I stalk off, heading toward the kitchen to vent my frustration on dinner.
Frankie loyally gives chase. “They are disgusting pigs,” she says, verbalizing my thoughts as I tie an apron around my waist.
“I hate the double standards.” I hand her an apron as I move to the sink to wash my hands. “It’s okay for them to screw anything in a skirt, but I can’t even look at another man let alone kiss him or fuck him.” I yank a skillet out of the cabinet, slamming it down on top of the stove. “Maybe you’re right.” I remove the ingredients from the refrigerator as frustration and anger simmer in my veins. “Maybe I should give Vaughan a chance.”
“What are you saying?” she asks, taking the onions from my hands.
“I’m sick of being the good little Italianprincipessa. And I’m tired of waiting for Leo to notice me.” My spine stiffens as I straighten up. Pinning my bestie with a wicked grin, I say, “Set up the double date. I’m going to go out with Vaughan.”
2
Natalia
“Wow, you look gorgeous,” Vaughan says when Frankie and I reach the restaurant. Archer immediately hauls his girlfriend into his arms, and Frankie goes willingly. Vaughan leans in, kissing my cheek, before producing a single red rose from behind his back. “The color matches your lips.” His smile is warm, and his inspection of my tight black knee-length dress is respectful. I know my boobs are practically spilling out of Frankie’s borrowed gown, because she’s smaller in the bust than me, but he’s a gentleman, and his gaze doesn’t linger on my ample chest.
“Thank you.” I smile broadly as I bring the rose to my nose, inhaling the spicy, fruity scent emanating from the coral-red petals.
“Thank you for finally agreeing to a date,” he replies, offering me his arm. “You have made all my dreams come true.”
Archer pretends to gag while fixing his best friend with a grin. “Cheesy much, Fitzy?”
Frankie swats his chest. “Don’t throw shade. I think it’s sweet and romantic.”
I loop my arm through Vaughan’s. “So do I.” I beam up at him, and his eyes meet mine with something akin to longing. “Thank you for being patient.”
“For you, I would wait forever.” He pulls me in a little tighter to his side, trapping me with a dazzling smile, showcasing his perfectly straight white teeth.
Vaughan Fitzgerald has the type of classic all-American good looks I’d expect to see in a Ralph Lauren campaign. He is tall with lean muscles, a head of glorious golden-blond hair, tan skin, and sparkling azure eyes. According to my bestie, all the girls at his mixed private school are going gaga for him. Yet somehow, he only appears to have eyes for me. Archer told Frankie he hasn’t looked at another girl since meeting me at her house shortly after his best friend started dating mine. I’m not sure I believe it, but it’s flattering all the same.
It’s nice to have the attention of a normal, decent guy.
Archer snorts this time, and Frankie thumps him in the arm. I laugh, and I can’t remember the last time I felt this happy or carefree. “You have all the right words, Vaughan.”
“I mean every single one of them.” His expression is sincere as he opens the door to the Thai restaurant.
Vaughan keeps his hand on my lower back as the waitress guides us to our table. I’m aware of eyes watching me as I hold my head up and stride across the room with confidence that has been drilled in me from birth.
There are many things expected of Italian women in our society, and Mama has worked hard to ensure I fulfill my duty while retaining whatever semblance of independence I can.
Rosa Mazzone has instilled in me the need to be dutiful and loyal without sacrificing the essence of who I am. Although our world reveres wives, women are still deemed inferior to men. I refuse to accept that, and I won’t be trodden on. I already know my fiancé will not tolerate any signs of independence, but appearing weak will only give him further excuses to be cruel. So, I intend to be confident and strong, even in the face of adversity. No matter what thatstronzothrows at me, I will not back down.
Dinner is a pleasant affair. The food is divine, and we laugh and talk the whole way through the meal. Vaughan is very enjoyable company. He is attentive and articulate, and I’m relaxed in his presence.
After leaving the restaurant, he takes my hand as we stroll through the streets of New York, in the direction of the movie theater. Archer and Frankie are ahead of us, and we hang back, talking privately. “Are you having a good time?” Vaughan smiles down at me.
“The best.”
“Enough to want to do this again?” he inquires, lifting a brow.
A tinkling laugh escapes my throat. “The date isn’t even over yet.”
“I already know I want to see you again. What night are you free? I’d like to take you on a date. Just the two of us.”
“I would like that, but my situation is complicated. I’m not sure when I’ll be back in the city.”
He stops us in the middle of the sidewalk, taking both my hands in his. “I know who your father is, Natalia, and it doesn’t scare me.”
“It should.” Most everyone at my school avoids me like the plague because of my name. There are a few other Italian girls in my year, and we all hang around together, but other students give us a wide berth. “He would be very displeased if he knew I was on a date with you.”
