Red carpet

IN MEXICO

Roberto’s cars pulled up in Mr. Santiago Rossi, his friend’s elegant villa. The house was fully decorated with beautiful bulbs and balloons, making the house so luminous in the dark of the evening. There were many people around the villa, dressed elegantly for the event. There were also lots of people from the media present. They were taking pictures of those that walked on the red carpet in front of the house.

Bruno parked the car at the back of the numerous cars in the compound, and he rushed to Roberto’s door and opened it with his head bowed. Roberto climbed down his car with great elegance. His tuxedo glittered under the lightning, and his shoes were the center of attraction.

Martina, on the other side of the car, was about to reach for the door when someone opened the door from outside. She looked outside and saw Vincenzo at the door. He offered her a hand, and she smiled widely. She gave him her hand and climbed out of the car.

“I wasn't expecting you to help me get the door,” She said as they walked to the other side where Roberto stood. “I wanted to. Did I make a mistake?” He asked, and she giggled and shook her head.

“No, you didn't. You are a gentleman.” She uttered, and they both giggled. Roberto saw Vincenzo holding her hand, and he grew furious within him. “Let’s go. You are delaying me, girl.” He raised his elbow so she could link her arm with his.

“Are we holding arms?” She asked, and he scoffed. “Don’t leave my arm hanging! I don't have time to waste.” He responded coldly, and she let go of Vincenzo’s hand. She approached him and linked her arms with his.

“Good.” He muttered, and they both proceeded to the red carpet that was laid from the main door. It extended down the few stairs and stopped some centimeters from it.

Vincenzo walked behind them with a bag in his hand. Roberto had told him to carry this bag along with him when they left Southampton. He wasn't sure what was in it, and why it was important at the party.

His eyes couldn't leave Roberto and Martina as they walked up the stairs on the red carpet. There was no doubt that they looked so good together, and this didn't sit so well with him. Martina’s beauty was breathtaking as she walked with him.

Martina tried to keep the smile on her face as the flashlight from the Camera made her nervous. She has never been on a red carpet before. “Give her a peck, Mr. Roberto!” The reporters yelled, and she gulped hard. She looked at Roberto and saw he had a faint smile on his face. She could guess he wasn't in for that, but he had to pretend and this made her want to laugh, but she dared not!

“Peck her, Mr. Roberto!” They yelled again, and she looked at Roberto. He looked at her and gulped hard. He moved his face to her, and Martina’s heart began to thump against her chest. “Is he really going to kiss me?” She thought as she stared at him.

His face got very close to hers, and he planted a kiss on her cheeks. She gulped hard as his Cologne filled her nostrils. “Don’t think too much, this is for the media.” He whispered in her ear before he moved back.

Vincenzo’s eyes widened as the reporters cheered him up for his courage. “I told you something is going on. The media can never force the boss to do what they want. He kissed her because he wanted to. He wants them to know he has a woman now.” Bruno uttered as he stood next to the perplexed Martina.

“I can't still believe that. Maybe it's because he is under pressure.” Vincenzo said, and Bruno scoffed. “You will be sure after this party. Watch out.” Bruno said as he walked into the house from another route. Vincenzo heaved a sigh and walked behind Bruno. The rep carpet was meant for important people, and unfortunately, they weren't one of them.

They got into the house and the crowd that was in the house got her shivering. They looked like people of great caliber, and they were all dressed elegantly. There was solemn music playing underneath the voices of the people chatting.

“Don’t act stupid here. They know you are with me now.” He said loudly in her ears. “You don't have to be so loud. I can hear you clearly.” She responded.

“Mr. Roberto Galante! Very nice to meet you again!” Mr. Diego Bianchi, the celebrant’s son, greeted Roberto with a very huge smile. “Mr. Diego!” Roberto smiled as they both shook hands. Martina raised her brows in surprise when she saw him smile. “Diego must be a good person to him.” She thought. Mr. Diego looked at her, and his eyes broadened. “Finally, you are with a woman.” He uttered, and Roberto looked at Martina. He sighed and shifted his gaze to Mr. Diego. “Where is Mr. Elio? I should congratulate him.” He asked Mr. Diego, ignoring his statement.

“He is in the inner room. We would be having a meeting soon. He can't wait to see you!” He responded, and Roberto nodded.

“We should go now.” Roberto looked back as he spoke, and he saw Vincenzo next to him already. “Sure, come with me.” Mr. Diego uttered and turned to take his leave.

“Come with me, Vincenzo. Bruno, keep an eye on her. Don't let her out of your sight, okay?” Roberto said, and Bruno bounced his head. He took one last look at Martina and said nothing. He walked away and Vincenzo followed behind him.

When they were out of sight, Martina looked at Bruno and a smile crept up her face. “Where do we start from?” She asked, and he pointed to where the bar was.

“There.” He winked.