Page 287 of Valentino

“No. Giuliano is waiting for me to tell you before he tells them.”

“Okay.” I pick up my glass of wine. “Looks like I’m drinking for the two of us then.”

She giggles. “Anna.” She takes my hand over the table. “I’m so happy, I just feel so grateful we’ve been blessed with this baby.”

“You deserve it, babe.” And she does deserve it, nobody has fought harder to be together than she and Giuliano.

We begin eating.

“So, you’re here for the week?”

“Well.” I chew and swallow. “I have news too.”

“You do?”

“I….”

“What?”

“So, long story short. I’m….”

Fuck.

“Valentino and I have been seeing each other.”

“What?” Her face falls. “What do you mean, seeing each other?”

“Seeing each other. Romantically.” I shrug. “What else could I mean?”

“Valentino Leone.”

“Yes.”

She blinks, whether it’s in surprise or shock I’m just not sure.

“And I’ve moved back to Milan and in with him. It’s serious.” I shrug. “We’re in love.”

“Valentino Leone,” she repeats.

“Yes.” I widen my eyes, annoyed by her reaction. “You don’t seem thrilled.”

“Just….” Her eyebrows flick up.

“Just what?”

“I just…do you think this is a good idea?”

“Why wouldn’t it be?”

“Oh I don’t know, Anna,” she huffs. “Last time you hooked up with him you nearly killed each other. Never has there been a more toxic relationship than what you two had. He drove you out of town and caused a huge rift between the two of us. I could go on and on as to why this isn’t a good idea.”

“I know, but we worked it out and we forgave each other. We’re starting again.”

“He’s like….” She gives a subtle shake of her head before cutting herself off.

“Like what?”

“He’s a player, Anna. A big-time player.”