The lunch was exactly as he had imagined. Isabella was picking out only the strawberries and oranges from her fruit salad, her usual lunch. It had to contain every fruit possible, but she would only ever eat the oranges and strawberries.
Noah came to their table. He grabbed a chair and joined them. "Do you enjoy your lunch?" he asked.
Luca nodded, and Isabella said: "The strawberries were too ripe. Noah, who decided we should eat here? Please work more closely with my manager next time and select a better place."
"Isabella, I'm sorry to hear that," Noah replied with a charming smile and sorrow drawn on his forehead. "I personally suggested to Mr. Fuentes that we go to a restaurant for more privacy. But when we reviewed the schedule, we realized there wasn't enough time. We wanted to wrap up as soon as possible so you could go home and rest. We'll treat you better next time."
Luca thought about what a talent had gone to waste when Noah decided to give it all up.
He was born to fool people.
Isabella was utterly satisfied. She thought Noah was her best friend, living up to her every expectation.
"Noah, you're always so attentive. Luchino, you should look up to your friend. He is a role model for how to treat a girlfriend."
"Honey, I know exactly how to treat my girlfriend," Luca replied. Isabella's eyes flushed with fury, but she decided to use the audience to her advantage. Without warning, she clutched the hand he had resting on the table.
Luca reacted instantly. He held her hand firmly between his and raised it slightly to kiss it. He knew how to play the game of impressions.
We are madly in love. Everyone will learn about this today.
Ten minutes later, they were back on the set, sitting on the same distressed sofa, ready for the interview. The reporter was a veteran in lifestyle and celebrities, Katie Smith. It was Isabella's first time with this reporter, and he was afraid she might lead her off the agreed questions. To his surprise, Ms. Smith stuck to the script.
They talked about how they met—on a TV show where they were both guests. They shared the story of their first date—a hot air balloon ride at sunset. They revealed private moments—how much they enjoyed cooking together, watching movies, and scratching out lyrics. They discussed their collaboration—their big hit last spring, one of Luca's now-rare singles. They even gave away future plans—a new movie for Luca at year's end and a tour for Isabella.
Just like that, it was time for the final question. "So, what does the future hold for you two? You've been together for eight months, right? Luca, is she the one?" Ms. Smith asked.
That old fox! She had to change the last question!
She was only supposed to ask what the future held. He saw Noah in the background jolting up.
"We're living in the moment, of course. We enjoy what the here and now offers. The future is just endless possibilities for us," Luca said, giving the planned answer. Now for some improvisation. "And yes, Isabella's special," he continued, looking tenderly at her. He dreaded what she was thinking of saying next.
Please don't say anything stupid…
"Katie, you can't imagine how wonderful these past eight months have been for me. But I'm afraid Luca is holding back. I want us to move in together, but he still refuses," Isabella said.
There you've done it.
She had decided to do everything possible to corner him. Noah was signaling him in their secret code not to answer. But all he could think was that there was no escape. He had to give in and confirm the narrative they were there to sell—their epic love. A little more improvisation wouldn't hurt.
"Honey, we've discussed that. We will move in together when you get back from your tour," Luca said.
Isabella's eyes lit up with victory.
"Oh, I'm so thrilled, you two! Congratulations!" Ms. Smith said, a triumphant look on her face. She had gotten the hot scoop she was hoping for.
The interview ended, and Luca had to face Noah. He went up to him. "You know there was no way out."
"You were lucky she didn't say she wanted to marry you, or you'd be on your knees proposing right now," Noah pointed out.
Luca shivered.
"Quite soon, we'll have to find a way to deal with the headlines about you two living together. Thanks, pal, for the extra work," Noah said, thoroughly disappointed.
In the meantime, Katie Smith approached them. "Luca, you've changed so much since our last encounter. Back then, I couldn't imagine you as a guy going on romantic hot air balloon rides or composing with his girlfriend," she noted. She wouldn't miss a chance to dig for more information.
"I'm more mature now, you are right," Luca said.
"Well, it was about time after—how many were there? Eleven girlfriends? Isabella's got you to settle down. She sure is special."
Luca was ready to say something he would regret, but luckily Noah intervened. "Ms. Smith, the interview is over, and there's no point in talking about the past. Like you said in the interview, let's see what the future holds."
