CHIARA
However, nobody prepared us for what happened inside. "What do you mean our seats were mixed? Fix it." Carmelo uttered, in a dangerously low voice. "I'm so sorry but I cannot do anything now since the show is about to begin soon. Please sir, ma'am, go to your respective seats." The agent pleaded with his eyes.
I held Carmelo's hand before he said anything inappropriate. Not that I was happy with the arrangement, but the poor man was just doing his work. And he looked like he was about to lose his mind. He glanced at me with a deep frown. "It's okay," I said. He held my hand, rubbing it gently. "But I want to sit with you tesoro." Ugh, how could I ever recover from his facial expression now? So fucking adorable. "At least we'll be facing each other, go. Viva will eat us alive if we ruin her show." I urged him.
His head hung low. I smiled, pinching the bridge of my nose with my free hand. God, this big baby. Then I tiptoed and kissed him on the cheek. "Now go," I said, retracting my hand from him. He tried so hard to stop himself from smiling and failed miserably, and headed to his seat. I shook my head and went to mine.
The venue was alive with faces of several fashion lovers. Celebrities, models, singers, influencers, journalists, and VIPs just like us, all mingling with each other. We sat on opposite sides of the runway. Only after seeing where Carmelo sat had my eyes wandered around and my smile fell as though it was wiped. My heartbeat rate escalated.
Mama, Marco, Luca and the devil were also seated on the same side as Carmelo, only separated by a few seats. All four of them looked at me with different emotions. But what topped the most was the cold stare from Antonio. He looked like a fuming bull. Ignoring him and his infuriating son, I glanced at my two loves.
My eyes pooled with tears, but I smiled at them. Mama wiped her face while Marco was telling him something and rubbing her back. I wished I could run to them and hug them. Pain enveloped my throat, I blinked my tears. Calm down, they are fine. At least their faces weren't bruised or anything like that. I felt a little ease and comfort in my heart.
Viva's picture, dressed like an icon she was, was displayed on a big screen. Then the lights dimmed, music boomed in the background, and the show began. Models with tall and slender figures cat walked and maneuvered they're way in, showcasing the new summer collection. One thing about Viva, she would always be iconic because she knew how to tame the trends while keeping her usual touch alive in her designs. I just fucking adored her.
"Excuse me." A voice beside me brought me back. I glanced at him. An Asian celebrity or something. I think I saw him somewhere on TV or social media. "Hi, I'm Juan. I'm a very big fan of your art." He said. I smiled at him, "Oh is that so?" I said. "Yes. Although I was very disappointed when I heard about the delay of the exhibition. I was very excited for it. What happened?" he said.
"Oh, please don't be. It was just some misfortune but I can assure you the new date will be released soon." I assured him. "Really?" Excitement danced in his eyes. "Of course, and… there is a little surprise. Prepare to lose your mind, Juan." He chuckled and nodded "I knew if I met you in person I would love you. Can I take a picture with you, please?" He said. "Sure," Then we posed and he took only two professional pictures before we resumed our little chat about my art gallery. Turns out he bought some items from my gallery before, a loyal customer at that. And I treated such people like gold stones.
Suddenly Juan stiffened. I checked him out "Are you alright?" he abruptly turned his back on me and whispered something to the woman on his right. What the hell was wrong with him? I frowned deeply when the two of them switched seats and I couldn't help but scoff. So much for being a softie. This is why I never let people in. I shook my head and returned my attention to the show.
Time for commercials came, then a famous dark skinned singer came out. People cheered with so much enthusiasm. Who wouldn't? The woman was glowing under the lights, she literally owned the walkway, and her voice was a chef kiss. Even I couldn't stop my leg from tapping the floor, following the beat.
Suddenly screams exceeded. I squinted when I saw a tall figure crossing the walkway without a care of the world. My heart drummed, as the man came into view. The singer smartly moved over and rounded him, her hand grazing him. Carmelo held her hand and twirled her around once before letting go of her, resuming his long strides, eyes glued at me. What the fuck was he doing? Was everybody else seeing this? I held my breath in as he stopped before me.
"Get up for me, tesoro," he yelled past the loud music in the background, "What?" I blurted, eyebrows drawn together as I looked around.
Cameras flushed us again, along with glances and fingers pointed from the other side. Some people covered their mouths while staring at us. Oh God, no. What was this man doing? Was he out of his damn mind?
Then I felt my body getting lifted up, his one hand around my back and the other beneath my thighs. I squealed, my arms wrapping around his neck. "What are you—" then he sat on my seat with me on his lap, facing the front nonchalantly.