Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Cleo 

There are days when you know what's going on. How everything is going to go , what to do , when to do it, what's going to happen and more importantly how will your day end. 

When I woke up this morning I knew my day was going to be hectic . I'd get to work and make sure Ruth had everything sorted out , including her diary, brunch since I know she strolls in at noon and leaves four hours later, and reminders. The only time she comes in and leaves at normal times is when we have meetings or department review days . I normally bring her up to speed with what's going on and What she needs to do and where she needs to be. In actual fact I do her job for her. I also come in on weekends to back up some of the stuff she doesn't do. I woke up this morning doing what needed to be done .

I didn't care much about Angelo coming to the department and besides Ruth knew something was up with me and the boss's son she didn't want me around , mainly cause she saw me as a threat to her chances of getting Angelo to notice her . Why didn't I leave cuddles in the elevator maybe I wouldn't have met Gio and I'd have succeeded in ducking Angelo. I was slowly coming back to life , I knew it cause my head felt heavy and my body hurt . I opened my eyes and the first thing I noticed was a waffle knit patch pocket black Armani blazer and a blue crew neck shirt by my side. I knew I wasn't home because the sheets were black and the comforter I was in was White. Then I heard him ...

"Papa I said 911 not Colai . She looks like sleeping beauty. I finished setting the table ." 

I heard a familiar song coming from somewhere in the room . Kings of Leon - Radioactive. It was cut by the dude in the blazer. 

"This is Cleo's phone. "

"Papa that's wrong the phone doesn't belong to you. Stealing" 

"Nicolai take Gio to the table I will be there in five minutes with Cleo . She's awake . Ruth you've called Cleo for the tenth time and it's after business hours." 

My eyes were wide open and I locked eyes with a really annoyed Angelo. Whispering to him I didn't have the energy to pull a mean face .

"Give me my phone ."

He shook his head and continued speaking.

"Ruth I'm in a meeting with Cleo . Yes at seven in the evening. She just stepped out and I saw your name on the screen. I'm her employer too. I don't want to argue with you. Don't you dare. I will speak to you tomorrow. Good evening Miss Locket. "

While Angelo was on my phone I had slipped out of bed and into my work sneakers. I was still wearing my dress shirt and slacks. I didn't sleep with my new boss , victory dance but he has my phone so victory short lived. I walked to where he was.

" Massa my phone now."

I stretched out my palm and he pulled me in for a hug. When I pulled back he gently kissed me and I kissed him back slow and sweet but I pulled back .

"Cleopatra you scared me half to death."

I hugged him back and let go.

My head had a band aid on it;I could feel it when I put my face in my palms .

" Thank God I didn't kill the other half of you or you'd be a dead man walking."

" You fell and bumped your head. I brought you here to avoid hospital red tape. When was the last time you had a proper home cooked meal?"

I sat back on the bed and he sat next to me .

"Sunday when I had seven colors."

"Seven colors ? "

"Yes Michelangelo and we have jelly and custard so maybe eight."

"I made dinner and my father told me Giovanni invited you and he decided to cancel on me. I can't wait to have seven colors with you."

"I don't want to keep Gio waiting. He has your eyes and smile... You're moving to fast."

I slid off the bed feeling a bit dizzy I almost fell back but Angelo caught me .

"Take it easy." 

"I'm fine."

" you're stubborn."

Angelo looked at me and smiled .

"What ? "

" I love your hair like that . The braids hid your eyes...Bamby"

" Oh so now you're going to call me dear."

"Yes dear. Let's go to dinner."

Right on cue Gio ran in with Nicolai behind him. I didn't trust Nicolai. However Gio did and he was finicky . So maybe he deserves a chance.

"Cleo you're awake. " 

Gio stretched out his hands and hugged my leg. I bent down and gave him a proper hug .

"Hey angel. I am awake. " 

"Colai fixed you and put a band aid on you. Papa likes you he never brought anyone up here before. I made meatball sub's and I wanted to stay with you and papa."

