You Will Be Mine(72)

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

I didn’t even realise I was in a daydream until Belinda spoke. “Yes, I’m fine. Would everyone stop fussing?”

“We’re just worried about you,” Mia said, placing her hand on the bar.

With my posture picked up, I smiled brightly and slapped the bar with my hand. “I’m fine. In fact, I’m more than fine. I fancy a night out on the town. We haven’t done that in a while. Who’s with me?”

Belinda smiled. “I would love to, but someone has to stay and run this place.”

Mia jolted up. “Why don’t you two go with a couple of others? I’ll stay and help keep an eye out. Well, me and Alessandro of course.”

Just as his name was mentioned, the one and only walked into the bar, placing a gentle, possessive hand on Mia’s back. “Hey, ladies.” Bending down, Alessandro placed a seductive kiss on Mia’s lips. Mia moaned, and everyone rolled their eyes.

Managing to pry himself away, Alessandro looked up. “What are we talking about?”

“We’re talking about a night out. Belinda and I along with a couple of others are going.”

Alessandro looked flustered all of a sudden. “But you can’t. Mr. Belatoni—”

I glared at him. “Mr. Belatoni can shove his attitude where the sun don’t shine. Do you hear me? I haven’t heard from him in three days—yet, he seems to think he still has a right to order me around and tell me what to do. I’m not sitting around here like a lost puppy waiting for her lord and master to return. I refuse to do that.”

I got out of my seat. I’d had enough. I was more determined than ever to have that night out. “Mia, I will accept your offer to look after the place this evening. Thank you.” I gracefully nodded to her and smiled.

“You’re very welcome. Don’t worry. You ladies have fun, and I promise I will look after everything while you’re away.” Alessandro nudged Mia, causing her to glare back at him.

Great! I had probably caused an argument between those two lovebirds.

Squeezing Belinda’s arm, I pulled her away from Mia and Alessandro. If they were going to fight, I would let them get on with it.

“So, who do you think will be up for it tonight? Any ladies feel they need a break?”

Belinda looked away in deep thought. “I think Samantha would like to come. She’s always good for a night out.” Biting her lip, she thought some more, but then something caught her eye, and she smiled. “Oh, and I think I know just the other person.”

Looking in Belinda’s direction, I spotted Tammy smiling and looking around the hallway. “Tammy!” I shouted. I was glad to see her after so long.

“Clara!” she shouted back as we both ran in for a hug.

“How are you, Clara? I heard things had changed around here since I left.” Just as she said this, Natalie—the girl who took Tammy’s place—wandered over.

“You can certainly say that! I’ll get to that in a bit, but first of all, I’d like to introduce Natalie here to her predecessor. Natalie, this is Tammy.” Shaking hands, they both smiled while taking one another in. I knew they were sizing each other up.

“So, what were you two looking so excited about before Tammy came in?”

I smiled at Natalie. “Well, Belinda and I are going out tonight, and we were wondering who would want to come.” I nudged in Tammy’s direction and she gasped, “Oh I’d love to. We’ve never really had the chance to have a girly night out, so count me in.”

Turning towards Natalie, I felt the need to include her. “I would love to, but I’ve got a very special client coming in tonight—Mr. Gosport.” Natalie’s eyebrow rose.

“No! The famous actor?” Tammy squealed.

Natalie nodded with a smirk. “The one and only.”

“Damn. I’ve missed out there,” Tammy said, biting her lip.

Elbowing her in the arm, I said, “Oh come on, Tammy. I thought you had the love of your life?”

“Oh I do. I love him to bits, but for Mr. Gosport, I think I’d have made an exception.” Giggling across the hall, we soon had a load of eyes upon us.

“Look, it’s probably best we don’t continue this conversation until tonight. Can we meet you at Club Med—say around eight?”

Tammy squeezed my arm. “I’ll look forward to it.”



Getting ready for my evening out, I was startled when a text suddenly arrived on my phone. Retrieving it from my packed and ready bag, I opened it up.

Luca: You’re not going anywhere tonight. I shall see you in a couple of hours. Stay put!