Page 288 of Valentino

“He was a player,” I reply as I bite my food from my fork, annoyed.

“Okay.” She rolls her lips and I know it’s to stop the negativity sprouting out her mouth.

“I love him.”

Her eyes search mine. “What do your parents think of this?”

“They’re…” I pause as I think of the right wording, “…processing.”

She raises an eyebrow.

“They’ll come around to him, I know they will.”

She stares at me for a beat.

“I need your support on this, Chesk.” My eyes well with tears. “I’ve never gotten over him, I can only ignore my heart for so long. I’m sick of being nearly happy…of nearly having it all. He’s the one for me and I don’t want anyone else. I have to try.”

She holds her hand out for me, I take it in mine.

“Okay.” She nods.

“Okay?”

“I’ll support you on this on one condition.”

“What’s that?”

“You be my baby’s godmother.”

“Really?”

“Yes really.” She smiles.

I bounce out of my chair and hug her again. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

VALENTINO

I walk into the pharmacy and up to the counter. “Hello.”

“May I help you?”

“Yes.” I glance around. “I’m looking for something to help me sleep.”

“Do you have a prescription for sleeping tablets or?”

“No, I don’t.”

“Just a moment, I’ll get the pharmacist for you.”

“Thank you.”

She disappears and a man appears. “Hello, how can I help you?”

“Hi.” I glance over my shoulder to see Romeo, Enrico and Giuliano by the door as they wait for me. I need to start sleeping and fast, Anna is on to me.

“I need some sleeping tablets, please.”