"I can't see why you can't." 

"Bed time. "

"We can ask your papa if..."

Nicolai looked at Angelo and gave him a pleading look but Angelo shook his head. Something had changed . 

"Champ say good night to Cleopatra."

I lifted Gio up and he gave me a hug and he held on to my neck not wanting to go.

"Papa I just said hi again. No I like her . "

"Giovanni. "

Angelo spoke in a tender but firm manner but his son shook his head and tightened his grip.

"No papa. Cleo isn't like your other girlfriends . She's cool. I don't want to go to bed . I don't have school tomorrow."

Angelo walked towards Gio and gently pulled Gio away reluctantly he let go.

"Giovanni I'm not asking you again."

Giovanni started crying in turn making me sad . 

"Bye Cleo. Hope to see you again." 

" Good boy. No say goodnight to Nicolai."

"Night Colai . Papa why are you being mean ."

Angelo made his way out and Gio waved goodbye . I waved back and spotted my coat and bag. I reached for my phone on the nightstand and called an über wore my coat and slid my bag on my shoulder. Nicolai stood still and said nothing.

I saw this as chance to thank him.

"Nicolai ."

"Cleo."

"Thank you." 

" No need . Gio loves you and he told me what you did and boss is falling for you. I haven't seen him like this in a while."

I made my way out and Nicolai followed me .Making a stop at the kitchen to get a container. 

"If Angelo gives you flack tell him I'm mad at him I'm disappointed in him. Gio doesn't have school tomorrow."

Handing me the lunch tin he half smiled and nodded.

"Please enjoy the meal and I hope to see you again. Giovanni would be mad at me too if I didn't give you what he made. What you heard at the tunnels the other day was not what you thought ." 

I punched in the code and the lift opened. I was surprised Nicolai wasn't as intimidating as before. Something must have changed too... 

" Goodbye Nicolai and thank you."

The elevator closed and I walked out to for find my ride home waiting outside. As soon as I got inside the cab I took a deep breath laid my head against the window and took in the city views, and lights while I was driven home. My phone vibrated in my coat and Ruth's name flashed across the screen.

" Evening Miss Locket. "

"Cleo. What the hell are you doing with Mr Massa after hours?"

"Work ."

"liar."

"Is there anything you need?"

"No. The only thing I need is for you to pack your desk first thing tomorrow morning and leave ."

"You can't fire me I just signed a contract the other day."

"I will pay you out and if you think HR will be on your side... Think again . I will tell them that you're banging the boss. "

"That is not true . Ruth why are you doing this ? I've been nothing but loyal to you. I didn't sleep with Angelo . I was only invited for dinner by Giovanni and Mr Massa was there . I couldn't say no to him . He's an Angel. "

"I want you out Cleopatra. Blake will take over from you tomorrow . Good bye."

Ruth hung up and my head started to throb again. The cab driver pulled over just outside my complex and he sped off . I slowly walked up the stairs fished out my keys from my bag, entered the main gate and made it to my apartment . I unlocked the door, put my bag down, shrugged my coat off and closed the door . I went directly to the bathroom took panado and ran a bubble bath . I was out an hour later in my panda PJ's .I crawled into bed wishing today hadn't happened but it did.

I woke up this morning knowing that I was going to work and now I'm going to bed fired ;and my now ex employer has a problem scratch that, problems with me because the boss's son likes me. To be fair I didn't know he was thee Massa. I need a friend... Brendan ... I reached for my phone and dialed Brendan's number and he picked up.

"Hey B ."

"Cleo . Hey what's up ?"

"My life has just gone from normal to messed up "

"When have you ever had a normal life. It's ten in the evening. You sound sad. Do you want me to come over ."

"Yeah I don't feel like being alone .Do you still have the key I gave you?"

" Yes; give me fifteen minuets." 

©  #KCMmuoe