Renzo (The Ciprianos of Kellington) (7 page)

She stopped eating,
looking over at him with the spoon still in her mouth. He could see her gulping
hard before she spoke. “You mean as in a date?”

“Yeah, I mean a date. I
want to take you out on an actual date, dinner, dancing, and some more talking
as well.” He wished she would say yes.

“I don’t know, I mean
I’d love to but—”

“I don’t want to rush
you, plus I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable around me. I’ve waited for
someone like you to come into my life for a long time,
Jaslyn,
I don’t mind waiting a little while longer for you. You are definitely worth
the wait to me,” Renzo told her, taking her hand and squeezing it softly. “If
you want to think things over then by all means do so, but know this, I only
want you to enjoy the time you decide to spend with me.” He looked into her
eyes, so confused yet how beautiful they sparkled when she looked at him. A
tendril of hair, which must have been annoying her a bit, as she kept pulling
it back behind her ear, had yet again come onto her face. Without hesitation,
he reached over to move it back for her, catching her completely off guard. She
didn’t move away when he did this, it almost made him feel like she welcomed
the gesture. The skin along her cheek when he touched it was soft and warm. He
wanted to lean in against her, hold her close to him, and whisper what all he
could do for her into her ear, but instead, he stopped himself. “I better be
leaving now. I’ve got to get back to the restaurant.”

He watched her
straighten herself in her chair. “But what about the dessert you brought? We
haven’t finished our dessert.”

“I’m pretty full,
besides the dessert is for you to enjoy.” They both got up from the table and
she walked him toward the front door. “I do want to say something before I
leave though.”

When they got to the
door she asked, “What’s that?”

“
Mia
cara
,
Jaslyn
,
io
ti
adora
per
sempre
, solo
se
me lo
permetti
.”

She looked confused. He
smiled because of course she didn’t know Italian. “It means ‘
My
dear, Jaslyn, I will adore you forever if only you’ll let me’.” Grabbing her
hand, he kissed it softly, waved back at Delia and walked out. Renzo had hoped
that his words would let her know that what he said was real.

* * * *

Jaslyn didn’t know what
to say. Looking at her hand that he had just kissed, she heard Delia say, “Are
you all right?”

Still she didn’t know
what to say while walking back toward Delia and the register. “It seems like we
had a lovely little lunch today.” Delia looked at her with her hand propped
underneath her chin, a smirk curved across her lips.

“You can get that smirk
off your face, you know. It
was
a
nice lunch though. I really enjoyed myself today.”

“Didn’t I tell you that
he was a nice guy?”

“You know he asked me
out for a dinner date?”

“Did you accept it?”

“I told him I didn’t
know, but he said he didn’t mind waiting.” Then she found herself blushing when
she remembered what else he told her. “He even told me that I was worth the
wait.”

Delia started to
squeal, pulling on her arm. “He’s in love with you, girl, oh my God, honestly
how romantic is it for a man to tell you that you are worth the wait? If he asked
you out to dinner, I say go for it.”

Jaslyn shook her head
grinning at her friend’s comment. “Oh, do you want the rest of the Tiramisu? I
don’t think I could eat another bite I’m so full.”

“Thanks.” As her friend
went into the back, Jaslyn decided to look over figures when a beautiful
looking woman strolled inside. “Welcome to Timeless Treasures, how are you
today?”

The woman didn’t say
anything, so Jaslyn let her browse. She grabbed a dust rag from one of the
drawers in an armoire nearby. The woman was very pretty. Although the fur
jacket was a little over the top since it wasn’t quite yet cold enough for a
fur coat. But she seemed comfortable in it as she scanned the items in the
store. The woman was a little on the slim side, probably a model or once was
one. Her hair was long and golden with thick curls that cascaded down her
shoulders. Her eyes were covered with sunglasses and when she walked, her high
heels clicked loudly as she strode toward Jaslyn. “Are you the owner?”

“Yes, ma’am, I am. How
may I help you today?”

While taking off those
sunglasses, the woman revealed a pair of dazzling green eyes that scanned Jaslyn’s
face with a smirk on red pouty lips. “You have a really nice store here with
really nice pieces.”

