ALMOST LIKE A FAMILY

LUCY

I was actually excited about the weekend. Alex and I planned to spend time together, so that he could get to know Jay and Vicky. But unfortunately, he had a family gathering in Sicily.

The sound of the doorbell echoed, startling me. It's almost eight in the evening. We just had dinner. Jay and Vicky were watching TV while I was washing dishes. Nat usually just bargs in, she wouldn't bother with the doorbell.

My heart skipped a beat as I wondered who would be standing outside the door. I rushed towards the entrance with a tinge of worry mixed with curiosity. I looked through the peep hole and saw the person I never expected to see again.

I opened the door and the person standing before me was Mrs. Diana De Luca, with her two bodyguards behind her. She smiled at me sweetly, it almost helped reduce my previous anxiety.

''Mrs. De Luca, what are you doing here?'' I asked, looking at her in disbelief.

''Well, you said you'd come to see us again but you didn't. So I decided to visit you myself. And you said you'd call me Nonna''. She smiled, pulling me into a hug.

''Yes Nonna. But why visit at this hour? You should have just called me.'' I said, looking at her worriedly.

''Oh, I had a fight with Lorenzo. So, I decided not to talk to him for a while. I thought about going to Alex's house, but I remembered all the Ganovese were having a family gathering. But then I remembered you! I know you'll help this old woman,,,,,, wouldn't you?'' She asked, looking at me expectantly.

How could I even say no to this sweet woman!?

''Ofcourse! You're welcome here whenever you want. Come on, let's go in''. Then I looked up from her and saw the guard's. ''Uh, what about them?'' I asked Nonna.

''They will stay outside and guard us. Don't worry about them. Now, where are those little young men?'' She went inside, leaving me with the guards.

I smiled at them awkwardly, to which they returned a nod and stood either side of the door. I closed the door hesitantly and leaned against it.

What the hell is happening in my life?

I went to the living room and saw Nonna watching TV along with Jay and Vicky, laughing at something going on the screen.

I was looking at them, wondering if this is how it would be if I had a family. Nonna looked at me and signaled me to join them.

''I'll be back in a few minutes'' I said, to which she nodded, smiling.

I went into my room and called Alex, hoping I was not disturbing him. He lifted the call after a few rings.

''Hey, is everything okay?''

I smiled after hearing the concern in his voice.

''Hi. Everything's fine. I'm not disturbing you, right?'' I asked, biting my lip.

''Of course not. In fact, thanks to you, I'm able to escape my aunt. She had me by my ear all day''. I can hear humor in his voice.

''Well, you wont believe who is in my house right now. It's Mrs. Diana De Luca, she suddenly appeared out of no where. She said she had a fight with Mr. De Luca and had no where to go as you all Ganovese are having a get-together''.

''What? They would normally never fight. Is she okay?''

''Yeah, she actually looks delighted to be here. She obviously loves the kids''. I say smiling, remembering how joyful my living room looked before.

''Maybe, like Lorenzo said, it's because she misses her family''.

''Maybe''. If that's the case, then I understand how she feels.

''I can't wait to see you. You're bringing the files on Monday, right?'' He says with a hint of amusement.

I mostly meet Alex in his office saying I have some files to show him or get his signature. There is already a talk going on saying I'm trying too hard to get the CEO, but little did they know I already got him.

''Why, of course I am. Or maybe, for a change, you bring the files, Mr. CEO''. I grinned at that thought.

''Don't tempt me Tesoro, you know I will''.

My heart skipped a beat hearing his endearment. I love it when he calls me that.

''Don't. I was just kidding. I'll see you on Monday. Bye''. I said and hung up.

I came out of my room and saw that Vicky was almost asleep. And Jay looked exhausted too. Mrs. Diana was the only one who is still enjoying the show.

''Alright babies, time to sleep''. I said, as I went near them.

Both Jay and Vicky got up and started going towards their room, but I stopped them.

''Guys, wait. Sleep in my room for today, okay? We have a guest, right? Nonna and I will sleep in your beds''.

Their beds aren't small. Kids grow fast, so I got them decent sized beds.

''No! Momma, please. I don't want to!!''. Vicky whined, pouting.

''Please Vicky. How about this? I'll stay with you until you fall asleep, I'll even read you a book!'' I said, looking at both Vicky and Jay.

Jay nodded and went to my room, while I practically dragged Vicky with me.

After telling three stories, I almost slept with them too. I groggily went out of my room, mentally scolding myself for abandoning Nonna like that.

''Nonna, I'm sorry for leaving you like that''. I said with half-closed eyes. I can't even see her properly now.

''It's okay Rosa. Come on, let's get you to sleep too''. She said with a smile and we went to the kids' room.

I vaguely showed her Jay's bed, as his side would always be clean, while I took Vicky's. I was knocked out as soon as I hit the bed.

*

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I slowly stirred, my senses awakening to the aroma of something delicious wafting through the air. I stretched and yawned, trying to place the scent. I was confused at first, as Gemma never came in on Sundays. However, as I took a moment to gather my thoughts, I realized that it was Nonna, who was in the kitchen, preparing something mouthwatering.

I quickly shook off my sleepiness and followed my senses, making my way to the kitchen. As I entered the warm and inviting room, I found Jay and Vicky, already sitting at the table, their eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"Good morning, Nonna!" Jay exclaimed with a grin."The scent woke us up, and it smells amazing!".

