Claiming What's Mine

by Jennifer Sucevic

  “Sounds fun. I didn’t realize you have family in the area.”

  Again, Roman tries shoving his way in at the edges of my mind. I don’t allow him to do it this time. Deciding to let Drew in a bit, I admit, “Yes, my parents and brothers are here in Chicago, along with some extended family.

  Drew looks intrigued. “You’ve never mentioned them before.”

  He’s right. I don’t discuss my family with coworkers or friends.

  “Oh, really?” I say casually. “Hmmm. I thought I had.”

  Drew has no idea who my family is. None of my colleagues do. I don’t want them to know.

  I adopted my mother’s maiden name when I left home to attend a small private women’s college in Wisconsin. It wasn’t a decision I arrived at lightly. When I broached the topic with my parents, I was surprised by how quickly they jumped on board with the idea. My safety—the safety of all their children—has always been their top priority.

  My father’s biggest concern was not being able to surround me with the same level of protection I’d grown up with. The compound was heavily guarded at all times, and a driver escorted me to a nearby private school and anywhere else I needed to go.

  Naturally, Papa tried strong-arming me into using security at school, but I quickly shot down the idea. The whole point in going away was to experience life by spreading my wings and enjoying the freedom I’d never gotten a chance to taste as a child. I wanted out of the small, protective bubble I’d been forced to grow up in.

  Having guards on campus would draw too much attention. Which was exactly what I didn’t want. For the first time in my life, I wanted anonymity. I wanted to be a normal college girl who lived in the dorms, studied at the library, and occasionally hit a party or two.

  The moment I step foot on campus, I stopped being known as Sofia Valentini and became known as Sofia Bianchi. Four years later, when I moved back to Illinois and began graduate school, it seemed natural to keep using my new name.

  When I introduce myself as Sofia Bianchi, no one judges me for being part of a notorious family. No fear or disapproval clouds their eyes. I’m also spared any star-struck looks and fake friendships from people who think knowing me will elevate their social status

  I continue to hide my real identity because I love the life I’ve crafted for myself.

  In an attempt to derail any more personal questions, I ask a few of my own. “What did you do this weekend?”

  “Well, let’s see, on Saturday, Grohl and I went hiking at the state park and then on Sunday, I did yard work before forcing myself to sit down and grade sixty-three physics tests. So, nothing too exciting.”

  Grohl is Drew’s golden retriever and is named after Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl. Drew is a huge fan and has seen them in concert more than a dozen times. Grohl, the dog, appears to be a big fan of his namesake as well. He barks like crazy whenever Drew cranks up their music. I’ve seen the videos. They’re hysterical.

  “Ugh. That’s a lot of papers to grade. I can’t imagine how long it took.”

  “Roughly four hours. Most of the test was short-answer.” A self-deprecating smile curves his lips. “I’ve been doing this long enough that you’d think I would’ve learned to make these tests true/false and multiple choice by now. Or Scantron. The short answer sections always kill me.”

  “I bet.” I don’t envy teachers, especially the ones in the English department. With all the essays students are mandated to write to meet state benchmarks and standards, they’re always lugging home briefcases full of papers. “At least you were able to spend some time outside. It was a great weekend. The weather was beautiful.”

  “It really was. Sunny and in the seventies. Can’t beat that. Hiking always clears my head. You ever been?”

  “Only once. My college roommate talked me into hiking a nearby trail and that, unfortunately, turned out to be a traumatic experience. We somehow ended up on the wrong path and were lost for half the day. Thankfully, a ranger found us before it started getting dark out. I had images of getting eaten by a grizzly bear. I don’t think we ever stopped blowing our whistles.” The memory makes me smile. It wasn’t funny at the time, but I laugh about it now.

  “Where were you hiking? Out West?”

  I laugh and shake my head. “No, why?”

  “Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho are the only places in the lower forty-eight where you’ll find grizzlies.” He shrugs. “I think there might even be a few in Washington.”

  “Rational thought wasn’t exactly prevalent out in the middle of nowhere. By the time the ranger found us, we were both hysterical.”

