CHAPTER 72: SEE YOU AGAIN

Sonia, with a big bowl in one hand, and a key in the other hand, turned the corner that led to the room of whispers.

She had almost closed in on the door when Elio, who was on his way to answer Luciano’s summon, spotted her.

His forehead creased as his eyes squinted to see if it was actually seeing what it was seeing.

When he truly confirmed Sonia had stopped in front of the one room no one ever really went into, he crept up on her.

Boo!

He made a scary sound just as the door handle turned.

Sonia jolted, and let out a little scream. The bowl she was holding and the contents in it, almost slipped out of her hand.

She whipped her head behind, thinking it was one of the other servants playing a stupid prank on her.

When she saw Elio, she froze.

"I’m sorry Sonia. I didn’t mean to scare you. I was just wondering why you are walking into this room," he said apologetically.

She blinked multiple times as a distraction so she could come up with an excuse.

"Sonia?"

"No—"

Before she could get all of the words out, he pushed the door open.

Valentina who had jumped out of the bed the second she heard voices, made to dash towards the door but paused on seeing Elio staring directly at her.

His eyes widened as it fully registered in his brain that Valentina was not only out of lanotte, she was in the room of whispers.

"Cristo!" He swore under his breath, as his feet carried him towards her with determination.

"Elio!" She beamed.

He arrived within her, and pulled her in for a big hug.

Sonia walked into the room swiftly, and shut the door behind her before more people could discover what was going on.

"I can’t believe it!" He said, picking her up from ground up and spinning her around like she weighed nothing.

Valentina laughed freely. It was perhaps one of the most genuine reactions she had given in a while.

However when he finally placed her feet on the ground, but still held her, something clicked in her head.

Over his shoulders, she sought Sonia with her gaze.

Thankfully, the girl was looking directly at her.

"The phone?" She mouthed.

Sonia shook her head, and she sighed in relief.

As much as she adored Elio, she knew he would not support her being given a phone to make a call.

They separated, but Elio still couldn’t let go of her hand.

"H–how is this even possible? How did you get out without me knowing?"

"I know right? We have so much to catch up on. I’m so happy to see you."

"Oh you have no idea how happy I am," he said, but then he frowned.

"What’s wrong?"

"I have to go answer Luce’s call. Does he know you’re out? I don’t want to slip up."

"That bastard does," the happy smile completely left her face. "He locked me in the room, without telling me if Natalia is okay. Please tell me my sister is okay. He mentioned her allergy to peanuts. How does he know? Did something happen?"

In a swift shift, she went from happy to desperately yearning for a relieving news.

"Val, Natty is fine I promise you. Yes she did have a reaction, but the doctor handled it and she’s very fine now."

Valentina breathed out. "Thank God, and the doctor, and everyone that helped her."

He smiled. "That includes Luce, because he pays the doctors bills."

Her face clamped into a frown again. "I’ll refund his money so I don’t owe him any debt," she said maliciously.

Elio didn’t respond. Both sides had every right to feel the way they did, and their feelings were both valid.

"Alright, I’ll see you soon. In fact, I’m coming back the second I’m free from Luce, okay?"

"Okay!" She bobbed her head.

He let go, and turned towards the door.

"Sorry once more, Sonia," he said as she walked out of the room and shut the door behind him.

Sonia released the breath she was holding, and drew closer to Valentina.

"What is he apologising for?" Valentina questioned.

"No important. I no bring phone now because eyes on me."

"Really? Who is watching you? Do they suspect something?"

"Not carpo. I no explain now but later. Here, I bring you food."

Valentina stared at the bowl in her hand with two boxes wrapped up in a paper bag.

"Thanks," she accepted the bowl. "And Sonia?" She called her before she could reach the door. "If bringing me the phone will put you in danger, don’t bother about it. Truly. I don’t want any harm to come to you."

Sonia smiled. "No, I promise. I bring the phone. Eat everything, drink water from fridge I show you."

"I will," she smiled affectionately, and Sonia walked out of the room.

Valentina’s eyes glanced one more time at the door, before she moved back to the bed.

She swiftly uncovered the paper bag. The first box she opened contained chicken with different sauces. And the second box contained hot, steamy, fried rice.

She sniffed into each food, and it took her back to the States.

This wasn’t homemade food. It was store bought, making her wonder if they had an extension of her favourite finger food stops in the States, here in Italy.

"Well Val, it’s time to eat."

She took a deep breath, and picked a piece of chicken.

One bite into it, she inhaled sharply as she savored the taste.

It was so good, she didn’t stop chewing until she had eaten every last bit of the food.

****

Elio walked into Luciano’s office to meet Daniela storming out.

"What is her problem?" He asked as Daniela slammed the door.

"She wants to know why I’m being friendly with Sonia."

"Wait, what?! Does she think you’re–" his nose wrinkled as he made a disgusted sound. "That’s fucking paranoia of the highest level!"

"Sit down, agnello. Leave Daniela to her baseless imaginations. We have to discuss opening the club tomorrow."

"Finally!" He dropped to the seat that was still warm which made him believe Daniela had sat there.

"You and your fellow peanut brain cell friend, Marcello, are in charge of PR."

"We don’t even need to do PR," Elio brushed the insult aside. "Everyone has been asking when club Neravalle will open again. Should we do something like a themed party?"

He eyed him through a curious lens. "What are you thinking?"

"Something futuristic, featuring lots of glitter, neon, alien sounds, glasses, things like that." He gestured with his hand, as he envisioned it in his head.

"I don’t care if you decide to make the theme hell. As long as it draws more people in, blends in people, and makes us some money."

"You know it will, Luce. Trust me, it will."

"Good." Luciano rose to his feet.

"But wait, why do you want people to blend in? You mentioned that for a specific reason right?"

"Good to see you’re paying close attention," he replied as he arranged the documents on the table, ready to call it a night.

"Tell me Luce." he rose to his feet, following Luciano to the door.

"Chris is coming," he said, and before Elio could react, he walked out of the room.