Page 232 of Valentino

“What?” She smiles at me in the mirror.

“It’s just….” My eyebrows rise.

“I know.” She kisses me quickly as if reading my mind. “Go and get our table.”

I make my way downstairs and walk through to the restaurant. “Hello, a table for Anna Russo.”

“You’re Anna?”

“No, she’s my….”

“Wife?”

“Yes.”

“Okay then.” She looks through her computer. “This way, sir.” She toddles off through the restaurant and out onto the terrace. Small round tables for two are lined up along the water’s edge. Each lit by the golden glow of candles, this really is lovely.

Perfect.

She walks me to the very last table, and pulls out the chair. “This one has the best view, sir.”

“Thank you.” I smile as I sit down, this really is impressive.

“Can I get any drinks to start?”

“Ahh.” I open the menu and my eyes scan the list. “Champagne?”

“Yes, over the page,” she instructs me.

I flick over the list. “A bottle of Cristal, please.”

“Great choice.” She smiles.

My phone lights up

Giuliano.

Fuck.

This is the third time he’s called me. “Hey,” I answer casually.

“Hi.”

I screw my eyes closed, don’t make me lie to you.

“What’s going on?” I reply.

“I was about to ask you the same question. Why did you send the boys home?”

“I didn’t need anyone with me.”

“I beg to differ.”

“Don’t fucking start.”

“Where are you?” he asks.

I catch my lip in my teeth as I consider my answer. “Portugal.”