“Well, how bad could it be if you get to go to the CFP dinner and you're just the assistant,” Enzo chirps in, and this time it's my turn to stiffen. “You’d think after all the story's circulating in the media, Ambrose wouldn't have been foolish enough to take another new girl out in public.” Enzo continues.
“But imagine the headlines if he showed up alone,” Adriano pipes up.
“The media would've told the story in a negative light either way,” Ambrose grumbles out.
Food starts arriving and everyone starts indulging silently, but tension still lingers around the table.
“Is Diego okay with the headlines telling the tale of Ambrose Vitale’s new woman of the hour?” Enzo continues, and I struggle to swallow the previously delicious piece of salmon.
“I mean, they're not exactly headlines that spark confidence in stakeholders.”
I look up and see all eyes on Ambrose. Augustus even has a glint of humour in his eyes as he watches the entire ordeal.
“I mean, does the media ever tell the entire story?” I speak up.
“And what is the entire story?” Antonio asks now.
“Nothing. The story is nothing. Can we eat in peace?” Adriano diffuses loudly from the other end of the table.
Ambrose drops his fork onto his plate and reaches for the napkin on his lap, before he can retrieve it, my hand shoots out to grab his and begins rubbing circles onto it. He continues his previous intentions with only one hand while leaving the other for me to hold onto.
The rest of the dinner continues similarly. Enzo, Antonio and Augustus poking fun at Ambrose for what's going on in the media, while Adriano and I try to diffuse the situation, even though I’m convinced he’s doing all the heavy lifting. I don't miss the way Ambrose clenches my hand whenever someone mentions something that especially pisses him off.
Gianna and Luca have all but left the table completely. They've been engrossed in their conversations the entire time, only looking up when one of their names is mentioned.
It’s as if everyone can’t leave the table fast enough when dinner ends, everyone except Ambrose, who sits planted in his seat.
Gianna manages to catch me and holds me back while everyone else leaves. Even Antonio offers me an apologetic smile, before making a beeline for the main house.
“Val, Ambrose tells me you're the reason Vitale Holdings may have some new investors,” Gianna says, my eyes drift to Ambrose, but it’s clear he's not paying attention in the slightest.
“He did?” The shocked expression on my face must look incredibly worrisome because Gianna merely nods and looks at me as if I'm an idiot for believing Ambrose can’t say anything nice.
With that, he pushes his chair back abruptly and walks towards the other end of the patio. “It’s hard to believe Ambrose willingly gave me credit for something like that,” I admit when I think he’s out of earshot.
“Why? I think my son is many things, but he’s always been straightforward. A little too honest sometimes, but honest nonetheless.”
“You’re right about that,” I say, and we both chuckle lightly.
“So, Val, are you seeing anyone?” she asks me, and I cringe at the question. It reminds me of when I was younger and my mamá would ask me the same question whenever she saw me speaking to a boy. “Sorry if it’s a bit forward, I can see all the stories the media is spinning, so I was wondering.”
Ambrose’s movements from the other end of the patio stop briefly. “No, I’m not actually,” I chuckle at her concern.
“Okay. I was concerned that all of this attention in the media may cause some issues,” she offers me a smile. “Just remember you don’t have to go through with anything in the public that you aren’t okay with.”
Oh, they are causing issues just not in the way she thinks.
Ambrose walks off towards the pool, and Gianna’s words settle with some sort of double meaning. On one hand, it seems like genuine concern for what would be best for me and on another, it almost sounds as if she’s referring to Ambrose’s reputation with the media.
“Well, I won’t keep you behind any longer, I just wanted to say thank you for your help with the investor. I know Ambrose has been having a hard time taking over since Luciano passed away.”
“Enzo and the other boys don't exactly make it easy for him,” I defend.
“They have a complicated relationship, much like Luciano and Enzo's father,” she shrugs.
I suppose all families have their drama and disagreements, but something about the way Enzo and Ambrose bicker makes me think there might be more to it.
“Thank you again, Val,” Gianna says again, reaching to grab my hand.