Okay, when did Jay become a people person?

Nonna smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling with affection. "Good morning, Caro," she replied. "I wanted to surprise all of you with a special treat this morning."

Vicky, who had just finished freshening up, chimed in, his excitement palpable. "Nonna, you're the best! I can't wait to taste your Torte. It's my favorite!"

I joined the lively scene. "Good morning, everyone," I greeted them with a smile. "Nonna, you've truly outdone yourself."

Nonna blushed, pride shining through her humble demeanor. "Oh, Lucy, it's just a little something to show my love. Family and food go hand in hand, after all."

As we all sat down at the table, the room filled with a comforting blend of laughter, clinking utensils, and the heavenly smell of freshly baked pastry. The Italian Torte took center stage, adorned with layers of delicate sponge cake, rich chocolate ganache, and luscious whipped cream.

Vicky, unable to contain his excitement, took the first bite, his face lighting up with delight. "Nonna! This is incredible!"

Nonna beamed with pride, her heart swelling with joy. "Grazie, Vicky. I'm glad you all like it."

I savored each bite, savoring not only the exquisite flavors but also the sense of togetherness that filled the room. I looked around, grateful for those precious moments we shared.

With each passing moment, I realized that it was moments like these that truly mattered. The simple joys of family, food, and connection made life richer. The memory of this morning, spent in the company of my children and Nonna, will forever be etched in my mind.

And as we finished our meal, I heard the front door opening. At first I assumed it was one of Nonna's bodyguards, but it was actually Mr. Lorenzo De Luca.

''Lorenzo, what are you doing here?'' Nonna asked, folding her arms, narrowing her eyes.

''La mia vita, I'm sorry for what I said yesterday. I was wrong and you were right. I've missed you and I want you to come back home with me, please.'' Says Mr. Lorenzo, his voice filled with regret.

Nonna looked at my shocked face and winked playfully. She pretended to put up a fight, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow. "Oh, so now you realize your mistake, do you? I'm not sure if I should forgive you so easily."

I pressed my lips together and suppressed my smile. Mr. Lorenzo, or should I say, Nonno and I exchanged amused glances.

"Nonna, I believe Nonno has learned his lesson. Besides, who will make him those delicious pastries if you're not there?" I teased, nudging Nonna playfully.

Nonna's facade crumbled, and she burst into laughter, swatting my arm gently. "Oh, you're right, Lucy. I can't resist baking. Alright mio caro, consider yourself forgiven. But don't think I'll let you off the hook so easily next time."

Nonno shook his head and chuckled. ''I wouldn't dare''.

*

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*

We played, cooked and enjoyed ourselves like a family would. Nat was MIA throughout the weekend. She said she was going somewhere with her college friends. Nonno and Nonna left after dinner.

Now on Monday, I was waiting for a chance to go see Alex. I finished scheduling meetings but still have some emails to reply to. I seriously miss my old job as a manager. This assistant stuff is boring. At least while being Alex's assistant, I got to attend a few meetings.

As I was about to make a call, from my peripheral vision, I saw Alex making his way towards Rocco's office. He looked at me and suppressed his smirk as he went past me, entering Rocco's room. I tried to keep a straight face while I continued to work. As expected, I got a call from Rocco's office.

''Yes Mr. Agosti?'' I answered, pretending to not know who was on the other side.

''Stop pretending and come inside Tesoro. I miss you''.

He muttered the last part and I almost melted when he said that. But I decided to tease him more.

''Well sir, it's almost lunch time. How about I meet you after lunch?'' I said, pursing my lips, to stop myself smiling widely.

''How about I come out and carry you to my office? Just like last time I did at my house, huh? Remember how hard you came?'' He said in a low voice, making me shudder.

I involuntarily clenched my thighs together and gulped. ''I'll be there in a minute''. I said in a shaky voice and hung up.

I took a deep breath and exhaled through my mouth, trying to calm my nerves. I went towards the office and knocked twice before opening the door.

As I stepped through the office door, I scanned the room until my eyes locked onto Alex, who was waiting for me. The air crackled as we caught sight of each other.

Alex moved towards me, his hand reaching out to grasp my waist. His touch sent a shiver of excitement through my body.

God, I missed him too!! Wish I could say that out loud. Our gazes remained locked, speaking volumes without uttering a single word. At that moment, the world around me seemed to fade.

Our lips finally met with a hungry kiss.

Alex's hands gripped my waist, pulling me tightly against him. Our bodies pressed together, seeking every possible point of contact. The heat between us intensified as we deepened our kiss, our tongues engaging in a fierce battle for dominance.

''Uh.. I'll.... give you guys some privacy, just... don't make babies in here''. I barely register Rocco's words. In fact, I forgot about him until now. We ignored him and continued to kiss.

Our breathing became heavy and ragged as we kissed with urgency. My fingers tangled in Alex's hair, pulling him closer, while his hands roamed hungrily over my back, leaving trails of fire.

We devoured each other's mouths, our lips and tongues moving with an unquenchable hunger. Moans and gasps escaped our lips, mingling with the sound of our kisses.

We reluctantly broke the kiss off. My lips were swollen. Our eyes locked, burning with a desire that begged for more.

''Fuck, I missed you". He said pulling me into a hug.

I nuzzled my nose on his chest and took in his scent. I missed you too.