you'll never love yourself
half as much as i love you
____
VALENTINA
____
It had been a few days since the shooting. I haven't had the guts to leave the house, I guess I'm...scared. And I don't have a stroller, so it's hard to go anywhere with Alejandro right now. Which is why I was scrolling online stores, trying to find a cheap, but good stroller.
Alejandro was napping in his crib right now, and the baby monitor next to me gave me the comfort I needed. He is the most important person in my life, and I would rather die than lose him.
My thoughts were interrupted as the doorbell rang.
"Just a second!" I half-yelled, scared to wake up Alejandro. I set down my laptop, wrapping my comfy robe around my body and made my way to the door. I checked through the peephole and saw no one. Odd.
I opened the door, the chained lock still securing it, so no one could force their way in. I gasped at what I saw.
A new, big, stroller. There was a bouquet of flowers in it, and multiple paper bags filled with clothes and groceries around it. Who...
Enzo. He was the only person who knew I left my stroller behind.
How would he even have known where I live?
After checking my cameras and windows, making sure no one was hiding near the door to attack me, I opened the door fully, admiring all the stuff there. I looked at the gorgeous, big bouquet of flowers, and saw a note tied to it. I carefully removed it, opened it and read it.
I hope these are good enough, the mall is still closed due to investigation, so I had to shop elsewhere. I also didn't know your sons clothing size, so I bought a few different sizes.
There's also groceries, and like...child stuff. I was unsure of his diaper size too so; I got a few different ones.
If you need anything more, remember, you have my number.
Love, E.
He...he bought all this?
I could feel tears threatening to spill. This was probably enough food for two weeks. There are so many clothes of different sizes...for even the next few summers.
I quickly moved everything inside, now basically sobbing with joy. I don't even know what to say.
Why me? Why would he spend this money on a stranger?
As soon as I got inside, I pulled out my phone and searched for his contact, which wasn't hard since I have like, 7 contacts. I glanced at the name he gave himself..."Big Daddy Enzo". Is he... serious? I'm half tempted to block his number now. I rolled my eyes, not bothering with it, and quickly called him.
"This is Bianchi speaking, what is it?" I heard him grunt out.
"Damn, Enzo, if I knew you were gonna be this rude, I wouldn't have called." I said playfully, wiping my tears.
"Valentina," he said in realization, "forgive me, I did not realize it was you."
"It's okay, I was just joking with you. I actually called for a reason." I spoke, walking around the kitchen, keeping my eye on the baby monitor.
"Hmm, and what is this reason, Valentina?" he said into the phone, I could practically hear his smirk.
"Let's see...I opened my door to see a gorgeous stroller and enough groceries to last for weeks. You big, beautiful man, what is wrong with you?" I said in one breath.
"A thank you would be nice." he chuckled.
"I'm very thankful. So thankful that I cried. How did you get my address?" I asked, while carrying the bags into the kitchen.
"I have my ways, bella." he said, sounding amused. I didn't even realize till now, that he's definitely not American. He has a foreign accent. (beautiful)
"Where are you from? I only realized now that you have an accent. And what do you mean by 'I have my ways'?" I asked, placing some of the groceries into my pretty empty fridge.
"I'm Italian. And don't worry about it, Valentina." he said, as I heard shuffling in the background.
"Are you busy? Did I call at a bad time?" I asked, shutting the fridge door.
"I'm just at work, nothing too hectic." he answered, before speaking in his native language to someone.
"Oh, okay. I just wanted to call and say thank you, this really helped me. I appreciate it." I smiled, sitting down on the couch.
"Of course, it's the least I could do. Could...could I maybe see you today?" he asked hesitantly.
My heart fluttered a little at that. "You want to see me..?" I asked, brows furrowed.
"Yes, I want to see you." he chuckled.
"I suppose that would be fine. Where do you want to meet?" I asked.
"I could go for some lunch. Is there any lunch places near you?" he answered.
I thought for a second, before answering, "Yeah, there's a place called Daily Delight near where I live, we could eat there?"
"That's perfect, I'll start driving there now, meet me there?" he asked, and I heard him getting up.
"I'll have to get Alejandro changed and ready, I'll be there in, let's say 30 minutes?" I answered, already getting up. Alejandro had been napping for a while already, so it would be good for him to wake up now.
"That sounds good, I'll see you there, bella." he said, shutting the phone.
I set my phone down, making my way to my room, to wake Alejandro up.
I'm glad I showered in the morning, as I gave Alejandro a bath. I hate going out and feeling dirty. I decided to get myself ready first, before waking him up. It was really warm outside, so I decided on wearing a summer dress.
