IS IT POSSIBLE HE’S NOT the arrogant prick he comes across as sometimes? He’s being sweet actually, like any other first date. Not puffing his chest about how he’s going to get me in bed. He is an actor though, and if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that actors can’t be trusted.
We drive a long time, far away from town, and then the city comes into view. We drive farther and our surroundings start to look a little shady.
“Where are you taking me?”
“Don’t be afraid. I’ll be with you the whole time.”
“But where are we going?”
Antonio takes a deep breath. “I hope you’re okay with this, but I wanted to stop and do something in town before we go have dinner. I needed to do it now since our taping schedule is getting tight.”
“What? This isn’t exactly the best part of town.”
“No, it never is.”
“Antonio…” I pause when the car stops in front of a soup kitchen. It’s well past dinner time, but there are people inside. “What’s going on?”
“It’s important to me to give back to any community I make a movie in. I go and do prep work usually for morning service the next day. I go really late or very early. I don’t want anyone to see me doing it.”
“Why not?”
Antonio squeezes my hand. “It’s not about me. It’s about these people and their needs. I don’t want the media making a circus of it and exploiting what these people go through. They deal with enough shit just getting through each day.
You’ve got to be fucking kidding me. He does charity work??? I might as well strip off my clothes and hand them to him right now.
“That’s really amazing,” I say. “I wouldn’t have pegged you for the charitable type.”
He leans close and kisses my cheek. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me yet.” Looking out the window past me, he smiles. “Are you okay going in with me or would you rather wait in the car? The driver can stay with you.”
“I’d love to go in and help.”
“Great. Let’s go.”
Antonio leads the way as he pushes open the door of the building. An older lady dressed in a pink dress approaches.
“Can I help you two?” she asks, eyeing us suspiciously. I’m sure neither of us look like we belong here.
“Yes,” Antonio says. “Are you Carol? I called earlier about helping out tonight.”
“Oh!” She smiles. “Yes, I’m Carol. Come on back.” We follow her through silver swinging doors to the kitchen. “You two are a little dressed up for this kind of work. I have some aprons you can wear.”
“Thank you,” Antonio says.
“Sure thing.” Carol hands us two plastic aprons and matching gloves. We follow her to a room containing two large metal tables and a shitload of cantaloupes. “We need these peeled, seeded, and quartered. Can you do that for me?”
“We can.”
“Great. If you see any black spots, just cut them off. Some of them are a little overripe.”
“No problem,” Antonio says. “I’ve done this before.”
Carol smiles. “Appreciate your help. I’ll be up front cleaning the dining room if you need me.”
“Okay.”
Carol leaves, and I pull on the gloves to get started. I watch Antonio dig into the first crate of melons and start slicing.
“Does she know who you are?” I ask.
“Don’t know. I didn’t tell her, and she didn’t ask. I just called to see if she could use some help, and she said always.” He looks up. “So here we are.”
“Are you going to tell me more about this?”
“No.”
“Ah, you have secrets, too?”
He looks up at me, blue eyes twinkling. “Doesn’t everyone?” I nod my head. “Ask me anything else though. I’ll tell you.”
“Tell me about your family?”
“My mother lives in Napa Valley. My father died when I was three.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
“Thank you. He was a truck driver. Fell asleep at the wheel and went off an overpass.”
“How awful.”
“Actually, they said he probably didn’t even know what happened.”
“I guess that’s best if it had to happen at all.”
“Yeah, so that’s it.”
“No siblings?”
“Nope.”
“I’m an only child, too.”
“So, we have something in common finally.” He laughs, softly. “Besides the obvious.”
“What’s the obvious?”
“Our insane attraction, of course.”
I shrug. “I guess.”
“Oh come on, Giovanna.” He puts the melon down that he’s cutting. “Would you just drop the tough girl facade for a few minutes? It’s okay to admit there’s something between us. I’m not a bad guy.”
“Just because I agreed to dinner —”
He walks to my side of the table. “And let me kiss you.”
I narrow my eyes. “As I was saying —”
“More than once,” he says, as he walks behind me.
“Antonio —”
“And watch me film my scenes,” he whispers in my ear.
“Doesn’t mean that —”
He kisses my neck causing me to take a deep breath. “Oh, and I believe I had my hand —”
“Stop it.”
“Give in to me.”
“I’m here, aren’t I?”
“You’re resisting. Stop fighting it. It’s gonna happen.”
I shake my head. “Shut up.”
“Okay.” Antonio grins and walks back to his side. He resumes cutting melons, while I stand there unnerved. Why am I fighting this so much? How does he know exactly what I’m feeling all the time? It’s unsettling and a complete, fucking turn on.
