Unexpected Reunion Part:3

“I’m sorry about James and Stella bugging you back there. Sometimes they can be a bit…” she says interrupting my thoughts then goes silent searching for the words.

“Eccentric, I know but they seem pretty harmless, and Stella seems to know how to reign her husband in.” I offer desperate to hear her sweet sing-song tone again.

“Eccentric is way too kind of a word. They can be downright crazy if you let them, and they’re not married although I have no idea why they're perfect for each other” she jokes.

I laugh at her response. “I couldn’t tell by the way she set him in place,” I say observing the dimples on her cheeks as she smiles. “Beautiful women tend to have that effect on their husbands.” She laughs at my response and it’s my new favorite sound.

“You sound like my best friend Evet she’s gonna be pissed when she finds out about me dancing with you.”

“Why is she a fan of my companies?”

“No! more like a fan of your body, she’s tall, curvy with glistening dark skin. You know an aspiring model; with curves and she knows it. She’s convinced you’ll make gorgeous offspring.”

I laugh at her description of the girl I remember as her best friend from Lourdes's house she was cute back then too but something about Tara had all my attention in those days. She was the kind of girl that everyone liked to be around, but she was never too far behind Evet and AJ. She barely hung around anyone else except for Frankie and me who seemed to always be following them around like unofficial recruits to their click.

“You know and if gorgeous women aren’t for you my other best friend AJ isn’t a bad choice, he is fabulous and a guy that turns heads.” She probes.

“Yeah, no offense to AJ but he’s not my type, and I don’t think Evet, and I would work out so well either. I’d probably be fighting her for the mirror every day.” We both laugh at my joke, and I get another peek at those dimples.

“You’re probably right, Evet doesn’t play about mirror time she threatened to cut me once for taking two minutes out of her bathroom time.” She laughs again and for the first time, I wanted to keep talking to someone about absolutely nothing instead of just business it was refreshing. “So, we’ve talked about Evet, AJ, James, and Stella, how about you Tara what are you concealing, a secret crush, substantial credit card debt, secret baby you’re hiding away from the world,” I ask probing for more information about her.                                                            

“No secret crushes unless you count Vin Diesel, but I mean that's obvious.”

“Ouch, that hurt.” I hiss feigning mock offense. 

“What can I say I like them tall, dark, handsome, bald, and built.” She says and for some reason, it makes me a little jealous of Vin Diesel.

“As for credit card debt no, and secret baby not you have to be sleeping with someone for that to happen so no...” she pauses seeming to be surprised by own her admission.

“Well, I’m not sure about shaving my head, but I think I fit the rest of the criteria, wouldn’t you?” I say suggestively. But she goes quiet on me and for the second time in my life I was being rejected by this woman.

“So, you’re leaving the country shortly after the function?” she asks quickly changing the subject.

“Yes, I have a company I’m thinking of buying that could expand our conglomerate to a large demographic and make us a household name by the end of the year in Italy.”

“Wow, that’s pretty amazing. I’d kill just to take a trip to Italy let alone own a company there.” She says sounding genuinely shocked. She purses her lips.

“Well, maybe we could discuss planning an international trip for the kids at Lourdes’s place this year while I’m working on the merger it would allow me to free up some time to show you and the kids around.”

“That would take some time to get passports for six kids and staff to assist with a trip that big. Not to mention the cost in tickets would be a bit much for us to raise right now with us trying to plan for the expansion of the program,” she says rattling off excuses.                                        “No need I have a private plane and can get someone on the passports for everyone if you need a hand, and you could bring at least four staff members that should be efficient to make sure we have enough supervision. I also have a resort we own there that can accommodate everyone easily.” I respond leaving nothing to chance was I offering to plan a trip out of the country just to spend more time with her what the hell was it about Tara that made me want to move mountains just to be closer to her after one conversation. 

“Why don’t you tell me more about your plans to expand your community outreach program, Tara. I can tell your invested you and the other program directors seem to be making a huge difference in such a short time what are your plans for the future.”

“We purchased an office area to help us organize the UFCP better but as far as housing for the foster kids that was a bit of a struggle, but we were working on raising the funds for two more homes and interviewing and doing background checks on potential families to run the other two homes. Sure, we could just pay staff, but we wanted to make sure that the other two homes would be just as personable as the original to ensure that all the kids had just as fair of a chance as any one of our other kids at living in an authentic loving family environment.” She says excitedly.

“That’s amazing Tara, you certainly are something else, goal-oriented, smart beautiful. I heard you’re the powerhouse behind most of the event plans and fund-raising ideas, your team is very lucky to have you.” They are sure as hell were, to have such a huge outcome for her program and so much positive feedback to even be considered as one of the top ten programs in such a short amount of time. 

