Chance Encounters

by C L Wesley

  “I love books. Knowing that you can get lost in someone else’s world and that it generally turns out perfect despite the conflicts gives me hope.”

  “How so?”

  “Because the author is a real person, somewhere in the world and the book is their thoughts or experiences that may or may not be based on reality. It just gives me hope that the fairy tale ending is real.”

  “It is real when you find the right person.”

  “You will have to prove that to me.” She walked over and sat on the corner of my desk staring out at the city while I finished up my work for the day. Having her on my desk a few inches away was driving me mad. I had to focus harder on that last email than anything in my entire life.

  “Hey I almost forgot.” I stood up and nestled myself between her knees. “My family is a generous contributor to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and they are having a gala this Saturday night. It’s dinner, dancing, and insanely wealthy people showing off their money buying things they could buy for a tenth of the price on a normal day. Would you like to be my date?”

  “Okay.”

  “Okay?” I smile.

  “Yes. I will have to find a dress and shoes I can actually walk in, but yes I’d love to.”

  “All you have to do is mention shopping to my mother and you will be taken care of. She has been dying to take you shopping for everyday clothes let alone a couture gown. I watched her play dress up with my sister in law a few years back. You’ll love being spoiled by a woman who only has boys.” I kiss Cameron on the cheek and step back offering her my arm. “Ready?”

  “Sure. You said boys. How may brothers do you have?” We headed to the elevator.

  “I have two brothers. There is my older brother Vincent 2.0 and Capriccio my little brother.”

  “Where are they?”

  “Vinnie lives in Kirtland Hills, not too far from here, with his wife Stephanie and their two daughters. Cappie lives downtown and is in law school at CSU Marshall.” We headed to my car. “I don’t have my SUV today. Will you be okay sitting lower?”

  “I rode in your dad’s Mercedes, I should be fine.” I was on guard as she lowered herself into the passenger seat. After she was settled, I got in and started the car. “So, you are the middle child? That explains so much.”

  “Are you teasing me?”

  “Why yes sir.” I watched the smile form on her face as she tried not to look at me.

  “Just you wait little girl. But yes, Vinnie is 35 and Cappie is 28.”

  “28 and still in school? I’d be miserable.”

  “Cappie was a lost soul for a few years. He didn’t actually finish college until he was 26.” I thought she would probe me for more information and she didn’t. “Vinnie works with me though. His office was directly across from mine and Dad’s was down the hall.” I felt like I was babbling now.

  “I figured it was a family business.”

  “You have no idea.” The rest of our drive home was quiet. I could tell she was tired. We arrived back to the manor around 930 and I carried Cam up to her room.

  “Are you staying with me tonight?” She asked as I set her down on her feet.

  “Yes ma’am.”

  11

  Cameron

  48 hours. That is all it has been since Luca started opening up to me and stealing my heart in the process. I asked if he was staying with me and there was no hesitation, just a beautiful ‘yes’. I noticed a package sitting on the end of the bed with a bow on it. I carefully lift the lid and find new pajamas, a new pair of jeans, and a few new tops inside.

  “Looks like my mother shopped without you.” Luca said from behind me. “I will let you get ready for bed. I’m going to go shower. Want to watch a few episodes of Shameless?”

  “Sounds perfect.” I really wanted to ask if I could take a shower with him. My lady bits wanted attention and he was moving at the pace of a snail. Thirty long minutes later we were snuggled up in my bed watching the world’s most dysfunctional family.

  “Thank you for this evening. Dinner could not have been more flawless.”

  “Awe shucks sir, you’re making me blush.” I giggle into his side.

  “I think you only blush when you’re turned on.” I wanted to tell him he is absolutely correct.

  “Oh really?”

  “Yes, when I complete my research I will let you know what else I find out.”

  “What has your research come up with so far?”

