stool. I have every faith that Jasper will handle the situation or Tony wouldn’t have hired him.
Kendall takes a sip of her drink and leans back her head and shakes it from side to side, allowing her hair to flow freely. This is usually her come hither move to grab a guy’s attention. I’m not sure why she’s doing it now since Jasper isn’t even around, and I’m certain she doesn’t have eyes for anyone else. As if on cue, Jasper slides up next to Kendall and wraps his arm around her.
I stare at Jasper expectantly. I can’t help it. I need to know what happened with Demetrio. My nerves are shot as I wait with bated breath to ensure I won’t have any more encounters with him.
“Relax, you two. Things are taken care of.” A smile forms across Jasper’s face as he takes a swig of beer. I’ve never seen anyone who is so calm and collected all at the time. Clearly this was a routine procedure for him.
“I didn’t hurt him. I just let him know his presence wasn’t welcome and if he decided to show up around you again, he might end up with a few extra bruises. I think he got the picture. I don’t see it being a problem anymore. I think he’s just a young guy who might have a little crush on Miss Katherine Anderson.”
Tony tenses up around me. Clearly he didn’t like that remark any more than I did. I’m not sure why anyone would think being a daughter of a successful businessman is all that glamorous. If only Demetrio had a glimpse into my life the past year. Maybe he would move on.
“I want one of your men with Kate at all times. I don’t want her to be alone.” Tony was almost growling and not in the sexy bedroom way. He’s pissed.
I whip my head around and silently plead with him. “I don’t think that’s necessary. I can’t be taking a bodyguard everywhere. I’ve got work to do. That seems a little excessive.”
“It’s either that or I’m going with you. I’ll enjoy having dinners out with you more often. We’ll spend every moment together and can make up for lost time. I can’t think of anything better. I’m glad you brought it up.” A smirk presents itself.
I shake my head and smile. He’s learned very quickly how to work me over. “While I’d love for you to come to some of the critiques, I think it would be better if we each had our own things to do. I know how you wouldn’t want to miss the latest episode of your soap opera.” I smile coyly and give myself an inner high five. I know this will get him.
“I hope you aren’t insinuating all I do is sit around eating bonbons all day. I’ll have you know, I’m a very busy man.” His forehead is crinkled up, but there is some semblance of a smile he’s trying to hold back.
Tony is starting a new company and has been putting in countless hours. Most nights he’s pretty exhausted, but he always seems to rally as soon as we’re together.
“All right, you two. Enough of the foreplay. Can someone tell me what I’m missing? What happened while I was in the bathroom?” Kendall doesn’t do well when she’s not the center of attention. I gladly fill her in on the details as she follows me to the bar. I’m very much a wine drinker, but tonight I think I need something stronger. I order a round of Kamikaze shots and a gimlet. Kendall helps me carry them back to the table.
Jasper gives a big whoop when he eyes the treats I have. “I knew I liked this woman. Tony, you sure know how to pick them.” Jasper winks as he takes the small glass and holds it in the air. The rest of us follow suit. “This calls for a toast!”
I stop Jasper. “Excuse me, but since I purchased this round, I think I get to do the honors.”
Jasper gives me a smug look. “Oh, a bloody sassy one, I see. Alrighty then. Get down to business, Miss A.”
I let out a giggle. Jasper’s accent is cute, and he’s got quite the sense of humor.
When I compose myself, I begin my toast. “To new friends and budding relationships.” I wink at Kendall. “May we have an evening of laughter and the start of a lifetime of memories. Cheers!” We all clink our glasses and swallow the fruity liquid. This is by far my favorite shot. It doesn’t burn in the least when going down and doesn’t taste like kerosene.
We spend the rest of the evening dancing, talking, and laughing. Several more shots were involved, and we didn’t leave the bar until closing time. I can’t remember the last time I stayed out this late, but it feels good to let loose and really enjoy the people in my life.