 “So, I’m guessing a takeover can take some time to work out; are you sure you’ll have enough time to extended to assisting with the UFCP directly. With you being so busy with your new business venture and all?” she asks changing the subject trying to feel me out, she was smart trying to gauge my intentions with that question.

“If you are concerned about my commitment Tara I want to assure you that I fully intend on dedicating my free time to helping to make the UFCP as successful as possible. As you know I have contributed extensively to the program and its initiative. I have also funded numerous trips to Disney land for the kids over the past two years. Not to mention sponsoring all of the meals and providing financial support to provide the kids with clothing and all their basic needs.”

  Shit, I had things set up so well for those kids, they were practically trust fund babies. Every one of our businesses in the greater Chicago area was customized to ensure the successful transition of the kids from Lourdes's place to the real world.

She looked up at me her face set in a stubborn expression. 

“Though we greatly appreciate all your financial support I think you of all people, can appreciate that UFCP represents more than making sure to support the kids financially. For most of our kids, the most important thing is to know they have someone on their side who not only wants to support them but genuinely shows them love and emotional support. For most of these kids, that’s all they ever wanted or needed.”

She shakes her head seeming to draw, a conclusion on who she thinks I am.

“I am aware of the mission statement and the intentions of the program to ensure the success and happiness of the kids UFCP helps. But all of that while noble is not all that most kids need to thrive in this world.” I lock eyes with her wanting to make my point clear.                         “Generational wealth is a key to helping them be successful long after they leave. It may not seem enough to you, but if you were to ask any of the kids who have received jobs and housing through Berlusconi Industries, I’m sure they would agree that having a way to support themselves plays a major part in this transition from foster kid to independent adult.”

She seems to scoff at my words. Her expression radiating pure furry, and my dick twitched at the thought of her riding me with all the passion she was giving off out of duty to her cause. My dick pulsed against my zipper just imagining the same level being applied in the bedroom. She lit a fire in me and fuck if I was going to let her get away without seeing for myself. She intentionally stomps on my toe flashing a mischievous smile as I wince sharply at the pain pulling me out of my thoughts as she continued. 

“While I’m sure financial support for our older kids is extremely useful when they age out. It’s not one bit the same as making sure these kids know they have someone who cares not just as a tax write-off or another notch on their good Samaritan belt; to help them appeal to their family-oriented clientele.” She looks me up and down dismissively.

“But at Lourdes's place we do not just playhouse there, we’re a family. When our kid's age out we do not just wish them well and point them in the right direction to stand on their own. We also set up family functions things like mandatory Sunday dinners to connect and bond with our kids, so they know that no matter what they do or where they go, they have a family and a real home. Because for some kids that are more than they ever had to start with, and that Mr. Berlusconi is priceless.”

She sighs and abruptly stops moving as if attempting to step away from me. Like hell, she was there was no way I was letting her walk away with the notion that I was just some Billionaire seeking tax credit for my service to the community. These kids were more than just a charity case to me they were me and Frankie and every other kid that the system failed and dropped off in a discreet little corner to keep them out of sight, and out of mind.

I grabbed her hand spinning her out away from me then back catching her and holding her up against me as I dipped her. The look of shock and confusion that spread across her face was so damn cute, she couldn’t have thought I intended to let her leave me after that speech. Had she been so determined at writing me off as nothing more than a money-hungry mogul with no real intentions to assist these kids without getting something out of it?

“My name is Gio, Ms. Holmes you’ll do well to remember it seeing as you will be seeing more of me from now on.” 

Her face transforms from one of confusion to full-on furry and I loved it. I smirk at her before pulling her upright continuing our dance. “I fully understand your disdain for politicians and businessmen who claim to support a cause but only show up when the cameras are rolling to drop off chump change and keep it moving. However, I can assure you Ms. Holmes that isn’t the case with me. I do appreciate you bringing it to my attention that I may have seemed more like an absent parent apart from our family as of late. Rest assured I have every intention to correct that starting now. I will be the dedicated father figure I am meant to be for our family however with my busy work schedule. I’d prefer to be working more closely with the matriarch of our ragtag family to keep me grounded so to speak. Therefore, I would love to take you out for dinner, maybe we can better discuss how I can start making a better effort to be the patriarch our family deserves.” I look into her eyes expectantly as I await her answer. 

Her eyes roam over my face searching for something, was she trying to read me to see if I was lying to her? How cute even if I wasn’t a Don who had that shit beat out of me years ago, she wouldn’t break me and find out all my secrets. But I was more than willing to waste time with her while she tried.

“All great things Mr. Berlusconi but with us it’s about more than just taking care of the basic needs of the kid's hell even bullshit foster parents looking to collect a check each month can do that.” She says rolling her eyes and shaking her head dismissively.

“For us and our kids it’s about more about giving them something most never even knew past or present tense.” She shifts slightly as I pull her closer into me as we continue our odd waltz.