  “Well my subject is 23 years old with some physical ailments due to an accident. She is beautiful, intelligent, whitty, and wise beyond her years. She likes to call me out on my bullshit and watches hours of pointless television which she has gotten me involved in. She has won the heart of my mother which speaks volumes and has chipped away at my father which is a feat in itself. She is understanding and thoughtful with what appears to be a big forgiving heart.”

  “That’s all?”

  “I have hypotheses too.”

  “And they are?”

  “That she is impatient. She is waiting on my old ass to make a move that I am carefully calculating. I also have a theory that she is attracted to me based on her body’s response when she’s near me. Am I close?”

  “You are correct. Although the last time I said the word old you acted like an asshole.” I look up at him. “I am attracted to you and for being ten years older than me, I thought you would have made a move by now.”

  I felt Luca’s warm lips against my forehead. “You are not just anyone. I can easily flip myself on top of you and take what has been driving me crazy the past few days, but I want things with you to be different. I want every moment good and bad to be unique and just about us. There are so many faux pas out there, you deserve a one of a kind thing.”

  “You could have just said it is not the right time.”

  “You wanted to hear a bullshit generic answer?”

  “Not at all.” I felt myself drifting off to the beat of Luca’s heart.

  I woke up the way I did yesterday, alone. There was one exception today, a note on Luca’s pillow.

  Cameron,

  You are so beautiful when you sleep. I went to work early so that I can make it back to you sooner. My mother will probably want to take you shopping for the gala today. Enjoy yourself. I’ll see you soon sweetheart!

  Luca

  Okay I am swooning. I have taken myself back to the 8th grade when Jeremy Millburg wrote me a note asking me to the formal. Lou made her presence known by clearing her throat.

  “What?” I ask as she stares at me with a shit eating grin.

  “Oh you know, I haven’t had to make a certain man’s bed in a few nights. You’ve been awfully quiet girl.”

  “I wish I could say I don’t kiss and tell, but well there’s nothing to say.” I try to move myself to the edge of the bed but my hips are really stiff today. “Hey Lou, Do you know when the chiropractor comes today?”

  “10am. Do you need help with anything?” Lou opens the curtains.

  “Just the steps again. I’d like to try walking down a few by myself today.”

  “You got it. I will work on your room while you get ready.”

  “Lou?” I watched the lady stop her work at my calling.

  “Yes doll?”

  “Thank you for everything you do for me.”

  “You are most welcome. Now get dressed. You have a busy day.”

  Busy was an understatement. From the moment I got downstairs, the chiropractor had me twisted like a pretzel trying to realign my hips and as soon as I was finished Carlina had me in the stores looking for clothing and a dress. By the time we reached the third store I was fading fast.

  “Are you doing okay?” Carlina asked as we sat down for lunch.

  “Yes, I am just a little sore today. I must have slept wrong on my side; my hips are bothering me. The chiropractor is realigning them.”

  “Can you handle one more place or would you like to go back to the manor?”

&nb
sp; “I’d like to try.” I watched her smile. She had already spent a few thousand dollars on me. I was at the point of being uncomfortable, but I knew to graciously accept the gestures. Wondering what Luca was up to, I decided to text him before my lunch arrived.

  Me: Thanks for the romantic gesture this morning.

  L: Are you having a good time with mother?

  Me: Yes, she is spending entirely too much on me but it seems to make her happy.

  L: Please do not worry about the money.

  Me: Hard not to when you don’t come from it.

  L: Try for me.

  I did not respond to his text because I did not want to disappoint him with my response.

  “Is everything okay, Bella?” Carlina looked at me with her mothering eyes.

  “As good as can be. I was just texting Luca about how you are spoiling me.” I smile at her assuring her that I am trying to enjoy this with her.

  “Well when we finish here I want to get our dresses and shoes for Saturday night.” Carlina sipped her soup so delicately off her spoon. “And if you dare look at a price tag, I will make liver and onions for dinner.” She smiled and it warmed my heart. I haven’t had a mom in so long that when Carlina smiled at me, she was really smiling at me, just like a mother does.