  He chuckles. “You’re right, that does sound traumatic.”

  “It was,” I say cheerfully. “Needless to say, I haven’t been hiking since.”

  “Maybe what you need is a more experienced guide. Someone who knows what they’re doing and can keep you safe.”

  I smile, turning the idea over in my head. “Maybe.”

  He shifts his body toward me. The air in the office changes subtly. My breath catches at the back of my throat as I wait to see what will happen next.

  “So, I was wondering if maybe you’d like to get together this weekend. I promise we won’t go hiking.” His eyes twinkle with humor. “At least not this time.”

  I laugh at his joke and the tension that had permeated the air dissolves.

  Looking encouraged by my response, he continues. “We can get together during the day if that would make you more comfortable. Just think of it as two friends meeting up to have— ”

  “Okay.”

  His eyes widen almost comically, and he leans in closer, cocking his head. “I’m sorry, can you go back and rewind that last part? Did you just agree to go out with me after almost a year of shooting me down?”

  I wince as another gurgle of laughter escapes.

  Is that what I’ve just done?

  Did I agree to go on a date with Drew?

  I sit up straighter. “Yeah, I guess I did.”

  Grinning, he pumps a fist in the air like an excited kid. “Yes! See? Persistence really does pay off.”

  His response makes me laugh harder, and you know what? It feels good. Really good. This light-hearted exchange is nothing like the ones I’ve experienced with—

  No.

  I refuse to go there.

  He’s the last person I want to dwell on. Or let ruin this moment. I’ve permitted Roman to steal three years of my life, and I won’t allow it to continue any longer. I’m done. What’s happening right now is the beginning of me moving on with my life. It’s been a long time coming. I should have done this years ago. In order to get over Roman, I have to give other men a chance.

  Drew is the perfect guy to move on with. He’s intelligent, funny, handsome, and kind. He has all the qualities I’m looking for in a partner, and I know he’s interested in me. While I don’t have romantic feelings for him at the moment, who’s to say they won’t develop over time?

  I’ll never know if I don’t try.

  The bell rings, signaling a five-minute break before the start of sixth period.

  Drew stands. “I’d better head to class, but we’ll talk later to firm up plans for the weekend.”

  I nod. A few butterflies wing to life in my belly. I’m really doing this. I agreed to go out with Drew. “That sounds good.”

  “No,” he shoots me a bright smile along with a wink, “It sounds fantastic.”

  Those words settle the jangled nerves buzzing around inside me. He’s right— it does sound fantastic. We’re going to have a great time.

  And who knows?

  Maybe this is the beginning of an amazing relationship.

  Chapter Eight

  Drew picks me up at my house at six o’clock.

  He offers me a stunning bouquet of wildflowers after I open the door. Burying my nose in the blooms, I invite him in and arrange them in a vase, adding thoughtful to Drew’s list of admirable qualities.

  We head downtown to have dinner
at a popular steakhouse he’s secured reservations at. Within the first five minutes in the car, we banter back and forth, cracking jokes and laughing. My concerns about not having enough to discuss over the course of the evening seem unwarranted.

  There’s nothing awkward or stilted about being in his company.

  Which is a huge relief.

  As a colleague, I immediately liked Drew. He has a laid-back, affable manner that instantly puts people at ease. And he’s knowledgeable and interested in a wide variety of subjects. From politics to musical choices, we run the conversational gamut during the drive.

  We share a bottle of white wine over dinner. The two glasses I consume don’t make me feel intoxicated, just light and happy. After repeatedly turning him down and shying away from involvement, I’m glad I agreed to go out with him. I want to kick myself for not doing it sooner because I’m having the best time.

  I’m even toying with the idea of inviting him back to my house at the end of the evening. Not to spend the night, of course. I have no intention of moving that fast. Especially with someone I have to see at work the following Monday.

  Maybe kissing Drew will help move things along in the attraction department. It can’t hurt, right? I like him and think he’s good-looking. But there isn’t a spark. Not yet. I hope that will develop with more time.