"We'll see! Goodbye, gentlemen!" Katie Smith said before moving away.
"Let's get out of here," Luca proposed.
"First, say your goodbyes to your lady," Noah suggested.
He took a long breath, went over to Isabella, and gave her a light kiss on the cheek as he hugged her. "See you soon," he told her.
She didn't reply, just looked at him with narrowed, frowning eyes.
When they got into the car, Noah took out his phone and called Chloe. "Hi! Yes, we finished. I have news... They are moving in together," he informed her. He squinted as he listened to her response on the other end. "Yes, I will be there in half an hour," he said finally and hung up.
"Did she get mad?"
"No. She is still mad."
Luca shuddered. He would go home and think over his next moves.
They reached the office building, and Luca pulled the car over. "Take some rest tomorrow, and don't come to the office. Bye," Noah said as he stepped out.
"Yes, dad," Luca called back sarcastically.
He put on some music for the drive home. It was five past ten, and in fifteen minutes he would be under his shower.
He drove off, but a few meters away he stopped again for a crowd crossing the crosswalk. As he scanned the people, he noticed a figure among them. Taking a better look, he realized it was the French girl, Noelle, also crossing the street.
She looked serious, yet she carried a positive and carefree vibe. She seemed proud and determined, and he remembered that before things had gotten out of hand, he had enjoyed their brief conversation that morning. But now, she was a threat.
"It's nothing personal. You just need to go," he said out loud, following her with his eyes. He stared until she reached the bus stop and stood under its shelter.
A car horn sounded from behind, urging him to move now that the street was clear. He drove away, his mind already calculating ways to get rid of her.
He enjoyed his shower and prepared a light meal. He would get some exercise later since he didn't have to wake up early. For now, he needed to relax, or he would go crazy.
At eight minutes past one, the doorbell rang. As always, right on time. He opened the door and smiled at the girl standing there.
Kayla was always stunning. Tall, blonde, and dressed to kill. "Welcome! Please, come in," he told her.
"How are you, Luca?" she asked, taking off a light jacket. Underneath, she wore a short, tight black dress. On her feet was a pair of animal-print heels. He really liked heels, and Kayla knew that.
"Okay, more or less. Can I get you something to drink?"
"A glass of wine?"
"Right away," he said, heading to the kitchen. He grabbed two glasses and opened a bottle of white wine from the fridge.
"So, tell me, who drove you mad this time?" Kayla asked, leaning against the kitchen island.
"Can you tell? Well, a couple of girls," Luca explained as he poured the wine.
"How many girls?" Kayla said, a smile playing on her lips.
"Three... No, there was a fourth one, now that I think about it," Luca said, handing her a glass.
Kayla laughed. "Cheers!" she said, raising her glass. Luca followed her lead, taking a sip.
"Let's go sit on the couch," he said, leading the way.
Kayla sat close to him, her long legs crossed as she turned to face him. "So, were those girls at least beautiful?"
"All girls are beautiful."
"You are always so kind! Here?" she asked again.
Luca thought for a second. "Yeah, here."
Kayla placed her glass on the table, stood up, and stepped in front of him. She sat on his lap, facing him, and caressed his cheeks and his hair. She leaned in, close enough to feel the warmth of her breath, seducing him with every movement.
Finally, she kissed him. Slow at first, growing more intense and passionate. She knew what he wanted. And he let himself savor her – her lips, her hands, her hips – forgetting all his worries with Kayla in his arms.
Her lips were steady, tender, familiar. He held her tight and kissed her back – harder.
Kayla didn't waste time. Her fingers went straight to the buttons of his shirt, undoing them one by one. Her soft hands slid against his bare chest, igniting his already burning skin.
He didn't wait either. He helped her take off the shirt and instantly returned the favor. His fingers fiercely pulled down the zipper on the back of the dress, stripping her from the unnecessary barriers. Luca crushed her against him, skin against skin, kissing her deeply, and letting the warmth of her body drive away his fears.
"Make me forget…" he whispered against her mouth and she smiled.
She was his escape.
For as long as it lasted. Just for tonight, he wouldn't be a product. He could just be a man.