Hello everyone! I'm so sorry I am late with this chapter. This chapter ends my story. Thank you for your support, I will have another short story soon, I am hooked on Leddie.
A Rose from Italy Hollywood Heights
Give you my Heart C-10
Ian looks at Loren wondering when she will respond, Loren looks at Eddie in the eyes. "Of course."
Ian steps aside and heads back towards Mel, Eddie looks at Loren.
"What are you doing here?" He questions.
"I was invited." She looks at him. "You?"
"Come on Loren, you knew I was coming here with Megan." He adds.
"Wait a minute, do you think I am here to spy on you and Megan?" Loren questions.
Eddie narrows his eyes. "Why else would you be here?"
"How dare you accuse me of such a thing! For your information, my mom was invited, the bride's grandmother is my mother's boss."
"Really?" Eddie is quick to question; he looks at her. "Why don't I believe you?"
"You're unbelievable Eddie Duran! Why would I lie or spy on you?" Loren questions.
"Because I know it bugs the heck out of you that I am here with Megan." Eddie teases.
"You're so conceited Eddie Duran!" She stops dancing with him and steps away, before she can take another step, Keith another colleague steps in front of her.
"Hey Loren, can I have this dance?" He asks.
"You most definitely can." Loren narrows her eyes on Eddie and holds Keith's hand and they walk towards the center of the dance floor, Megan waits by the table starring down at Eddie.
"What are you doing? You're my date tonight!" Megan reminds him, she isn't very happy.
"Calm down Megan, she's my friend." Eddie says.
"She came to confirm that we're here together." She adds while watching Loren's every move.
Meanwhile…
Mel and Ian sit and watch. "Loren isn't very happy."
Ian rolls his eyes. "I don't understand what the problem is with these two, I know there's a huge attraction between."
"I know Ian, there's a lot going on right now." Mel watches Loren dance with Keith.
"You know what? This is Eddie and Loren's problem; I didn't come to this wedding to gossip." He looks at Mel. "Do you want to dance?"
Mel smiles. "Of course, thought you'd never ask."
Loren returns to the table, she sees her mom on the dance floor enjoying herself, she looks to where Eddie is sitting with Megan, she spots him, he smiles and raises his wine glass to her, Loren groans silently. "He's a jerk!"
To everyone's surprise, the bride's grandmother takes to the podium; she looks at everyone. "I am sure many of you remember the dance contest at the Umbra institute of music, our winners are here today. I would love to ask Loren Tate and Eddie Duran to step to the center of the dance floor, my granddaughter and her husband would love to see them perform for everyone."
Loren can't believe what she's hearing, Eddie stands up, he looks for Loren, he acknowledges the bride's grandmother with a smile, he walks to where Loren is standing, he offers his hand, she takes it and they walk towards the center of the dance floor.
"What can the band play for you two?" The Grandmother questions.
"Let's start with a salsa." Eddie is quick to say.
The moment the music begins, Eddie moves Loren side by side and turns her around, Loren doesn't miss a beat, the music changes to a cumbia, then to ballroom dancing, the guests request the tango dance too, the audience loves it.
Loren can tell he's teasing her again. The dances they're performing requires Eddie to hold her very close to him, he's enjoying every moment, Loren concentrates on the quick changing moves, she'd zap if she could.
Megan watches closely while they grace the dance floor with their amazing dance moves. Why would her Grandmother ask them to dance? She has to admit they look together as a dancing couple. Loren can't help it; he smells so good. Everyone is delighted with their performance and they're given a standing ovation.
Eddie continues to hold Loren's hand, she is about to let go of his and he tightens the grip. Loren looks at him.
"We're done with the dance; I think your date is waiting for you." Loren adds.
"Are you sure you didn't come here to spy on me?" Eddie teases.
"Why are you being so difficult?" Loren asks.
Megan stops in front of Eddie. "You owe me a dance." She looks at Loren, she and Eddie return to the dance floor.
She walks back to her table, Nora and Mel clap their hands quietly. "You were amazing honey."
"Thanks mom, can we go?" Loren asks.
"I can't sweetie, Francesca expects me to stay a little while longer, I am up for a promotion at work and I don't want to seem like I came to this wedding so I can get it, she knows it's pleasure to attend." Nora adds.
Mel looks at Loren. "What's wrong? You did a great job on the dance floor."
"I know we did, can you believe Eddie accused me of coming here to spy on him and Megan."
Mel chuckles. "Are you serious?"
"Yes I am, and stop laughing, it isn't funny, if I knew he was going to be here I wouldn't have come to this wedding."
"Ahhh come on Lo, don't be upset, I've caught him several times looking this way."
"I refuse to look at him." Loren groans.
Loren and Eddie spend the rest of the evening eyeing each other. A few weeks later, Nora heads back to L.A. Loren and Mel enjoy a cup of tea before bed.
"Have you seen Eddie?" Mel wonders.
Loren rolls her eyes. "I haven't spoken to him since the wedding, we run into each other after classes and he gives me a teasing look." Loren adds.
