The man regarded Luciano. “You look familiar. Are you a celebrity or a sports figure?”
“I’m not,” Luciano replied.
Yes, you are.
If he wasn’t going to mention his company or his top-shelf spirits, neither would she. Clearly, he liked his privacy.
The elevator doors opened, everyone filed out. The couple stopped at their home. “Enjoy those puppies,” said the woman.
They continued on until Simone stopped in front of her brother’s front door.
Seconds after ringing the doorbell, Gary swung the door open and grinned. “There’s my baby!” When he saw Luciano, his eyes turned full-moon large, and he gasped. “Mr. Santini.”
Bruce appeared cradling a puppy. “This is for you, Simone, honey.” He regarded Luciano. “Would you like a puppy too?”
LUCIANO
Luciano didn’t likethat Simone had gone silent about their evening. Hewantedtonight to be a date. To make matters worse, the guilt he carried had only intensified as his interest in Simone grew. It made his head ache.
As he entered the two-story penthouse, the last thing he wanted to do was ask for an aspirin.
“This is Luciano Santini. This is my brother, Gary, and his husband, Bruce.”
After exchanging handshakes, Bruce offered the pup to Simone. “This is little-no-name number four.”
Simone’s joyous laugh made Luciano smile.
As she cuddled the tiny black French bulldog, Bruce said, “I think someone has a new roommate.”
“Please, Lord,” Gary said to Luciano. “Let it be you.”
Everyone laughed, the ice was broken, and Luciano relaxed. It had been years since he’d met a woman’s family.
A lifetime ago.
While Gary stood there starry-eyed, Bruce welcomed them into their home. Luciano admired the modern furniture, first-class all the way. The living room was furnished with opposing white sofas covered in light gray pillows. On the far wall hung a large, framed painting while a baby grand filled the corner near the floor-to-ceiling windows.
“Your home is beautiful,” Luciano said.
“Thank you, Mr. Santini,” Gary eked out.
“Luciano.”
“Uh-huh,” Gary said.
“Who wants a drink?” Bruce asked.
“Me, for sure,” Gary replied.
“This is for you.” Luciano held out the bag.
Gary took it, peaked inside, and pulled out a bottle of Santini Chianti. “Thank you. We love your Chianti and hope you come out with an entire line of reds.”
“Or a chardonnay,” Bruce interjected as he extracted the bottle of Santini Whiskey from the gift bag. “Much appreciated. You didn’t have to.”
With puppy number four in her arms, Simone hugged both men.
“Who wants a glass of something?” Bruce asked.