“Have you ever seen such perfect melons?” he says, holding up two halves of a cantaloupe.
“Every morning while I’m getting dressed,” I retort, then burst into laughter.
Antonio cocks his head and then starts to laugh too. “Well played.”
“I had to take it. It was just there for me.” I smile. “I do have a sense of humor.”
“Glad to see it. I have a heart.”
I look up at him and my insides melt just a little bit more. “Glad to see it.”
“Let’s finish this up, so I can get you fed, too.”
“Sounds good.”
We spend a half hour cutting melons, then go see Carol to check out. Outside, the driver opens the back door for us and we get in.
“That was really nice,” I say.
“It’s my form of therapy. It’s important to me. I’ve been blessed with so much and there are people struggling every day just to eat. How can I not give a little of my time?”
“I like that you don’t get publicity for it.”
“Again, it’s not about that. I do it for me, not for the public. Who knows where I’d be right now if I hadn’t hit it big with movies. I could be one of the people sitting out here waiting for a meal. Or someone I love could be here. I know all too well how quickly circumstances can change. I’m grateful for everything I have, and I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if I didn’t try to give back. It’s how I stay human.”
“It’s easy to lose your soul in Hollywood.” Antonio looks at me and narrows his eyes. “I would think,” I add quickly, smiling.
He nods. “Not if you do good things and remember who you are.”
“Why this charity?”
His brow furrows as he glances at me. “People need to eat, Giovanna.”
There’s a story there for sure, and I realize it’s time to change the subject. “Okay, where to now?”
“Another surprise. You up for it?”
I lean against his arm. “I am.”
We start to head back to my part of town, but then turn off and drive up a hill. When I see our destination ahead, I giggle in spite of myself.
“Lookout Point,” I say.
“Yes, ma’am. It’s too cold for a picnic, but not too cold to enjoy the restaurant.”
“You’re definitely not just a pretty face.”
Antonio nuzzles my cheek. “At least you think I’m pretty.”
I laugh as the driver opens the car door, helping me out. This was a good idea. No one from town will see us. Even if someone thinks he looks like a famous movie star, they wouldn’t expect him to be here. At least I hope not.
We walk in and instead of heading toward the restaurant, Antonio walks to the front desk. I watch him interact with the clerk, and as I stand back I overhear them discussing a fireplace and chilled champagne. What is going on?
“Room service will be there in twenty minutes, sir,” the clerk says, handing Antonio a key.
I realize he got us a room and lose my shit. He really thinks that just because I said yes to dinner, I’m going straight to bed with him. A room? That is too cocky, even for him. I’m seething, but I’ll wait until we’re alone before I tell him off.
Antonio strides toward me, and I cross my arms, fuming. He pushes the elevator button and guides me on.
“Ready?” he says. As the numbers rise, so does my anger. He looks so calm, it’s irritating me that much more. I turn and explode when the door shuts.
“A room, Antonio? Just because I said I would have dinner with you, I never agreed to have sex with you.”
“I didn’t say that. I was just —”
“Just what? Setting the stage for the big love scene? This isn’t a movie. This is my life, and I didn’t say that I would —”
“Would you calm down for a second?”
“No.”
He grabs my shoulders and kisses me hard, until I have no choice but to relax. The elevator doors open, and he takes my wrist, leading me out. Stopping, he places his hands on my shoulders.
“I got us a room to have dinner in for privacy. I know it makes you nervous that we’ll be seen, and I thought sitting in a popular restaurant full of people might lead to pictures or talking or whatever. I wanted you to relax, so I figured this would be the best option.”
I drop my shoulders, feeling foolish. “Oh.”
“I should have told you my plan sooner. I didn’t realize you would misunderstand my intentions, although I should have based on my previous behavior towards you.”
“I’m sorry, I just thought…” I smile. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be. I should have told you first. We have a suite with a dining room. It’s just dinner.”
“Okay. I just want to be clear that I’m not having sex tonight. I’m not ready for that.”
“I didn’t expect that you would.” He grins. “Not that I won’t try.”
I raise my hand and place it on his chest, holding him back. “I’m clear about that. Just dinner.”
“Don’t worry your beautiful face, Giovanna.” He lifts my hand to his lips and kisses it. “I’ll mind my manners.” He smirks. “Tonight.” He unlocks the door and opens it, and I realize we’re in the penthouse suite.
“Penthouse? Fancy.”
“Anything for you, Beautiful.”
“I appreciate you rolling out the red carpet for me. Just so you know, money doesn’t impress me. I have plenty of my own.”