  I offer to split the check for the meal, but he insists on taking care of it himself. Dinner was wonderful and the company even more so. I don’t think I’ve ever had a nicer time on a first date.

  As we leave the restaurant, Drew says, “I thought we could check out a club a few blocks from here. You game?”

  The evening has been a huge success. I’m not ready for it to be over with yet, so…

  Why not? Is there a reason I shouldn’t go out and have fun with Drew?

  Nope. I can’t think of one.

  “Yeah, that sounds great. Let’s do it.”

  When was the last time I cut loose and danced at a club?

  I can’t remember. It’s been that long.

  I’m twenty-six, but I’ve never really been into the club or bar scene. I’m more of a homebody. I enjoy snuggling up with a good book on a Saturday night and listening to music while recuperating from the work week before gearing up for the start of another.

  Drew nods at the stop light half a block away. “It should be right around the corner.”

  I’m not surprised to see tons of people on the sidewalk. They come downtown for the restaurants, museums, shopping, bars, and clubs. An irrepressible energy hums on the streets that is unlike anywhere else. I love this area. It makes me doubly glad that I gave in and agreed to this date.

  Even though it’s May, and the temperature reaches the seventies during the day, the nights are still chilly. I tighten my light jacket, trying to ward off the cold. Drew wraps an arm around me and pulls me closer, shielding me from the wind. I tense and wait for discomfort to set in. But it doesn’t. The intimacy between us feels natural. Muscles loosening, I lean into him. His masculine scent—a cross between the fresh outdoors and sunshine—assaults my senses.

  As we turn the corner, I catch a glimpse of the red brick building we’re heading toward and nearly stumble. I’d been so focused on what a great time we were having that I hadn’t given much thought to the club he was interested in checking out. Perhaps I should have.

  Drew stops and eyes the long line of people snaking around the corner. “Wow,” he mutters, disappointment coloring his voice. “I didn’t expect such a huge crowd.”

  The crowd doesn’t surprise me at all. Covet quickly made a name for itself as one of Chicago’s premier hot spots for people under thirty when its doors opened two years ago.

  I shift my attention to Drew. “I didn’t realize you were talking about Covet.” Muscles twitch in my belly as nervousness sets in.

  His brows pinch together. “Yeah, a friend went here a few weeks ago and said it was amazing. I’d like to see if he’s right, but that line is too long. I doubt half these people will make it inside by closing time.”

  There must be at least two hundred people waiting for a chance to walk through the doors. It’s an upscale crowd. Men are dressed in suits. Women wear short skirts and slinky dresses paired with sky-high heels.

  We walk toward the unassuming entrance, where a bouncer stands guard in front of a red velvet rope. One or two people trickle out of the club, but he doesn’t allow anyone inside. He’s a mountain of a man with thickly corded arms folded across a tight black T-shirt that’s molded against his broad chest.

  Our pace slows as Drew studies the line again. “I really don’t want to spend the rest of the night waiting outside a club we have zero chance of getting into.”

  I make a snap decision and say, “Maybe you should ask someone near the end if they’ve moved at all. It’ll give us a better idea of what’s going on.”

  “Really? Are you sure?” He looks surprised by my suggestion. “Because it’s not a big deal. We don’t have to stay. There are plenty of other bars in the area.”

  I give him a reassuring smile. “We might as well check this place out since we’re already here.”

  He glances at the crowd and frowns. “You’ll be okay here by yourself?”

  “Yeah, I’ll stick close to the bouncer. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.” Drew has no idea just how safe I am. “But, thank you,” I add because his concern is sweet, and I genuinely appreciate it.

  Still looking hesitant, he nods. “All right, I’ll be gone two minutes, tops.”

  “I won’t move.” As soon as Drew disappears around the corner, I make my way to the bouncer and smile. “Hi, Lucas.”

  He straightens to his full height when he recognizes me. At six foot four and two hundred and fifty pounds, Lucas is a big dude. There aren’t many people who want to mess with him. Which is exactly why my brother hired him. “Hey, Ms. Bianchi,” he replies. “How you doing tonight?”