I brushed my hair, setting it in a low bun, with some strands framing my face. I decided on some minimal makeup, filled in my brows a little, added mascara and lip-gloss.
Making sure my maternity bag and my own bag were packed and secured in my new stroller, I finally went to wake up Alejandro.
"Hi, my baby. We're going out! You got a brand-new stroller." I said softly, lifting him from his crib.
He whined a little, before grasping onto my face as I gave him kisses. I was very torn between if I want Alejandro to learn english or spanish, so I'm making english a priority now, and when he's a bit older I'll teach him some spanish as well.
I took him to the changing table, changed his diapers before dressing him in some of the new clothes he got.
"Are you ready to go, mi vida?" I smiled at him, picking him up. (my life)
I went to the living room, strapped him into the stroller, which was much bigger and more...modern than the one I previously had. The bottom had much more room for bags, the wheels at the front turned, how luxurious is that?
I grabbed a water bottle from the fridge, made sure I had my wallet, phone and keys, set them in my bag that was already in the stroller, and made my way out. Not before grabbing my sunglasses though, it's very sunny.
I breathed in relief as I was hit with the warm, fresh air. I love being outside. I don't have the biggest yard, but once Alejandro is bigger, I'm planning on getting a tiny trampoline and a slide, and some yard toys. I waved at Mrs. Rose, who was watering her plants, she gave me a wave back.
I enjoyed the short walk to the diner, that was fairly close to my house. Once we arrived, Enzo was already stood outside, leaning against a very expensive looking car.
"Enzo, hi." I smiled, as we reached him.
"Valentina, it's great to see you. Is the stroller good? We can exchange it for some other one, if you'd like." he said, pocketing his phone.
"No, it's perfect, thank you so much. I'll pay you back as soon as I have enough money, I promise." I said, as we made our way inside the diner.
"No. This was a gift. I expect no money back." he stated sternly, raising his brows slightly, as if daring me to argue back.
I'd find a way to pay him back, I'm sure.
"Valentina! Is that you?" I heard a voice from behind. In fact, the voice of one of my closest friends.
I turned around, "Adriana! Hey!" I gave her a tight hug.
Adriana has been working at this diner for a few years now, we met when I was here, comforting myself with food when my douchebag ex cheated. Ever since then, we became great friends. She's a college student, so between work and college, she barely has any free time.
"I missed you! How are you, and how's the little one?" she asked, smiling.
I glanced at Alejandro, who was happily playing with the toys he had, "We're great, how are you? How's college?"
"Exhausting, honestly. But it's worth it." she smiled.
Adriana was studying to become a doctor, which was super cool in my opinion, the diner job was to help her with school fees and such.
"Is this his..." she trailed off as she looked at Enzo.
"Oh, no, no. This is my friend, Enzo." I smiled, and Enzo nodded in acknowledgment.
Adriana gave me a 'explain later' look, before speaking, "How about you guys take a seat, and someone's going to come and take your order in a sec."
"Thank you, that sounds great." I grinned, before she was called over by a co-worker.
"There's a table there at the end, and there's a good space next to it, where you can set the stroller." Enzo said, pointing to the corner of the diner.
"That's great. Thank you." I smiled.
We made our way over there, as Enzo pulled out my chair for me, while I grabbed Alejandro from the stroller, because he was fussy. I thanked him again, as I sat down.
"So, do you come to this diner often?" Enzo asked.
I nodded, "Fairly often, yeah. It's close to my house and the food is affordable and good."
"Non dovrai mai preoccuparti dei soldi con me." he muttered. (You will never have to worry about money with me.)
"What was that?" I asked.
"Nothing, nothing." he smirked. Weirdo.
I shrugged, flipping through the menu, while Alejandro was laying his head on my shoulder.
"I think I'm gonna have the buttered chicken rice bowl. What about you?" I said, closing the menu.
"I'm going for the beef noodle soup. Would you want us to order any sides?" he asked, glancing at me.
"Their garlic bread is really fucking good." I spoke, my mouth practically watering at the thought.
"Garlic bread it is. What are you going to drink?" he asked.
I thought for a second, "Probably just coke."
He nodded, calling the waiter over.
"Have you guys decided on what you'd like?" the waiter asked, holding a notepad.
"Yes, I'll have the beef noodle soup, with coke as the drink, and for the pretty lady, she'd like the buttered chicken rice bowl, with a coke as well. And then we'd like a side of garlic bread, thank you." Enzo spoke, gathering out menus and handing them to the waiter.
"Thank you, your food will be ready shortly." the waiter answered quickly, scurrying off.