 “Something that lasts beyond memories and clothes you’ll grow out of the family for us is everything and for some kids the only thing. So yeah, it’s great that you support us financially, but these kids need more.” With that, she abruptly stops causing me to do the same then she removes her hand from my shoulder letting it hang freely at her side before looking at my hand still holding hers firmly in my palm, and speaks.

“If you would excuse me, Mr. Berlusconi, I do have to get back to the event to help raise more funds for the other many financial responsibilities the kids require to be met wouldn’t want all that burden of finical support to fall on you after all.” I pause a minute feeling slightly triggered was she insinuating that my support was solely basing my intentions off my financial support which has been lucrative by the way. Hell, damn Disney, I was solely responsible for the reason most of the kids who aged out of Lourdes’s place had brand new cars from my dealerships, internships at any of my five hundred thousand businesses within the US, Europe, and their housing in brand-new high-rise condo’s all at more than ninety percent less than what it cost the average adult.  I had practically set up these kid’s futures like they were my successors. Yet here she was lecturing me on how I needed to do more but not because of the money I spent but because I didn’t spend enough time with the kids. 

I was the CEO of an eight-hundred-fifty-billion-dollar conglomerate that shit took time to keep running like the well-oiled machine it is today. Sure, I had Frankie as my COO he always had my back but even he needed a break now and again. 

Not to mention our board members but those greedy bastards were so deep in my pockets they couldn’t wait for me to slip up just so they could cut me off my thrown. 

Which none of them had the balls to do most were made up of the heads of the local families with the highest rank in the mafia community. 

But they knew very well I was my father’s son and disloyalty of any kind would end in a bullet in their head. I let go of her hand but not before pulling her closer then leaning down to whisper into her ear. 

“Well, maybe you can help me to be better at devoting more time to our family. I’ll be back in town within a month and would love to get together and work on that over dinner as I mentioned before.” I say taking a card from my pocket and handing it to her.

She takes the card reluctantly fixes a fake smile on her face and says, “Sure that sounds like a great idea; thank you, Mr. Berlusconi.”

“It’s Gio, just Gio; don’t worry Tara I have a feeling we will be getting to know each other better soon enough,” I say as I stand up and release her. Watching as she cautiously backs away from me the red of her dress fading into the background then disappears as she moves further and further away into the crowd never to be seen again or so she thinks. 

I walk over to Shadow fill him in on Tara and her description and ask him to keep a close eye on her from tonight on she was now under my protection whether she knew it or not. She was mine now, I just needed to make sure that she knew that. I search the crowd for her as she makes her way over to a group of elitist men and women in the back of the room quickly following behind her if she wanted to run, that was fine I’d just make sure she ran right into me.               

Tara

I walk away from Giovanni that self-righteous rich jack ass had some fucking nerve asking me out. I couldn’t stand men like him people who claimed to care about the kids in the foster care system. Only to find out they didn’t give a damn about helping them, they just wanted the photo op for clout. Nothing irritated me more than rich people who wanted to slum it to make it look like they were our heroes for struggling people. I was beyond annoyed and couldn’t wait to leave I needed to get out of here. I make my way over to the bar where I spot Evet, James, and Stella talking over drinks. 

“Well look at you out there caking with Mr. Berlusconi you little hoe. I knew you wanted to raise funds from the supporters but damn girl I didn’t think you had it in you.”

“Girl please I ain't checking for his ass.”

“But he sure as hell was checking for you. I saw him getting all close and personal with you out there. What’s up with that?”

“Not a damn thing Evie captain fuck boy isn’t my type.”                                                      “Good, believe me, Tara you don’t want to go getting mixed up with him. That man is bad news nothing good comes out of hanging around that man trust me.” James chimes in.

“Well, I don’t care how bad he is, that man is fine enough I’ll let him fuck me and my credit into the ground,” Evet says to James.                                                                                                   “Evet watch your mouth you are at a charity function. At least act like you have some self-respect and be professional. James you to this isn’t the place for you to be bad-mouthing the man that provides funds that help keep your bills paid. You both need to remember that we're not here for your agenda but to help generate more success for the program.” Stella says chastising them both.

“Thank you, Stella at least someone has my back.” 

“No, I have the back of the kids we’re trying to help. Maybe you should remember that yourself while you’re disrespecting the one person who singles handedly bankrolled your program's initiative from the beginning.”

“Your right Stella I’m sorry I do need to take this more seriously and stop letting my pride get in the way of what we're trying to do for our kids. I’m going to go talk to a few more people and try to get some more donors.” I say feeling like a child getting scolded. Stella had a point we worked our asses off to get support to keep the program running I couldn’t mess that up not when we were so close to making a difference.

