Chapter 29: Family and Cats.

Giovanni.

I was supposed to be working. I was supposed to be indulging in my work but I couldn't stop my eyes from gluing to the screen watching Kiki's movement with Judy.

I started when Judy started to introduce her to some of the staff. I didn't miss the snide remarks they passed her, the glares and demeaning looks. I wasn't bothered because I knew she could handle it.

What the hell is your problem?” Judy asked pulling at her arm which she flung away from hers. They had just left the first department. And from their tone, they were both pissed at each other.

“And what is your problem? I used to be a sales associate, so?” Kiki demanded. “ You know, if I tell the boss this, it won't end well for you.” She pursed my lips to act cutely. I smiled thinking of how well she had developed this attitude for me.

Judy hissed, sounding pissed as she stomped her feet on the floor. “Don't you dare threaten me?” She told her, wagging a finger at her. I smiled knowing Judy couldn't handle her.

“It's not a threat baby girl. I meant every word so stop taking it as a threat. It's a fucking promise.” She deadpanned.

Judy looked pissed off, maybe even furious but Kiki didn't cat bothered. After that, they just went ahead to the other departments to get introduced.

“So, the big boss, Giovanni doesn't like a lot of things.” Judy started when they got back to her office. The scowl was still on her face though.

“I'm sure Matteo must have told you.” I wasn't surprised at how confident she looked calling us by names.

“Excuse me, aren't they your boss? What right do you have to address them that way?” Kiki asked suddenly pissed.

Judy smiled and leaned back on her chair, swirling it around with a triumphant look on her face. It was like she had been waiting for this moment.

“I'm Judy.” She began, smiling widely. “I have many privileges with the bosses. One you will never have. Don't think because the big boss asked you to work for him on the top floor, you are open to such privileges. No, dear. In everyone's mind, you will always be a sales associate and nothing more.” She finished nodding her head like she just won a lottery. I found myself shaking my head at her.

“So, suddenly, having those privileges is an accomplishment?” Kiki tsked. “Wow Judy, you have certainly shown me how well you reason.” She added and hissed.

Judy opened her mouth to say something, and that smile wiped off her face. “Can we just get to what the boss like and dislikes, please? That is what you are supposed to be telling me, not this crap.” Kiki snapped, interrupting her.

Furious, Judy gulped trying to even her breath.

“Giovanni doesn't like tardiness, dirtiness. He always wants his staff to be right on time to work.” She started, keeping her voice in control.

“He prefers his coffee hot. A steaming hot cup of espresso. He hates bugs and any insect at all. The big boss doesn't like an enclosed environment such as wardrobes, closets, and places like that. He likes hardworking staff too. He doesn't enjoy being...”

I stopped watching her words. I hated being in an enclosed area. I hated it. It made me short of breath, wheezing, and gasping for air. This would never have happened if I hadn't been locked up many times in my childhood.

FLASHBACK

“I'm still going to tell dad what I saw you doing. You can't threaten me.” Little Giovanni snapped at his elder brother Gastone. He wanted to rat him out for being the one that broke their father's favorite glass.

“You are not going to do that. I won't let you.” Gastone retorted, taking meaningful steps toward him.

Little Giovanni let out a cry when Gastone pulled at his hair. He managed to release his grip from his elder brother's hold, his cat jumping from his hands.

“Watch me.” He maintained his stance before running off after the cat. Gastone growled and took off in the opposite direction.

Giovanni got hold of his cat, rubbing its fur. The cat pursed on his lap and he smiled. “I won't let Gastone get to me, okay?” He whispered to the cat. The cat meowed and he smiled petting its fur.

“Young master,” A maid walked into his room. He looked at her nodding.

“Sir Leo calls for you.” She told him. Giovanni nodded even though he couldn't help but wonder why. He gently placed his cat on his bed before following the maid to where his father was.

“Good day, father.” Giovanni greeted as he walked into his father's chambers. His eyes met that of Gaston who gave him a cynical smile. He gulped wondering what he had done.

“Gaston just told me what you said to him, Giovanni.” His father began, disregarding his greetings.

“Why would you say such a thing to your brother? I have always told you that family will always come first, haven't I?” He asked, his voice audacious. Giovanni shivered a little at his tone, knowing fully well that Gaston had beat him to the game.

“No, father.” He began, suddenly sweaty. “You have always taught us to pick family over anything.” He muttered.

“Why then have you defiled my orders, Giovanni? Why would you tell your brother to go away when he wanted to spend time with you over a cat?” His father asked. Giovanni gasped, alarmed. Gaston would never do that. Gaston who had always bullied him would never be asked that he played with him.

“Father, I didn't...” He started to say when his father hit his throne.

“Don't you dare speak when I'm not done talking, Giovanni!” He yelled and Giovanni flinched.

“For your punishment, you are going to bring that cat to me and kill it before me with your own hands.” He ordered.

Giovanni started to cry shaking his head. “But father, I didn't do it.” He cried.

“If he won't kill the cat, lock him up in his closet until he is ready to do so. That would teach him never to choose anything over family.” His father ordered and he pulled away. Hot tears burned his eyes as he was locked up in the closet alone.

For days he wept, crying in the bleakness. He was without food and nothing. Until he agreed to kill his precious cat.