  “Thank you Carlina.” I take a bite of my antipasto salad.

  “For what?”

  “Being you.” I smiled.

  I spent my next few days trying to master the stairs and my nights snuggled up in front of the television with Luca. I fell into a routine I so easily enjoyed. It was that Friday my reality came slapping me in the face. Dr. Monahan released me from his care. All of my internal injuries were fully healed and at this time I no longer required his care. I was in the family room when I heard Mr. Morano talking to the doctor shortly after my visit.

  “She should be able to return home without any issues then?” I hear Vincent ask.

  “She will have some trouble with steps but nothing that will hinder. I’d say you can send her on her way anytime you choose.”

  “Thank you. I will do that.” Fantasy over. The Morano’s are sending me home. I’m elated and deeply saddened all at the same time. Knowing it is time to get back to my normal life, I decide to call Willa.

  “Hello?”

  “Willa, its Cam.” It felt so good to hear her voice.

  “Oh my God!! I miss you so much. How are you? Where are you? Are you finally able to come home?”

  “Woa, I missed you too. I’m okay. I have so much to tell you. The guy who saved my life brought me to his family’s home. They are insanely wealthy and have their own personal doctor that has been taking care of me. I will be coming home soon. I haven’t been able to walk up or down stairs too good so I’ve been seeing a chiropractor and a physical therapist.”

  “Well I have news for you too. Jensen and I broke up. I came home from work early one day and there was a girl walking out of our apartment. I walked in and Jensen was changing the sheets. I kicked his sorry ass out. So, when your lease is up, maybe we can bunk up again.”

  “That would be nice on the rent. I should be home Sunday. Hey Willa, I’m sorry I haven’t been available lately.”

  “You may have been gone a few months, but Carlina has kept me updated when she dines at The Nine. Did you know they own the majority of it?”

  “Who?”

  “The people taking care of you. Why do you think your job is safe?”

  “I didn’t know that. It is really hard to get information out of this family.”

  “That’s because they are rumored to be mafioso.”

  “Shut the fuck up.”

  “Seriously, the VIP servers talk. You know those bitches don’t keep their mouths shut.”

  “Like Godfather, sit with their backs to a wall, mafia?”

  “Yes.”

  “No way, I have spent the past week or so with their son Luca, I think I would know.”

  “They are good with their secrets girl. So Luca, is he hot?”

  “Yes.”

  “How is he in bed?”

  “Wouldn’t know. That hasn’t happened.”

  “Yet or am I on the wrong path?”

  “Oh Willa, he is in a whole different world than us. What would he want with me?”

  “We are not the hood rats people assume we are simply because of where we live Cam. You need to stop thinking you are not good enough.”

  “I know. Come see me Monday morning?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Love you girl.”

  “Love you too. Want me to get you back on the schedule?”

  “Not yet, I haven’t been cleared 100%.”

  “Can I call you at this number?”

  “Yes, this is my new cell.”

  “Bye chica.”

  “Laters baby.” I hear her laughing as she hangs up the phone. She is addicted to the Fifty Shades of Grey Trilogy and I knew she’d appreciate the comment. It was in that conversation that I decided I was leaving Sunday morning after the gala.

  12

  Luca

  It has been such a long week. I have enjoyed having Cameron to come home to every night. My father and I had a conversation about her last night. Dr. Monahan released her from his care. Vincent was ready to send Cameron home with benefits of the family of course. Mother and I had different plans that my father did not approve of. She was welcomed only one more week. My father was afraid she’d start to remember that night.

  Tying my bow tie, I looked in the mirror. I was happy. A five-letter word I never thought I’d hear myself say. I grabbed my jacket and headed down to the family room where I find my mother in a shimmering gold gown, her hair piled high with curls, and a beautiful canary diamond necklace, no doubt my father bought her for this occasion. My father was pouring a drink when I hear Lou enter the room.

