JC sidestepped the subject of Christmas as much as possible hoping to avoid another confrontation. She found herself avoiding phone calls from her family in front of Luca and hiding gifts she’d picked out for Thomas and Richard. In JC’s book of rules, honesty was always the best policy and the guilt of being sneaky weighed on her heavily.
Finding the perfect gift for her mother proved to be a challenge this year for JC. The only thing Tess Clemmins ever truly wanted for Christmas was her family huddled around the fireplace, gathered at the dinner table, snuggling on the couch or skiing on the slopes. This year, it might be the only present her mom received.
Out of options, she rented a car and drove to Milan. After hours of driving, unsuccessful shopping and growls coming from her hungry tummy, she headed for her favorite restaurant. It was late in the day and to JC’s famished disappointment, the trendy bistro bustled with patrons. Taking in the unexpected line, she observed pink-cheeked customers whispering and taking pictures with their cell phones. Following the direction of their aim, she raised up on her tippy-toes spotting the familiar profile of a jaw-dropping blond man seated at a table in the far corner.
JC huffed out a chuckle murmuring, “No wonder there’s a line.” Making her way through a group of giddy women, she dug through her purse for a pen and gave a cordial nod to the burly bodyguard standing with his arms folding across his chest. Approaching the table, JC held out a pen and cleared her throat. “Excuse me Mr. Levi, can you sign this?”
Recognizing her voice, Benny Levi’s pale blue eyes twinkled roguishly, flashing a brilliant white smile. “Anything for you.” Rising to his feet, Benny clasped her shoulders and brushed a social kiss over her temple. He motioned for her to join him at the table. “What’s my favorite niece doing in Milan?”
“Last I heard Tracy was your favorite niece!” JC let out a sarcastic laugh as she slid into the booth, tucking her long caramel locks behind her ear. “I’m attempting to find a Christmas gift for my Mom, but no luck as of yet. Where are Lisa and the kids?”
“They’re at home. Lisa and Kim are making extreme gingerbread houses and Tommy is snowboarding. He thinks he’s going to keep up with you this Christmas. I had a meeting this morning and I’m getting some last minute shopping done myself.” Benny glanced around at the commotion his presence created. “Obviously, I should’ve shopped online. I wore a ball cap earlier. It worked….for an hour.” Changing the subject he said, “We had dinner with your Mom and Tommy two weeks ago.”
JC smirked sarcastically. “You thought one measly baseball cap would save you from these women, not to mention the paparazzi?” She nodded toward the window, catching a glimpse of a large camera pointed their direction. “I don’t know how you make it out the door of your house, seeing how you were just recently nominated Hollywood’s Hottest Couple!”
“Thanks for leaving out the Over the Age of 50 category title.”
“Well I didn’t want to rub it in, but seeing how you brought it up….I do see some chrome trim,” JC giggled, casually pointing to the gray peppering his dark blond hair.
“I take it back. Tracy is my favorite niece. Smartass.” Small lines at the outside corner of his eyes deepened as he smiled. “Aren’t you usually home for Christmas by now? You are going to Colorado, aren’t you?”
Benny wasn’t her uncle by blood, but he was Tom’s best friend for over twenty years. The Levi’s had been spending Christmas together at Tom and Tess’ cabin in Colorado for the last several years.
“Of course I’m going home. I’m doing a commercial for Vodka on the slopes at Abetone and we’re waiting for the weather to cooperate. We’re scheduled to shoot tomorrow, if weather permits.”
“Are you bringing Luca home for the holidays?” He probed with a wry smile.
JC shook her head and Benny’s brow raised in surprise. “No. Luca’s working and they’re on a deadline so they only get the weekend off.”
“I bet the cast loved that!”
“Luca didn’t complain too much. It’s a dream come true.”
JC ordered lunch. They caught up on family, movies, work and she sat through an excruciating game of twenty questions regarding Luca. When the second round of interrogation began, she leaned back, folded her arms and swore through pursed lips. “Seriously Benny? I’m not sixteen. What’s with the overprotective uncle attitude?” She faced the window, anxiously watching the growing crowd of spectators outside.