"That's called flirting, why don't you talk to him and tell him how you feel." Mel suggests.
"He knows Mel, that's why he's being so obnoxious and a huge jerk!" She looks at Mel. "Did you tell him something?"
"I haven't said anything to him, he's blind if he hasn't already figured out how you feel."
"Maybe he's really interested in Megan, she's always around him in the teacher's lounge." Loren says.
"I've watched her a couple of times, she's the one after him." Mel adds.
"I kept getting dirty looks from her at the wedding." Loren sighs. "What if he really likes her?"
Mel nudges her best friend. "I doubt it, she's not his type, there's only one way to find out."
"I know what you're going to say, declare your love for him, that's not who I am Mel and you know it, I'm old fashioned."
"I remember you kept inviting Cam to lunch when you two met." Mel adds. "Talk to Eddie, I know it's not something you would do but."
"Ugh, thought I'd never have to go through this again." Loren stands up. "Good night Mel."
"Sweet dream girlfriend." Mel adds, she too heads to her room.
A few days later.
Loren is getting some sample tests ready, school is coming to an end and the Dean expects all paperwork to be in order, she spots Eddie in one of the classes, she scurries over to her office and puts away some of her things, she remembers Mel's words to her, "Talk to him and tell him how you feel"
She takes a deep breath and heads to the class room, she's about to walk inside when she sees Megan and Eddie kissing, she stumbles lightly.
"Sorry." Is the only thing Loren can say, she hurries back to her office, Eddie steps away from Megan. "Loren, wait!"
He looks at Megan. "What was that about?"
"I'm tired waiting for you to make the first move, I really like you Eddie, it was either now or never."
Megan adds. "We're co-workers, we get along great, we collaborate great as teachers, I'm sorry if I lead you on but I am not interested in a relationship with you."
"Why? It's her isn't it?" Megan questions.
"It's none of your business, I apologize if I gave you the wrong impression." Eddie adds.
Loren gets her things and heads towards her vehicle. Mel stops by her car before she gets to it.
"I need a ride Lo."
"Sure, jump in." Mel gets into the passenger side and Loren throws her things in the trunk.
"What's wrong? Why are you rushing?" Mel wonders.
"I shouldn't have listened to you! I am so glad I didn't tell Eddie anything."
Mel furrows her eyes. "What happened?"
"I was going to talk to him, tell him everything and guess what Melissa Sanders?" Loren questions.
"Yikes! Full name, what happened?" Mel wonders.
"He was kissing Megan, I am sure they are a couple, I couldn't believe it when I saw them." Loren sighs.
"Are you sure?" Mel bites her lower lip.
"I know a kiss when I see one, of course, I'm sure." Loren drives into her driveway.
"I need to get away from here, I've had my heart broken twice in Italy, I can't handle it anymore."
Mel exits the car and follows Loren inside. "What? Leaving?"
"Yes, I'm going to spend some time in Los Angeles, I will let my mom know that I am coming home."
"Are you sure?" Mel asks.
"I'll try and be back for the fall semester at the institute, we'll see." Loren says, Mel hugs her.
Meanwhile.
Eddie's on his way home, he has to talk to Loren. His cell goes off, it's Max, there's been an accident, Katy is in surgery in Greece. Eddie rushes home and parks on the side of his private entrance, he gets a bag ready and heads to the airport, he's on his way to Greece.
The following day, Loren notices Eddie isn't home, she hasn't seen him since she saw him and Megan kissing. She's heart-broken; seems love isn't meant for her anymore.
Loren's back at the Institute the following day, no sign of Megan either, the students take their finals, Loren notifies Dean Thomas that she will be leaving by the end of the school year.
A month later in Greece, Katy is recovering well, Eddie sits by her side, he kisses her hand.
"Thank you for staying with me." Katy says.
Eddie holds her hand. "I'll be here as long as you need me mom." He replies.
Katy looks at him. "What's wrong? Don't tell me nothing because I know you."
"Do you remember Megan?" Eddie asks.
"Yes, you went to a wedding with her." Katy responds.
"Well, we get along great, and before I came here, she kissed me, and Loren walked in on us."
Katy furrows her eyes. "When did she kiss you? You've been here with us." Katy is confused.
"It happened at the Institute, it was crazy and uncalled for." He sighs.
"Did something happen with Loren?" Katy asks.
"I could tell Loren was hurt." He looks at Katy. "I need to talk to her."
Katy interrupts him. "Wait, why do you want to talk to her?"
"It's was a huge misunderstanding, I know Loren and I started as friends, I told you and Pops I came to Italy to work and concentrate on my job, I wasn't interested in any kind of relationship."
"Has everything changed?" Katy looks at him for a reaction.
"I saw her at the wedding, I teased her all night long, I've known for a while that she cares for me."
Katy jumps in. "Correction, I think what you're trying to say is that she's in love with you."
"I've known for a while mom, I can't stop thinking of her, I know she was hurt when she saw us kissing. I was going to talk to her when Pops called to tell me that you were in an accident."
