Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 27696 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 138(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27696 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 138(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
I suppose he’s right. What do I have to lose? Anthony’s coming over tomorrow night with the product, so I may as well be on hand to see it. It’ll be a dumpster fire, for sure, because this is my son we’re talking about, but why not? At the very least, she should be tolerable, if not outright gorgeous. With that, I take another bite of cannoli, my brow furrowing in dread of the showing to come.
5
Taylor
I place the silver candlesticks into a nice gift bag. Okay, this is a little weird, I admit, but the candlesticks don’t really go with the décor at my apartment. They’re too expensive looking, especially when contrasted with my second-hand furniture and colorful afghans. As a result, I’ve decided to give them to Anthony’s dad as a thank you for dinner.
After all, my boyfriend called and said that instead of going to a restaurant tonight, we’ll be stopping by his dad’s house for dinner. Immediately, my heart leapt with anticipation. Anthony wants me to meet his family, which means maybe our relationship is finally moving forward. Maybe we’ll actually be serious for once!
I know I shouldn’t feel this way, but still, I can’t help but shiver a bit with excitement. Hurriedly, I look into a mirror, fluffing out my brown curls. My cocktail dress is a black wraparound, showing off my curvy figure to its best advantage. I also have a glittery purse and matching ballet flats, and I’ve spritzed myself lightly with rose-scented perfume. The whole get-up is perfect because Anthony comes from a wealthy family, so it’s important for me to look classy yet understated at once.
There’s a knock on my door and I open it to find Anthony in his usual outfit, which is basically a loose designer track suit emblazoned with logos. He lets out an appreciative whistle while sizing me up.
“You look great, hon,” he says. But then his nose wrinkles when he sees my shoes. “You don’t have another pair? Something higher?”
I stare at him.
“Of course I do, but is that really appropriate given that we’re about to meet your dad?”
Anthony shrugs.
“My dad’s a single guy. Let’s spice it up. Wear the Louboutins with the glittery heels.”
I stare at him.
“You mean, the six inch ones that resemble stripper shoes?”
Anthony merely grins, flashing a gold tooth in back.
“Yeah, exactly. Those.”
With a sigh, I head to my bedroom to change, and then come teetering out in the stilettos. Goodness, I hope his dad doesn’t think I’m a stripper. Meanwhile, Anthony nods with approval.
“Yeah, perfect. That’s more like it. Are you wearing sexy lingerie underneath that dress?”
I stare at him.
“Why?”
He shrugs.
“Just making sure.”
I roll my eyes.
“Yes, okay, although I have no idea what you’re getting at. I like to splurge on lingerie, so yes, I have nice set on beneath this outfit.”
Anthony nods, licking his lips lasciviously.
“Good, good, let’s go then.”
With that, we’re out the door and into a black town car. After zipping down the FDR, we pull up in front of an imposing town house on the Upper East Side, complete with a high stoop decorated with topiaries, as well as a huge double door. Holy cow, this is nice, but it’s not surprising because the Genoveses are rich, and this town house is evidence of their wealth.
We’re admitted by a butler, who bows courteously, but before he can speak, Anthony takes my hand to lead me up the stairs.
“We’re going to my dad’s office,” he explains. “Come on.”
We traipse up carpet-covered stairs and into an elaborate hallway decorated with golden wall scones and niches filled with artwork. But Anthony pulls me down the corridor before knocking on a door on the left. Then, he pushes it open and we step inside.
Oh wow, the office is gorgeous. There are bookshelves along the walls, filled with beautiful volumes with richly-covered spines. A huge mahogany desk is placed before floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a garden, but it’s the man sitting there that makes my heart race.
After all, I’ve seen photos of Roman Genovese, but the pictures don’t do him justice because Anthony’s dad is drop-dead gorgeous. He’s deeply tanned with bronzed skin and hair as black as night. Even though he must be in his forties, the man has the physique of a Greek god, filling out an expensive suit with broad shoulders and a wide chest. He gets up, and is quite a few inches taller than his son too.
“Hello,” he speaks, that bass voice rich and charming. “You must be Taylor. Welcome to my home.”
I snap my mouth shut because I was literally gawping at the handsome man.
“Hi,” I manage in a wobbly voice. “Yes, thank you for having me over for dinner, Mr. Genovese. It’s so nice to meet you!”
Those blue eyes glint as he looks at me, taking in my lush figure and ridiculously high heels. However, he doesn’t comment.