  “Luca, your date is ready.” I stand there waiting for Cameron to enter the room when I hear my mother.

  “You may want to step out into the hall darling.” I follow my mother’s advice and step into the hall. Standing at the top of the stairs was a beautiful woman in a royal blue strapless gown with a sparkly top that gave the appearance of dripping down the dress. She took one step down and I panicked.

  “Cameron!”

  “Luca, let me come to you.” I continued to watch as she elegantly and carefully took one step at a time down the grand staircase. My mother came up beside me and gently touched my elbow.

  “Stordimento.”

  I finally let out the breath I was holding when she made it to the bottom step. Replying to my mother, “Stunning? I was thinking angelic.”

  “Why thank you.” Cameron stood before me.

  “I have something for you. It is tradition for the Morano men to adorn their women.” I opened the box and watched Cameron’s eyes widen. “This is a vintage Harry Winston wreath. I know you freak out over price tags so I am just going to let you know now that it is insured and that I only borrowed it.”

  “Son, you borrowed.” My father was cut off by my mother’s grip on his arm.

  I walked around Cameron and put the necklace on her. I offered her my arm and we were on our way.

  The limo ride was rather quiet. I looked around as my mother watched out the window, my father kept the bourbon company, Cameron was fidgeting with the elbow length gloves she was wearing, and I was trying to figure out what the hell was wrong with everyone.

  As the limo pulled up to the carpet I watched Cameron fidgeting even more. “You two please go ahead, we will be in shortly.” I say to my parents as the limo door opens for their arrival. “Please, we are just going to circle the block. We will be right back.”

  My parents eloquently exited the limousine with security detail barely a foot away. If we did not employ the security, I would not know who they were, they are that discreet. Once the limo started to pull away I placed Cameron’s hand in mine. “Okay sweetheart, you are the most honest person I know. What is with al
l the fidgeting?”

  She turned to face me as much as her dress would allow. “Your father wants me to leave now that Dr. Monahan has cleared me. I was just waiting for the right time to tell you I will be leaving.”

  “I know. I already told you to mesh our two worlds. I refuse to let you go. Is that all that is bothering you?”

  “I’m a little nervous too. I have never been to anything like this before. I’m wearing more money than I will make in ten years!” We were rounding the last corner to the carpet entrance. I could sense her anxiety again.

  “I promised to always take care of you.” I ran my hand down her cheek and gently grabbed her chin bringing it in towards me. I gently pressed my lips to hers awaiting her response. Cam responded a moment later by dropping her bottom lip for me. I moved my hand around the back of her neck and pulled her in closer to me causing her to make a little sound that I could spend the rest of my life listening to. I pulled back as the driver opened the door, leaving my nose and forehead pressed against hers. “Better?”

  She finally opened her eyes to look at me. “Much.”

  Cameron

  The gala was like nothing I had ever seen before. Beautiful chandeliers adorned the dining area showing their sparkle on the wall. Each table had crisp white linens with gold satin overlays, stunning crystal goblets with matching china, and extraordinarily large centerpieces made from tall crystal vases ornamented with pink and white hydrangeas.

  Thank God Carlina took me shopping for my dress, I fit right in. I feel bad that I tried to veto the silver satin elbow length gloves she insisted on because I would have been out of place without them. I keep looking at the beautiful gowns and million-dollar jewelry flowing through this place as I touch the wealth around my neck, and he just borrowed it? How much are the Morano’s worth? It was a few moments later that Luca led us to our table when I noticed that his father took a seat with his back to the wall just like in the movies. At the table seated already were two other couples.

  “Cameron, I’d like you to meet my older brother Vinnie and his wife Stephanie.” I didn’t know whether or not to extend my hand or do the cheek kiss thing. Vinnie answered it for me as he kissed my cheek. Stephanie did the same.