“I’m not trying to impress you with my wealth. I could tell the moment I met you that money wouldn’t do anything for you, though I’m trying to impress you with romance and good food. Champagne and…” he pauses.
“And?”
“Whatever you want.” I swallow hard in response and take in my surroundings. Everything is set up: candles, a fire roaring in the fireplace, dim lighting, and soft classical music playing. Well, he nailed romance.
“Make yourself comfortable,” Antonio says, pulling off his coat.
I remove mine and lay it down on the nearby couch. Warming myself in front of the fireplace, I watch him pour two glasses of champagne. He walks slowly toward me and hands me one of them.
“Shall we toast?” he asks.
“Sure.”
“To romantic and private interludes high in the sky.”
“I’ll drink to that.”
We clink glasses, and I take a large gulp of my drink. I might need several glasses of this to calm my nerves. We stand searching each other’s eyes, not speaking, just looking. I wonder what he’s thinking. No I don’t. I can tell in his eyes. He’s thinking about sex. Fuck. So am I. No, no, no. I am not. I cannot.
“Just relax, Giovanna. We’re just going to get to know each other.”
“Okay.”
“Let’s sit.”
We settle on the couch, enjoying the stunning view in front of us. The sky is clear tonight and dotted with tiny sparkling stars.
“Why do I feel like I’m starring in a romantic movie all of a sudden? Is this the treatment all your ladies get?”
Antonio frowns. “No, as a matter of fact. To be honest, I wouldn’t call myself the most romantic guy in the world.”
“Ironic.”
“It’s called acting.” He sips his drink. “I live in LA. When I take a woman out, we go to the trendiest spots. We get photos taken. We’re part of the scene.”
“So, you’re doing all this undercover stuff for me?”
“Yes. Otherwise, I would have already dragged you out in front of the vultures.”
“I see.” I smile. “Thank you.”
“Your terms, Giovanna. Now, I have a question.”
“Shoot.”
“Why did you agree to go out with me?”
“Because you won’t leave me alone.”
“Not true. I can tell you don’t give in that easily.”
“Okay. I’ll tell you the truth.” I swirl my glass around. “I decided I deserved to have a little fun.” I look up and smile. “You are that fun.”
“I asked a few people around town about you and always got the same answer. She’s private, keeps to herself, likes to be alone. Why is that?”
“It’s just the way I like it.”
“What about your family?”
“I don’t have family.” I lift my hand to stop the next question. “I don’t talk about it. Ever.”
“Okay. I can respect that. What else do you want to know about me?”
“Is it true that you sleep your way through Hollywood?”
“Not completely. I won’t lie and say I’m saint. I have my share of dates, but most of it is over exaggerated by the press. I have a lot of female friends that I’m seen with, and the media eats it up.”
“I see. Did you have a thing with Yasmin?”
“Definitely not. Not for lack of trying on her part.”
“I don’t think she likes me.”
“She doesn’t like other women. She wants all attention on her at all times.” He takes a sip of champagne. “I’d rather talk about us.”
“What about us?”
“I think you should let me kiss you again.”
There’s a knock at the door, and a man calls out, “Room Service.”
“I think we should go eat dinner.”
Antonio laughs as he stands and helps me up. “Okay, Beautiful. You got it.”
He opens the door, and the server sets up dinner on the table. I stand near the windows, looking out. I’m not ready for another kiss. I’m not ready for any of this.
“Anything else, sir?” the server asks. I turn to see Antonio signing the slip. The server leaves, and Antonio calls my name.
Whatever it is, it smells great. Antonio lifts the silver lid covering my plate, and I inhale the aroma. I realize how hungry I really am. Antonio sits next to me, takes my hand in his, lifts it to his mouth, and kisses it. For a guy who claims he’s not romantic, he sure is good at it.
“So,” I start. “What’s your life like in LA when you’re not acting?”
He cuts his steak and looks like he’s thinking. “Busy. I’m always out and about. It’s important for me to be seen and often. I attend lots of events, movie screenings, award shows. Whatever I can do to keep my name in front of people.”
“It sounds exhausting.”
“It’s not. I love making people happy, even if it’s just a silly love story for two hours. Like when I did The Love Man, I got mail from all over the world about how it healed someone’s broken heart or renewed their faith in love. That means something.”
“Those women were delusional. Men in movies aren’t real. They’re perfect figments of what women imagine. In real life, it just isn’t true.”
“Maybe it is sometimes.”
“I don’t follow.”
“What is the one thing that is consistent in any romance?”
“I don’t watch movies.”