“Why thank you. Is
there anything I can help you in finding?”

The woman didn’t say a
thing, just looked her up and down while shaking her head the entire time. “Do
you need any help out here—” asked Delia, suddenly stopping what she was saying
when she saw the woman. “Why hello, Melanie, what brings you here?”

“Why hello, Delia, I
didn’t know you worked here.”

“Yes, I do. Did you
need something?”

Jaslyn looked at Delia
then back at the woman name Melanie. The look in her friend’s eyes was stern
and unsettling.

“I was just coming to
look, Delia, and I’ve seen enough,” said Melanie. Her gaze roved up and down
Jaslyn one last time before turning away to leave.

Jaslyn looked puzzled.
Delia said, “That was Melanie, Renzo’s ex-wife.”

“What? Are you serious,
that couldn’t have been his ex? My God, she’s gorgeous. Is she a model or
something?”

“She is a model and
still a pain in Renzo’s ass. I wonder why she came in here in the first place.
No telling with her because she’s always into something when it comes to Ren’s
business. I just hope she doesn’t make trouble between you two. I know for a
fact not only will he not have it, but neither will any of his brothers or
mother. I wouldn’t worry unless she starts asking questions, but I know you can
handle yourself.”

“Oh, you know I can.”
Jaslyn smiled as she continued polishing and dusting the furniture.

Chapter Five

When Renzo got back to
the restaurant, he had a bit of pep in his step. He finally got the chance to
be alone with her. Plus he also got to touch her, even if it was just holding
hands or when he got the chance to touch her cheek. He could only imagine how
her lips would feel when they were kissed. At least he was able to put a smile
on her face and that was all that mattered to him. “You have a call on line
one, Renzo!” shouted someone from the front.

“Hello?”

“So—” said the female
voice on the other end. Renzo was puzzled.

“Who is this?”

“I saw your new
girlfriend.” He realized it was Melanie and his blood began to boil.

“What girlfriend are
you talking about, Mel, because as of now I don’t have one?”

“Oh, you don’t? So that
girl you had lunch with today at her silly little antique shop isn’t your
girlfriend.”

He laughed and had to
sit down for a moment to keep from falling on the floor. “It seems that the dye
you’ve been using all these years has affected your brain. She isn’t my
girlfriend and if she was my girlfriend that would be none of your damn
business.”

It got quiet on her
end. Finally, she said, “Whatever.” Then the phone went dead. He laughed.
Quickly he dialed up the antique shop hoping she hadn’t been over there to
cause trouble.

“Timeless Treasures,
this is Jaslyn.”

“Hi, Jaslyn, it’s me
Renzo. Listen has anybody been over to your shop since you got back?”

“Actually, your ex came
in here just a couple of minutes ago. I didn’t know who she was until Delia
told me.”

Damn. He prayed nothing
had happened. “What did she do?”

“Oh, just came in and
looked around the place and then at me. Said she had seen all she needed to see
and left.”

Thank goodness, he
thought to himself letting out a deep sigh when he heard her say nothing
happened. “Well I’m glad she didn’t cause a scene, she called me up and told me
that she had met my new girlfriend.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yeah, really, I had to
laugh and tell her that wasn’t true. Somehow she knew you and I had lunch
together today. She hung up on me.”

“Well, you don’t have
to worry. I know how to handle someone like her.”

“She’s always trying
her best to make me unhappy.”

“I’m sorry that she
does that to you, it’s not right.”

“Oh, it’s all right, just
as long as she doesn’t bother you anymore.”

“I want to thank you
again for lunch.”

“I really enjoyed the
time we spent together today. Oh yeah, I plan on sending you another bouquet of
flowers tomorrow.”

“You don’t have to do
that.”

“I know I don’t, but I
want to, Jaslyn.”

“You don’t have to send
me flowers every day thinking I’m going to like you because you give me such
nice things.”

“But I want to just
because.”

Jaslyn giggled. “You’re
crazy you know that, Renzo.”

“Only thing I’m crazy
about is you, Jaslyn.”

* * * *

Her heart jumped into
her throat. “Why did you tell me what you told me when we walked to the front
door?”