“Good about time you acted like you had some sense Evet I would think you wouldn’t want to do the same. I’m going home so I need to get up Early to more and file the paperwork for the donations we collect tonight. Let’s go, James, I’ll drop you off at home I don’t want to mess around and pissing off any other potential donors.” She says in a scolding tone as gives us both a quick hug and a goodbye to us both before dragging James by his hand heading toward the door. I spent the rest of the night constantly dodging Mr. Berlusconi’s attempts to corner me as I spoke with other potential supporters. The man was relentless every time I looked up; he was suddenly there inserting himself into the conversation standing way too close for comfort.

“I get the feeling your avoiding me, Tara. Did I upset you so how?” He says from the seat beside me as we listen to the final tally of funds for each organization.

“Not at all Mr. Berlusconi I’m just a little busy trying to raise as much funding for UFCP as possible,” I say remembering the conversation we had with Stella about my courtesy toward our supporters.

“I realize that, if you haven’t noticed I’ve been trying to do my part to assist you with my fellow donors.” He says scooting his chair closer to me.

“I have, and we certainly appreciate your help.”

“If that’s the case then maybe you consider taking me up on my offer for dinner tomorrow night.”

“While I appreciate everything you’ve done tonight, I’m going to have to pass I’m going to be a little busy over the next few weeks. While I’m getting things prepared for the rest of July.”

“That’s too bad well then I guess we’ll have to get together another time.”

“Sounds like a plan,” I say returning my attention to the announcer.

“The final program when want to recognize tonight is a notable newcomer United Foster Care Program. This program has received the largest amount in donations for the evening with a total of one point five million dollars in donations tonight. Congratulations to program directors and staff on doing such an amazing job. This program is headed by Ms. Tara Holmes and Evet Morrison please give them a round of applause. Will the program directors please meet the staff to collect the funds and take a photo with the committee directors.”

I nearly fall over after hearing the total we managed to raise that was enough to help us extend the program and even higher more staff and by more equipment to extend the program just as we intended. 

“Well, it looks like congratulations are in order Ms. Holmes with that much funding I assume you’ll be able to free up some more time sooner than you thought seeing as you’ll be able to hire more staff now.”

“It looks like it, I’m sure it was thanks to all your support tonight thank you for that.”

“No need to thank me Tara as I said it was my pleasure to help, I really do admire everything you’ve done with the program and look forward to seeing what you do now that you have more financial backing.” He says smirking at me seductively and it sent a signal straight to my clit. 

I had to get away from this man I don’t know what James meant about his family but after seeing him in action tonight it was clear that this man was no joke.

“Well, I can’t wait to put it to good use and show all of our supporters like yourself how much we plan to make a difference for the kids of Illinois. Thank you again Mr. Berlusconi I have to go you have a great rest of your evening.” I say quickly dismissing myself heading over to meet Evet to take the charity photo and collect the check for the funding for the program.

After about fifteen minutes of posing for photos and another fifteen to sign off on paperwork for the donation, Evet and I collected the check and left. I was tired as hell and desperate to get home and out of this dress, so she offered to run it by the office and place it in the safe. I drive home in silence still high off the success of gaining so much financial support for the program. Everything was finally coming together we could now afford to hire more to start a new house for Lourdes’ place it was amazing. On average we had only been able to raise twenty thousand at the most, but we had earned over a million dollars this was unbelievable our dreams were finally coming true. I think to myself as I turn onto the street leading toward the south side and am stopped by three cop cars blocking the road.  An officer walks around to the driver's side of my car I roll down my window and spot a car off to the side of the road smashed against head-on into a building as smoke starts to rise from the hood. 

“Is something wrong officer?” I ask as he reaches me.

“Sorry, ma’am we have an accident up ahead.”

“Omg, what happened?”

“It looks like an elderly couple lost control of their vehicle and crashed headfirst into one of the buildings we’re trying to have the fire department cut them out now we won’t be able to let you through this way.”

“My house is down this street should I just pull off to the side and wait?”

“I would advise you back up and park further down the road we want to keep the street clear for everyone’s safety”

Ok, I say as I watch the several firemen climb from the truck carrying the jaws of death over to the tiny car. Something about it looked oddly familiar as I watched the firemen fight to quickly cut open the hood and pull the couple free. Then my heart starts pounding in my chest as I realize why the car was familiar it was Stella’s car.

I hop out of the car and try to run toward the crash, but I’m blocked by the officer.

“Ma’am you need to get back in the car.”

“I know them to let me go, I know them,” I scream as the officer holds me backstopping me from running. The sound of my screams devastated screams the last thing I remember as I watch the firemen pull the stiff bloody bruised bodies of my mentors and colleagues from the wreck as the EMT tries desperately to administer first aid to Stella meanwhile James is laid on a stretcher and a white sheet placed on top of him.