Chapter Eleven
Carly
I was in a daze. Why in the hell did he have to go and do that? Kissing me like he wanted to devour me then leaving me wanting more was just evil. Okay, maybe not evil but it left me feeling things I hadn't in years.
With a shake of my head, I tried to push that aside as I made my way up to my apartment. I hated that I'd not made it home to my son before he went to bed, but I'd find a way to make it up to him. “Hey. I'm so sorry I didn't make it home earlier and I missed your call. How upset was he?” I whispered the question at Risa, who was curled up on the sofa.
“Eli knows sometimes you can't get to your phone. He was sad but he understands. You look beat.”
“That's because I am. Some things happened that kept me from leaving when I was supposed to.”
“Let me guess, that asshole you work for wouldn't let you leave on time?”
“No, actually, he isn't the boss anymore. I didn't get to tell you last night but the club was bought by someone else and they've made some serious changes. They got rid of Harry, Nick, and Terry and put new people in their place. Well, Nick and Terry were replaced with new people.” I watched Risa's face while I gave her my news. “You're looking at the new manager for Dangerous Curves.”
“Oh. My. God. Carly. Are you serious? That is so awesome. Manager means you don't have to strip anymore, right?”
“That's exactly what it means. Things were just so crazy tonight, by the time I realized how late it was, Eli was already in bed asleep.”
“Hey, don't stress about it. You know he'll understand and when he finds out you got promoted he'll be happy for you. Does that mean you'll be home more or..?”
“Yeah, it does. I made Camille assistant manager. We will each work three full nights each week and split the seventh night, alternating it so we're there until closing four days a week, every other week. There will still be things like inventory and stock and paperwork, but I won't be killing myself at a job I hate anymore.”
“Eli is going to be super stoked when he finds out you'll get to spend more time with him. I'm going to head on up to my apartment and crash. I'll see you tomorrow.”
As soon as Risa was gone I locked the door, turned off the living room light, and headed to my bedroom. After a quick shower I collapsed into bed with thoughts of a very sexy Italian running rampant through my mind.
“Good morning,Vita Mia. I am so sorry I didn't make it home before you went to bed and I didn't get to my phone in time to talk to you.” I watched as my son slid onto the chair to watch me make breakfast. It was clear he was still very upset despite the way he shrugged.
'S'okay, Mama.”
“No, it's not,Amato. I wanted to be home with you, I really did, but I am going to make it up to you.”
“How?” There was a curious look on his face that suggested it got his attention.
“We are going shopping.” I set his plate of pancakes in front of him, along with a glass of juice, then took the seat across from him with my own food. “I've got some really good news. I was promoted at work, to manager. I'll only be working late three nights a week, with a fourth late night every other week.”
“Does that mean you'll be able to tuck me in bed more?”
The excitement in his voice at that thought tore at my heart. Had my son really been missing me that much? It made me feel like a horrible mother. “It absolutely does,.”
“Yes! What are we gonna go shopping for?”
I couldn't help but smile at how happy he was over it all. “You'll just have to wait and see. Eat your breakfast.”
Hours later, after our shopping trip, which included getting him the game he'd been wanting, I readied myself for work. Risa had already come down to the apartment and was sitting on my bed talking with me while I dressed.
“I’ve been wondering something, Carly.”
“What’s that?”
“Well, I know you said that your mom is Latina and your dad was Creole, but I’ve noticed you use Italian endearments for Eli. Yeah, I lookedVita Miaup because I was curious about it. Anyway, why don’t you use Latino endearments for him?”
I turned my attention to her. “Eli’s father, Rico, was Italian. Since he can’t be here with us, I wanted something that would connect Eli to his father. I gave him an Italian name for the same reason. Elia is the Italian form of Elijah.”
“Huh. That actually makes sense now that you’ve explained it. Okay, I’m gonna go make sure the squirt is getting his homework done and let you finish getting ready for work. Have a good night.”
“Thanks, Risa.” I turned back to the mirror and finished applying my makeup.
Why did it feel like I was readying myself for the firing squad? It was just work. It was better than when I had to strip – now that I was manager there was no reason for the nerves. I told myself that the entire walk to work. Maybe if I repeated it enough times I'd start to believe it.