What's got him in a hurry?
I pulled the stroller next to me, as I was sitting in the seat against the wall, so the stroller wouldn't be in anyone's way but mine. After Alejandro had calmed down, I set him into the stroller, gave him his pacifier and made sure he was buckled in, before turning to Enzo.
"So, Enzo..." I trailed off.
He smirked, "So, Valentina..."
"How old are you?" I asked. I wanted to get to know him. He seemed like a good guy, and I wouldn't mind having more people in my life, but before I let him into my life, or Alejandros, I need to know him better.
"I'm 28. How old are you?" he asked. Damn, he does not look 28.
"I'm 22. I actually turned 22 a few days before Alejandro was born." I chuckled.
"Oh, really? That's nice." he hummed, leaning his elbows on the table. He was dressed in dark black jeans and a black, tight t-shirt. That definitely showed off his large muscles and hot tattoos.
"Where do you work?" I asked.
"I own a few clubs." he answered nonchalantly. My eyes almost bulged out of their sockets. He just casually said he owns a few clubs as if it's no biggie.
"Close your mouth, prima di metterci dentro qualcosa..." he muttered, chuckling lowly. (before I put something in it)
"Sorry what?" I asked. He really needs to stop speaking Italian around me.
"Nothing, bella. Don't you worry." he smiled.
"Tell me about yourself. I'd like to become friends with you, but I can't really let you into my life until I know you're trustworthy." I stated, my eyes glancing down at Alejandro, who happily laid in the stroller.
"Friends, hmm? Alright, my full name is Vincenzo Mattia Bianchi, and by googling me, you'll find out a lot about me. You can do a background check if you will. I've got one sibling, a younger brother, Giovanni, he's 21. My favorite things to do are working out, cooking and talking to a specific beautiful woman." he stated, crossing his arms.
Slow down, cowboy. You barely know me!
Regardless, there was a blush on my cheeks that was caused by the last part of his little introduction, "Well, that helps a little. Do you live alone?"
"No. I share an apartment with some of my closest friends, that I trust the most. I have another apartment, in a different location, incase I'm working late in that part of town." he answered honestly.
I nodded, "That's cool."
We were interrupted, as the food and drinks were brought out.
"Enjoy. Let me know if you need anything else." the waiter said shakily. Is he okay?
We both said our thank you's, before immediately digging in. I was starving.
I almost moaned at the amazing taste of the buttered chicken. I don't know if me being hungry made it taste even better, but this was definitely a new favorite.
Suddenly, Alejandro spit out his pacifier and started crying. I set down my fork, and immediately picked him up, hushing him and hugging him.
"I think he's hungry." I glanced to see, if there was a bathroom nearby. There was, but it had a huge line. Oh, come on.
"Do you mind if I feed him here..? I'll have a thin blanket covering; you don't have to see anything. But if you're uncomfortable with it I can move." I spoke.
He shook his head, "No, no, feed him, please. Never think you're making me uncomfortable by feeding your child, please."
I've had a few incidents where people have attacked me for feeding Alejandro in public, I just felt like I had to make sure.
"Thank you." I smiled, as I covered my chest, and Alejandro with the thin blanket, and I started feeding him.
"Has it happened before? I mean, have people got upset at you for breastfeeding him?" he asked, taking a sip of his coke.
I nodded, "A few times. I've had people basically yell at me, for feeding him. I've always been covered as well."
"That's unfair, I'm sorry." he said sadly.
"It's alright, some people are just very close-minded. I mean...a baby's got to eat, you know?" I said, shoving a forkful of food in my mouth.
Soon enough, we were done eating and were waiting for the bill. Once it was set on the table, I was digging out my wallet, with Alejandro still in my arms.
When I finally pulled the money out, Enzo had already paid. For everything.
"I could've paid for myself," I said, "But thank you. I appreciate you."
He smiled, "Let's go."
I quickly set Alejandro back in his stroller, made sure I had everything with me, before following Enzo out of the diner, waving goodbye to Adriana as we did so.
As we stepped outside, Enzo spoke up, "Do you trust me enough to agree to meet my friends?"
I looked at him, pondering on it for a while, "Sure, if we meet them in a public place."
He nodded, "That's fine with me. They're all free tomorrow, and it's pretty hot so maybe we could go to the beach?" he suggested.
"That's fine. I've been wanting to take Alejandro swimming, actually." I smiled.
"Great. I'll text you, for details about tomorrow, of course." he smirked, unlocking his car.
"Sounds great. See you tomorrow." I smiled at him, as I began walking home.
Maybe this will bloom into a great friendship.
____
TO BE CONTINUED...