“You read books.”
“Yeah.”
“So, what’s the common theme?”
“I don’t know.”
“Magic happens when you meet ‘The One’. That special person that really gets you, the somehow that knows how to fill the hole in your heart. Once that person shows up, everything falls into place. We’re all just waiting for that.”
“That’s my point. There’s no such thing.”
“I don’t believe that at all.”
“Well I do.”
Antonio surprises me by pulling my arm until I’m sitting on his lap.
“What are you doing?”
“Proving you wrong.”
He pulls me close, kissing me with an intensity I wasn’t expecting.
“You feel that,” he says, as he releases me. “You know that no one has ever kissed you like that before. No one ever will. Only me, Giovanna. I’m the one you were waiting for.”
I try to push away from him, but he holds me tight. “Stop it. This is ridiculous. You don’t even know me.”
“I know how you make me feel. That says something to me. You’re different.”
“You’re crazy.” I struggle away from him until I’m free. “You’ve known me for a week. You’re attracted to me, sure, but that doesn’t mean anything beyond lust. I don’t fall for all this romantic grandeur. I’m not that easy.”
Antonio stands and walks to the windows overlooking the view as I stand behind him wondering what he’s thinking. The silence becomes awkward, and I contemplate leaving.
“I get it now,” he says, softly. “You just push people away. No matter what I do, it won’t be enough for you.” He turns and looks at me. “I really hoped it could be different.”
“What you hoped is that I would be all star struck and fall into your bed.”
“You’ve got me all wrong. It’s my fault, I know.” He walks back to the table and retrieves his wine glass. “I wanted that at first, no doubt. I still do. Every time I see you, I imagine kissing every inch of your skin, touching every part of your body, sliding deep inside of you.” He looks up at me. “I definitely want you.”
I can barely breathe. My body is reacting to every word while my head is trying to shut him out.
“You’re not like everyone else. Do you really think I put this much effort into sleeping with someone? I don’t have to. I get whatever and whoever I want when I want. I could knock on Yasmin’s door right now. Hell, half the town would invite me in. So why do you think I’m doing all of this for you?”
“I have no idea.”
“Sit with me. I won’t touch you.”
I walk slowly to the couch and take a seat.
“Listen, you can believe whatever you want about me. You can take what I say as true, or chalk it up as a lie. I can’t control that.” He sips his wine. “I love my life exactly like it is. I’ve said a thousand times that I don’t want to settle down with just one woman yet. I love being free to travel and capitalize on what my fame brings me.”
“Okay.”
“But, you’ve gotten inside my head, Giovanna. Since the minute I saw you. I’ve spent more time with you in a week trying to get your attention than I’ve spent collectively on all the women I’ve met in the last year.”
“Because I resist. If I had slept with you day one, you would’ve moved on by now.”
He nods. “That’s might be true.” He’s quiet for a minute while I wonder what he’s thinking. “You resisted, and I had to try harder. I had to work to get this moment to happen.” He smiles. “I wanted to. I wanted to do all of this to show you that I’m really not a bad guy. In the process, I’ve ended up getting to know you a little. And I like it. All of it.” Antonio takes my hand in his. “I just want to make you feel good. I want to feel good, too. I want to make love to you and spoil you and make you smile. I want to spend time with you and learn about what makes you tick. I just want to be around you. Is that so hard to believe?”
I exhale and look down into my wine glass. What’s the worse thing that can happen if I just let go of my carefully constructed life for one night? What would happen if I just trusted him? If I just allowed myself to feel good. I look up at him.
“I want to feel good, Antonio. I do. I just don’t know how to anymore.”
“Let me give that to you. Let me romance you and treat you like the beautiful, special, fucking sexy woman that you are. Let me.”
“And then what? What happens when the movie’s over?”
“I don’t know that anymore than you do. We could just enjoy the moment we’re in and figure the rest out later. Can you do that?”
“I’ll try.”
“Will you?” He moves closer and brushes his fingers against my cheek.
I nod my head. “I’ll tell you something.”
“I’m all ears.”
“When we arrived at the soup kitchen tonight and you told me why you go there…”
“Yes?”
“My first thought was that I might as well take off my clothes and hand them to you. It’s a side of you I wasn’t expecting. The fact that you are so committed to helping people less fortunate than you is damn sexy.”
Antonio laughs softly. “The fact that you wanted to take your clothes off for me, even for a second, is damn sexy.”
“I still do.”
“I’d love that, but I won’t push you. This is enough for me right now. I really mean that.”
“You’ve shown that.” I smile. “Can I have another glass of wine please?”
“Absolutely.”