“I meant what I said,
if only you let me into your life, Jaslyn, I would treat you like the queen you
are.”

It sounds too good to
be true, she thought. “I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say
a thing, just think about it and let me know. I don’t want to rush you,
la
mia
bellezza
, but do expect some flowers tomorrow.”

Jaslyn laughed shaking
her head at his determination. “Fine, I’ll be waiting for them. Take care,
Renzo.”

“You too, Jaslyn, have
a great day.”

The rest of the week
seemed like some kind of fairy-tale for Jaslyn. The following day she got not
one, but two big bouquet of flowers. She decided to go out for lunch by herself
this time and went to the farmers’ market for some fruit. When she tried to pay
for it, the man told her, “It’s already been paid for, ma’am.”

Confused as he handed
her the bag she asked, “What do you mean it’s already paid for?”

“Just as I said, ma’am,
it’s already paid for.”

Another gift from Renzo
she thought. She nodded and walked away while reaching into her bag to get a
plum. It tastes so good, she thought as some of the juice dribbled down her
chin. Wiping it off with her napkin, she made her way back to work.

“Oh, Ms. Whitman!”
shouted someone from behind her. She turned around to see Mrs. Cipriano with
Gianni and another man walking toward her. They all had big smiles on their
faces when they saw her. She was happy to see Mrs. Cipriano again.

“Why hello there,
Filomena
. Hello, Gianni. How’s everyone today?”

Filomena started to say
something, but looked over at the man on the phone, poking him she started
spouting something in Italian and he got off the phone. “It’s so good to see
you. It’s such a lovely day out today. I don’t know if you’ve met my sons,
Gianni and Simone.”

“I’ve already had the
pleasure of meeting Mr. Gianni. He came to see me about a mahogany desk.”

“That’s
right,
I’ve looking forward to seeing if you have that desk
in yet.” Gianni shook her hand.

“Nice to meet you, Ms.
Whitman,” said Simone. He took her hand and kissed it lightly.

“
Smettere
di
fratello
.”
Gianni flashed his brother a glare that could
cut glass
.
Filomena stepped in between the two.

“I went by the shop
looking for you, but Delia said that you had gone to the farmers’ market to get
something to eat.”

“Yes. I like to get
fruit when I can. It helps with curbing my appetite before dinner. Was there
something that you needed?”

“Oh no, darling, no I
wanted to invite you and Delia to a party I’m giving next Friday. I’m inviting
most of the town and some out of town friends. It might be a good networking
opportunity for you.”

“That sounds great. I
would love to come. Is it casual or formal?”

“It’s formal, so find
your prettiest dress. I left your invite with Delia. I can’t wait for you to
see my home. I think you’ll enjoy it.”

“I know I will, thank
you, Filomena. I must go. I have an appointment. It was nice to see you again,
Gianni, and nice to meet you, Simone. Goodbye.” She smiled as she left the
group.

Jaslyn had to laugh
over her interaction with Simone. He was suave and just as handsome as Renzo.
But of course he wasn’t Renzo at all. She had seen the glint in his eyes when
he kissed her hand and she didn’t get the same reaction she got when Renzo
touched her. A quick shot of pain hit her back making her hiss as she crossed
the street to the shop. When she got in, Delia was overly excited when she came
to her. “Look what we got!” She handed her the invitation from Filomena.

“This is going to be
amazing. I already saw Filomena in the Farmers’ market and she told me all
about it. I haven’t been to a party where I had to really dress up in ages.
Even though we have plenty of time and all, I’ve got to go shopping for a dress
and make an appointment with Carol to get my hair done for next week. But for
now, I’ve got to go and see Chi. Check you later.” Jaslyn grimaced as she
grabbed her purse.

Once outside, Jaslyn
was bumped hard into a brick wall. “Watch where the hell you’re going, dammit!”
she shouted.

“Why don’t you watch
where you are going?” Melanie stood in front of her still wearing the same fur
coat. Under it she wore an extremely tight red bandage dress and red high heeled
shoes.

“Just watch your step
next time.” Jaslyn headed toward her car. But soon the clicking of heels along
the sidewalk behind her was getting closer. She turned around to see Melanie
right in her face, a detestable look flashed from those emerald eyes of hers
with a sneer on her face. “Stay away from Renzo if you know what’s good for
you. He’s nothing but trouble.”