"I'm doing great Eddie, go home and talk to Loren, the moment I saw her I knew she was someone very special." Katy adds.
"She was in love before; she was going to marry him." Eddie adds.
"You know what happened to her, what's the problem son? I know you care for her, so stop making excuses and go and get your girl, it's time son."
Eddie smiles, his mom makes a lot of sense, he kisses her and gets his things ready, Max walks in and Eddie hugs him.
"I'll be back soon." Eddie adds.
Max looks at Katy. "Where is he going?"
"To find his happiness." Katy adds.
Eddie catches the first flight available and heads back to Italy.
Back at Italy.
Loren is ready to leave, she hugs Mel. "I don't know if I'm coming back for the Fall school schedule, I'll let you know."
Mel hugs her. "Are you sure this I what you want to do?"
"Yes, I can't stay here, Eddie lives next door, I know I'll be seeing a lot him and Megan." Loren adds.
The Taxi stops in front of Loren's home and beeps, Mel walks out with Loren to help her place her luggage inside the trunk of the taxi, Loren hugs Mel and gets into the Taxi, the driver leaves.
Mel stands there and sighs, if Loren decides to stay in LA, she will probably join her soon.
Two hours later.
Eddie jumps out of the Taxi, the driver gets his luggage out and places it by Eddie's door. He rushes to Loren's door and knocks.
Mel opens the door. "Hey, where have you been?"
"My mom was in an accident; I've been in Greece for a month."
"Wait, I thought you were with Megan?" Mel asks.
Eddie furrows his eyes. "No I wasn't, is that what Loren told you? I know what she saw, nothing happened, I don't feel that way about Megan."
Mel bites her lower lip. "Ugh, we thought you and Megan were together."
"We?" Eddie asks. "As in you and Loren?" He looks around Loren's home. "Where is she?"
"She left Eddie, she's going back to LA, she couldn't handle the idea of you and Megan together."
"What? And just like that she left?" Eddie asks.
"Yes, a few hours ago."
Eddie sees Loren's car in the driveway, he looks at Mel. "I'm borrowing Loren's car."
Mel furrows her eyes once again. "Where are you going?" She questions.
"I'll explain later." Mel gives him the keys, Eddie cuts a few roses and takes off, Mel stands there wondering what in the world is he going to do.
Meanwhile.
Loren waits at the airport, the only flight she found available leaves in two hours. There's an announcement made.
"Attenzione signore e signori, il volo per Los Angeles California, partira entro un'ora. Sarai avvisato quando salire a bordo.
(Attention Ladies and Gentlemen, the flight to Los Angeles California will leave within the hour. You will be notified when to board.)
She sighs. "I am glad I have to wait an hour instead of two." She stands by the big window to see the planes preparing for take-off. It will be good to be back in Los Angeles; she can spend time with her mom.
"You're leaving?" Eddie asks.
Loren turns around. "What are you doing here?"
"Looking for you." Eddie stands there with the stems of Roses wrapped in tissue paper in his hands.
"Thought you were with Megan? Haven't see you in weeks." Loren adds.
"My mom was in the hospital; she was in an accident; I've been with her all this time."
Loren's eyes widen. "Accident? Is she okay?"
"She's getting better now, the first few days were scary." Eddie adds. "I wasn't with Megan if that's what you're worried about."
"I wasn't worried Eddie; I am going back home to Los Angeles."
Eddie walks closer. "You're leaving just like that? You didn't even say good-bye, thought I meant something to you."
"I saw Megan kiss you, I thought you made your choice." Loren adds.
"You assumed Loren, I had time to think about everything, when I moved here I had no plans for a relationship, I was going to concentrate on my job, to be the best teacher at the Institute, then you happened."
"Me?" Loren asks, the way he's looking at her makes her nervous. "Are you going to tease me again? You seemed to enjoy that, that's all you've done since the wedding."
"Oh yes, the wedding, I remember you were there to spy on me." Eddie adds.
"If you came all this way to tease me, then I suggest you turn around and leave." Loren adds.
Eddie stops in front of her. "I haven't been able to stop thinking of you Loren; it took me this month in Greece to make me realize that I am in love with you."
Loren's eyes widen. "Don't tease me Eddie."
Eddie leans closer and places a kiss on her lips. "Eddie?"
"I'm serious Loren, I flew back from Greece to tell you that I've fallen hard for you, Megan never meant anything to me."
Loren leans on his chest. "I love you too Eddie, I'm ready if you are." She leans onto him and they kiss, Eddie holds her closer and their kiss deepens.
Eddie pulls away softly. "I love you Loren." He hands her the stems of Roses. "For you, you've been my Rose from Italy all along."
Loren bites her lower lip. "Really? That's so romantic."
Eddie initiates another kiss. Loren looks at him. "The best thing I did was to give you my heart."
"I love you for that Loren." He places his hand over his heart.
They hold hands and walk towards the exit, they smile at each other. Loren and Eddie know that their happiness belongs to each other.
The End! Thank you kindly for your constant support!