  “I’m good.” I glance down the block, making sure there’s no sign of Drew. He seemed nervous about leaving me alone, so I need to work fast. “Any chance we can skip the line?”

  With sausage-like fingers, he slides his shades down the bridge of his nose until light blue eyes meet mine. “Are you serious? The boss would have my ass if I didn’t usher you inside pronto.” He leans in and says, “He’d have my head right now if he knew you were standing out on the street by yourself.” Brows drawing together, he twists his thick neck from side to side. “You here with someone, Ms. B?”

  I want to roll my eyes but don’t because Lucas is just following orders. All three of my brothers are overprotective when it comes to me and Frankie.

  “Yep. He’ll be right back.” I pause and lower my voice. “Would you do me a favor, Lucas?”

  The edges of his lips curl into a grin. “Whatever you need, consider it done.”

  “When the man I’m with returns, would you pull him aside and tell him that you’ll let us inside the club?” I nip my bottom lip and add, “And could you pretend that we don’t know each other?”

  “You got it.” Lucas immediately answers. My brother’s staff is well-trained. I’m sure my odd request raised questions in his mind, but he knows better than to ask them.

  “Thanks.” I sneak another peek to look for Drew. “Is Matteo here?”

  “Nope. The boss left about thirty minutes ago.”

  All of my muscles relax. “Okay, good.”

  I love my brother, but I’m not ready to introduce him to Drew. Nor am I ready to explain how I know Matteo Valentini. Most people don’t realize that a Valentini owns Covet. Not wanting his club associated with the family business, my brother tries to keep the two separated.

  Had I realized earlier that Drew wanted to check this place out, I would have steered us in a different direction. But it’s too late. As long as Matteo isn’t around, I can move anonymously through the club. No one will notice me.

  As I step away from Lucas, Drew reappears and makes his way over to m
e. “Hey, everything, okay?”

  “Of course.” I smile, feeling more at ease about the situation. “Perfectly fine.” I nod at the line. “How does it look? Think we have a shot at getting in?”

  He shakes his head and sighs. “I don’t think so. I talked to a guy who’s been waiting for two hours already. He said the line has barely moved.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah. I don’t want to spend our first date standing around, waiting in line. That’s no fun. Let’s find another bar. We’ll grab a drink and talk. I noticed one by the restaurant.”

  “Hey, buddy!” a deep voice yells.

  We look at Lucas, and Drew whispers, “Is he talking to me?”

  I suppress my smile at the dubious expression on Drew’s face. “Seems like it.”

  Lucas jerks his head when Drew doesn’t move. “Yeah, you! Come here.”

  “Hmm. Okay, I guess I’ll go see what this is about. I’ll be right back.” He mutters out the side of his mouth, “I hope.”

  “Okay.” The corners of my lips twitch as I watch Drew cautiously approach Lucas. Less than thirty seconds later, Drew returns with a bewildered look on his face. “The bouncer says we can go inside.”

  “Really?” I feign surprise. “How come?”

  Drew shrugs. “Honestly, I don’t have a clue. I wasn’t about to argue with him.” He jokes, “Have you taken a good look at that guy? He could flatten me with one swing of his fist. Which, if you haven’t noticed, looks to be the size of Thor’s hammer. Whatever he said, I agreed with.”

  Lucas may look intimidating with his height and stocky build, and he certainly knows how to take care of business when required, but he isn’t big on unnecessary violence. I squeeze Drew’s bicep. “I’m willing to bet that you could hold your own.”

  His brows rise. “Against him?” He shakes his head. “I don’t think so, but thanks for your vote of confidence.” With a smile, he jerks his head at the entrance. “You ready to do this?”

  I take a deep breath. I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. As long as no one recognizes me, everything will be just fine. “Yup.”

  Drew slips my fingers into his hand. Lucas unsnaps the rope and lets us pass, telling us to have a good time. I leave my jacket and purse with the attendant at the coat check in the vestibule.