CHAPTE 42 - THE REQUESTED COLLABORATION

As promised, Nicolo drove her friend home and all throughout the car ride they were discussing about the plan. After half hour drive to the mansion they finally reached the Montini’s residence and when the gate opens, Courtney was able to see her mother from afar sitting at the gazebo.

"Hi Mamà!” Courtney was first to greet her mother who seems to be engrossed reading a book.

"Tesoro (Sweetie)! Nicolo!” Mrs. Montini greeted them both in surprise.

“I missed you!" Mrs. Montini hugged and kissed her daughter.

"I missed you too Mamà." Courtney matched her mother’s gesture.

“Hi Arianna.” Nicolo kissed Mrs. Montini‘s cheek.

“How are you doing and your family?" Her mother switched attention to Nic-Nic.

"I'm okay same with mi famiglia." Nic-Nic aso gave a side hugs.

"Any girlfriend you found in London yet?” Mrs. Montini never stops asking him about that if she only then Nicolo would’ve given her a story.

"I've been busy most of the times so I have no plans of getting a girlfriend." Nic-Nic rolled his eyes secretly.

“I hope Courtney is not holding you or the woman that you would like to date considering your best friend is a woman." Mrs. Montini always tells that to him.

”Absolutely not Arianna, trust me Courtney would love to know I’m dating my - the one.” Nicolo made sure to put an indent to the last two words.

"You're not getting any younger Nicolo, I'm sure Hannah wants to see you in a relationship and later on get married." Arianna insisted.

"Mom is not really bothered that I'm still single it's more of Nathalia, she always bugs me about it." He reacted.

"You need to have a girlfriend otherwise your friend here might scare them away." Mrs. Montini pointed over to her daughter.

"Maybe if the women are radiant as you are I will court them." He purposely complimented my Mom.” He diverted the topic smoothly.

"Such a playboy you are.” Mrs. Montini playfully hit his arm.

“Mamà, let Nic-Nic enjoy his single life and I’m sure once he met his future partner he will tell that to us.” Courtney knew her friend wants to scream for help.

“It’s two against one so I’ll rest my case.” Her mother agreed making Courtney and Nicolo relaxes.

“Anyway how is the orchid yard you started Arianna?” Nicolo is sure that by mentioning flowers Mrs. Montini’s attention will be transferred.

“Hanna was right, they need at least six hours of indirect sunlight and placed them facing east near window in my living room to make sure they received right amount of sunlight to bloom.” Mrs. Montini explained.

“Talking about the right care for that, I bought this fertilizer.” Nicolo handed over plastic bag.

“Thank you figlio; you’re future wife will be happy and lucky to have a sweet and romantic guy as you are.” Mrs. Montini commented.

“Mamà can we talk inside? My head is going to explode in the sunlight.” Courtney had to make an excuse.

“Of course!! Let’s go inside and I’ll make some snacks for us.” Mrs. Montini took her gardening tools with her.

They reached the kitchen backdoor since it’s the easiest access to the house. It is their pantry area wherein it has a nook that they use during afternoon snacks. The cabinets and walls are painted white with some gold accent giving it an elegant and sophisticated look.

“Is Papà around?” Courtney asked while heading inside.

“He has a business meeting in Bellagio so he left early.” Her mother went to the coffee machine.

“I’ll help on that.” Nicolo stood up and reached for the cups.

“Thank you— anyway aren’t you supposed to be back from your out of town the day after tomorrow?" Mrs. Montini saw the date on the calendar beside the coffee machine.

“We had enough of vacation Mamà besides Nic-Nic has an upcoming photoshoot tomorrow and I also need to go back to clinic." Courtney accepted the tea and put some milk on it.

“Let Nathalia handle it, you need to rest specially with your condition. Too much work will give you stress and the baby, please be mindful of that.” Mrs. Montini advised her daughter.

“Actually that's why I'm here Mamà to talk about my condition.” Courtney repeated the words carefully.

“Did you and Ben talk already about it?” Mrs. Montini asked assuming it was the reason they came back from vacation early.

“Not yet Mamà but it’s related to us.” Courtney indirectly said.

“Tell me what is it then tesoro? You’re making me nervous and curious at the same time.” Her mother sat in front of her.

“Well – you see Mamà— Ben and I are not in a relationship.” Courtney started.

“Oh no… you mean the wedding is really cancelled? If you want I can talk to Lily about his son and work this out, he can’t do that to you, you’re pregnant with his child and he needs to be responsible for what he did to you and—” Mrs. Montini was interrupted by Nicolo.

“Arianna, what Courtney meant is they are not in real relationship and there is no wedding because what they had is a fake relationship.” Nicolo elaborated.

“It’s okay its just fake dating…. I’m sorry... what?” Her mother finally realized the words that came out to her mouth.

“You see Mamà…” Courtney began to confess everything that happen that night including the deal she had with Ben.

Mrs. Montini was upset after hearing everything but she accepted her reasons since a part of it was also their fault for pushing their daughter to get married.

“I’m wounded that you lied so much if only you were honest then we could’ve avoided it.” Arianna consoled her crying daughter.

“I was ashamed Mamà and besides Ben didn’t know about my secret admiration to him not until later on when we get to know each other. I’m sorry I lied Mamà I just thought Ben and I were doing the right thing.” Courtney is still sobbing.

“Oh hush tesoro, I understand and I forgive you. You are my only daughter and I will love you no matter what. Stop crying because it’s bad for the baby okay?” Mrs. Montini hugged her.

“Arianna is right Con-Con, stop crying otherwise we will not be able to finish our plan.” Nicolo butts in.

“What plan?” Mrs. Montini has a confused look.

Nicolo started explaining what the plan is and the possible outcome, when Mrs. Montini heard it she was pleased and immediately agreed. After the plan was completed, Nicolo bid goodbye while Courtney decided to stay over with her mother’s request.