Page 11 of Second in Command
“Just a little — however, if you get tired, I’ll carry you,” Enzo grins from ear to ear, glancing at me, and whilst holding in my giggle, I look out the window instead.
* * *
The streets were busy,but that was expected, it was a vibrant Friday night, and everyone wanted to be exploring the town.
I didn’t go out very often, besides work, and a private club, so being here in this moment felt . . . calming. Enzo had parked near a street lamp, and we were walking down the street to the first venue. I clung to my bag, and although I wouldn’t admit it, I was happy he walked slowly, at my pace. His legs were much longer than mine, and heels didn’t make it any easier.
“Did I tell you, you look beautiful?”
“You did, but I don’t mind hearing it again.”
“You’re absolutely stunning, Francesca. Thank you for accompanying me.”
“Well, it was the only way to get you out of my way.”
“From the flowers?”
“Yeah,” I nod, “you did notice. Seeing the sunshine on the in the morning, especially when there’s been rain in the night . . . its something serene . . . my mother loved them as well.”
I look down at my heels for a moment, whilst Enzo descends in silence.
“I hope you’ll love this too then,” when I lifted my head, I was bombarded by . . . flowers.
A flower cart, pulled by a horse.
I smile generously, as all types stood out to me: roses, tulips, hydrangeas…I laid a hand on my chest, not knowing what else to do.
“Pick any that you like,” my stomach lights up with anticipation, and I stare at Enzo, my lips parted. He didn’t know. He didn’t know just how much a gesture like this meant to me.
“I . . .”
His face was tender, soft, and just held a small, sweet smile. He shoved his hand in his pockets, patiently waiting for me.
“You thought of this?”
“I did . . . I noticed how keen you were on looking at your flowers and well — the owner and I are good friends.” He gives a quick nod in the air to the man steering the cart. “I had him bring out all of the best tonight.”
“Enzo,” I look away, and step towards the flowers. There were some that I had never seen, just glistening under the street lamp, “this is . . . I can’t even . . .”
“Come on,” he says sheepishly, “you don’t have to say anything if you’re trying to find words.”
He helps me pick out flowers, and with all his patience he watched as I admired almost everyone. We made three bouquets, and it saddened me when we had to leave. Enzo paid for the bouquets, and I thank his friend, letting him know that I’d be back for more very soon.
“How do your feet feel?”
Enzo held two of the bouquets, whilst I held one to my chest.
“They’re okay for now,” I reply softly, and he nods.
There’s a silence that descends upon us, but this time it was different. I felt . . . vulnerable. In such a short space of time, he had managed to do a complete 360, and I was wondering if Enzo was what I perceived him to be at all. I glanced at him whilst we walked down the street, and he glanced at me at the same time too. We both looked away, like schoolchildren in love. We chuckled at ourselves.
“I made reservations at La Par,” he mentions as we approach the building, “I hope you’re hungry.”
“I could eat an entire cow right now,” I joke, and he snickers. We enter the restaurant, a chauffeur guiding us to our seats. Like the gentleman he portrayed himself to be, he pulled out my chair so that I can sit. This time, I took it. I didn’t know which Enzo I liked best. The bad boy, tough guy, wild cat…or the sweet, thoughtful, gentlemen?
seven
Once across from me,I felt like my throat was closing up. I couldn’t look him in the eye, and as I sat my bouquet on my lap, I fidget with the table cloth.