“What the hell are you
talking about? We aren’t even together. What business is it of yours who he’s
with in the first place, you’re divorced,” Jaslyn reminded her.

“So you’ve heard of
me?”

“Yeah, I have, but I
don’t care to know any more about you other than what I’ve heard.” She looked
her up and down with a cocked brow. “I think I’ve seen enough of you too. I
don’t know why you are so damn jealous. Haven’t you moved the hell on?”

“You must really want
him, don’t you? He tried sweet talking you already?”

Folding her arms in
front of her and breathing out a deep annoyed sigh. “Listen, I’m going to tell
you something funny. I know that you are trying to make sure I have nothing to
do with Renzo because you think you can still control his life. I can tell you
he has tried, but failed miserably to get me to go out with him. I told him I
wasn’t interested. He took the hint and hasn’t bothered me since. So there you
go. I’m one less woman you have to try and intimidate by following me
everywhere. If I ever see you again, whether it’s in my shop or out on the
street and you get in my way, I will call the cops on you as quick as you can
say Holy Mary Mother of God!” Jaslyn was not in the mood to play and the glare
of resentment she projected was good enough to make this woman take a step
back.

“You honestly turned
him down?”

Nodding her head slowly,
Jaslyn continued to eyeball the woman while trying to control her anger. “I’ve
dealt with men like Renzo before. That’s a road I don’t plan on going back down
again. Now if you don’t mind, you are making me late for my appointment by
playing these stupid games.” Jaslyn walked to her car, got in it, and quickly
left. She took a deep breath and laughed. She only hoped maybe Melanie would
get the hint and leave her alone.

* * * *

“Once again, Warren,
you’ve come up with a masterpiece.” Renzo smiled, taking another bite of the
chicken in a white wine sauce.

“Still needs a bit of a
tweak here and there, but once I get it to where I want I’ll put it on the
menu.”

Giving him an okay
sign, he continued to watch him cook until someone shouted, “Renzo, come
quickly!”

Running out of the
kitchen he heard screams and plates crashing. Then he saw Melanie at one of the
tables throwing stuff against the wall. “Melanie, what the hell are you doing?”

She threw another plate
and then another glass against the wall. Some of his patrons tried to hide
underneath tables while some managed to leave the restaurant in one piece.
“Linda, call the cops now!” shouted Renzo grabbing Melanie’s arms while she
screamed trying to get out of his grip. He pushed her arms down in front of her
so he could keep his hold on her. “Calm down, woman, what the fucking hell do
you think you are doing in my restaurant?”

“That skank bitch of
yours threatened me on the street. She told me that she was going to beat my
ass if I ever came up to her about you again. Who in the fucking hell does she
think she is?” Melanie screeched trying her best to get out of his grip.

“What the hell were you
doing near her in the first place?”

She never answered his
question. She continued to struggle.

“No use in doing all
that shit, woman, stay away from that girl!”

“Why should I? She told
me she doesn’t want anything to do with you. Told me you tried to get with her
and she turned your sorry ass down. She wants nothing to do with you
whatsoever.” She cackled like a witch, whipping her hair into his face, the
hint of flowers hit his nose. He spat hair from his mouth.

“What do you want me to
do about the patrons?” asked a terrified Linda.

Looking around he saw
some of the people looking wide-eyed with worry. A little kid whimpered,
“Mommy.”

It made his blood boil
to think if anything had happened to that child. “Everybody, please stay here
until the police come. I need witnesses to what happened and all of you to give
your name, number, and address so we can compensate you for what has happened
today.”

When the police did
come, the restaurant erupted in applause when they took Melanie away. The
police took statements from most of the patrons, Linda, and another hostess.
Renzo decided to close for the rest of the day. He was too angry to deal with
anybody, but he needed to find out how Jaslyn was. He had to get some answers
to some questions.

* * * *

“God, that feels so
good, Chi.” Jaslyn groaned, feeling her knead the muscles in her back. Her eyes
were closed. The smell of incense was enveloping her mind and senses.