“In your dreams.” I walk off and storm towards my podium.
“So, what are you doing for the minor break we have this week?” I ask Xavier, figuring he may go home or make his way to LA.
“I’m going to Portugal for the week to spend time with my family, you?”
“Nothing. I was going to go home but I was thinking of going around Italy and taking in the sites. Be a tourist for once.” He smiles.
“Why don’t you go around with Luc—”
“What about me?” Mr. Donatello questions as he walks in.
“I was just asking the rookie here if she thinks that you’re going to stay in Italy for our week off.”
What are you doing, Xavier? You better not be asking what I think you’re asking.
“I am. But no plan is set. I’m going to my family’s estate for two days. I leave today. Then afterwards, I might go somewhere else to have a break.”
“What a coincidence. Ale is going to be staying in Italy too, she was just telling me she doesn’t know where to go or what to do. Maybe you can show her around?”
Of course, he said that. Mr. Matchmaker over here.
“Mr. Donatello, I was just going to go to Rome for a few days, that’s all, I can make it around by myself.”
“Nonsense. There’s no better way to experience Rome than with an Italian present.”
“I could ask my friend Giovanni. He can show me around. You don’t have to.”
“No, I will accompany you, but you will have to go to my family’s mansion first before we do anything else.”
“But—”
“Don’t make excuses,ragazza. You will not be going around with your Italian boy toy, Georgio.”
“His name is Giovanni, and there’s really no need.”
“Nope, I offered. I’m your boss, and you will be coming with me.”
“Consider it a business trip of sorts. Get your shit together, we’ll be leaving in forty minutes max,” with that he walks away, leaving no room for further dispute. I turn around and look at Xavier in disbelief.
“Xavier, are you fucking serious?”
“Yes, Ma’am. The tension is getting too intense at this point. Just fuck already.” I still, my eyes opening a little wider than usual. He looks at me in realization.
“Rookie, no.” I look at him tight lipped, his jaw drops. Then he jumps up and smiles at me.
“I’m a physic medium at this point. I’m so proud of the love story that’s about to ensue.” I slap him on his arm.
“There is no love story about to ensue. I don’t even know what you’re alluding to. Nothing has happened.”
“No need to hide it, Ale. I’m not going to ask you if it was good. I may be bright and happy, but I’m not dumb. You fucked him, period. Now it’s time for you to say your “I love you’s” and get married.”
“Nothing happened.”
“I’m so ready to see you in a wedding dress, I better be one of the groomsmen. I expect nothing less. I wonder what Luca would pick out for your engagement ring.”
“You think you’re so funny.”
“I am. But that’s beside the point. I’m predicting your whole future in this moment, let me just think about my vision.” He puts his finger on his temples and closes his eyes. He continues to speak. “I can see it now. You’ll get married in a vineyard in Italia, your dress will be a lacy Grace Kelly sort of look.”