24. Fake smiles and Bitches.

GIOVANNI.

*Flashback*

I was standing in this boring hall, faking smiles and laughter, putting my own opinion into discussions that didn't interest me. That was the thing about events like this. They were always boring. You get introduced to various associates. Most of them, you've never met before. And then they try to drag you into their conversations, asking for your opinion and plans.

It just wasn't my thing.

But still, here I was. I sighed, rubbing my temple as Matteo walked over to me. “Bro,” He smiled knowing how much I hated this.

I just groaned. He smiled and gave me a teasing punch. “It's hard starting up in a new place,” I told him. He nodded, agreeing with me.

“That's true. Like how I've been eyeing that pumpkin for a while now yet she wouldn't even catch my eye.” He said pointing at a lady, going around her job waitressing. She was dressed very simple yet still eye-catching.

“You see, even you agree that she is a pumpkin.” He mumbled licking his lips.

“Matteo, please. We only just arrived.” I reminded him trying to act stern.

“The more reason why I need a lady to warm bed.” He grinned. I groaned inwardly.

“Do you need a drink?” A waitress asked, stopping before us. I stared at her, with beautiful hair, and talked but with heavy makeup. Makeup was just not that great to me. Especially if they were this heavy, making it difficult to recognize the person with ease, but if women wanted it, it's their choice, of course.

I took a glass of whatever was served from her tray but she didn't leave. She stood there, occasionally winking at her, her expression flirtatious. I looked away, irritated.

“Hey, " Matteo suddenly called her, his eyes fixed on her exposed cleavages.

“Yes,” She drew in a slurry tone.

“That lady,” Matteo pointed at the lady from earlier. “I have seen you speak to her, is she your friend?” He asked. I gulped my drink.

“Friend?” She asked looking back at the lady like she was irritated. Her mouth drew up in disgust. “She is just a co-worker. ”She added.

Then, she blinked her lashes rapidly, pushing her exposed cleavages forward. “Do you need help with something?”

“Someone to warm my bed.” Matteo's response was instantaneous.

“Oh?” She smiled. “That's my forte.” She winked at him. Then, she took a step closer to him, pushing her breast in his face. “Leave the old hag alone. She ain't good in bed. She doesn't even have sex. Come for me. I'm available and enjoyable.” She winked at him again. Then, she pointed to her exposed cleavages. “It's all yours.” She flirted.

Matteo smirked taking a good look at her but I knew from his expression that he didn't want her.

“Can you get her for me?” He asked her.

She took a step back, scoffing. “I told you, she doesn't do things like this. She doesn't need money, I do. And she's not worth it. What's under her skirt? Mine is way better.” She said sounding a bit annoyed.

I get that she was trying to advertise herself but I didn't like how she was badmouthing her friend.

“She wouldn't even come if I ask her to. She's too arrogant for that.” She added.

“What's your name?” I had to ask. She swirled around to face me, her eyes flickering over me.

“Claire,” She finally answered after giving me a once over, now blinking her lashes at me.

“Get your friend here, Claire,” I said to Matteo. Matteo nodded. She scoffed, annoyed, and walked away. I watched her walk up to the lady, all teeth shining at her as she spoke to her. I shook my head. Wasn't that the same person she badmouthed here?

After a while, she started walking back to us alone, a triumphant look on her face.

“She isn't coming. She asked you to come to her if you want to see her.” She announced. And then after some seconds, she added; “I told you she is proud.” She scoffed.

“I'm available though. And you don't have to come to me.” She winked again.

“Thanks but if she wants me to come to her, I will,” Matteo told her before walking away.

She hissed, annoyed that things didn't go her way. Then, she looked at me and opened her mouth to say something but I walked away from her before she could say anything, leaving her hanging.

*END OF FLASHBACK*

I finished my narration, my eyes intently on her waiting for her to say something. But she didn't. It was like she was too stunned to speak. She just kept staring at me but it was like she wasn't seeing me. Her eyes got darker too.

“How did I not notice this?” She asked alarmed.

“It's probably because she was discreet. Or maybe you trusted her way too much to expect that from her.” I shrugged.

“I can't believe she is a two-faced bitch!” She cussed.

“Shit!” She ran her hand into her hair, her head bent to face her thighs. I got up from the chair and took slow strides towards her.

“Kiki,” I called lowly, placing my hand on her back. The warmth from her body made my cold hands heat up, making my body tingle.

“They have done what they want to. It's time for you to rise above the waters. You can't keep thinking about them. They are not worth it. Going to the club for them too. Alcohol may not solve your problems but neither will water or milk.” I told her.

She looked up at me, staring at me. “That's the most stupid thing I've heard today. Well at least, I know you speak fluent shit now.” She rolled her eyes at me, making me smile.

“What's your name though? I just realized that I don't even know your name. All I know is that you are a Calisto.” She said furrowing her brows at me.

“Giovanni,” I told her grinning. We were close now and the warmth...

I stopped myself before I go deep into that sense. The last thing I wanted was to have a hard-on.

“You know, if you're still up for the job, the slot is open. All you need to do is to appear for the interview. It will be a chance for you to start all over again.” I offered her.

“So, what do you say?”