present

"Principessa," he sighs.

I look up, but no one needs my attention right now. So I get up, nodding to the kitchen when Allegra sees me. She gives me a thumbs up, mouthing 'take your time' as my heels click on the white, shiny floors.

"Maestro, to what do I owe this weekday conversation?" I smile, opening the fridge, and grabbing my cold brew from earlier.

"Tesoro, I need you to fill in for Jane. She got down with the flu, unfortunately, and she can't perform on Friday night."

"Oh, that's too bad. I knew she was looking forward to it."

"Poor girl was in tears when she phoned me, benedici loro."

"Well, I was just going to come down to the club on Friday, as is required of me. So I'd be more than glad to step in for Jane."

"Brava ragazza," he praises. I smile at his persistence in teaching me Italian.

"Grazie, Maestro," I reply.

"Bravo, Principessa. Now, work hard and get to bed early, my sweet girl. You'll need your energy for the day after tomorrow."

"Naturally, Maestro."

I spend the rest of my day like always, and I even sold one of the most expensive paintings we have on display right now. That commission calls for a celebration, I think. So I hit up my friend from college, Victoria. She's always down for a party, especially if it consists of takeout and great wine accompanied by gossip and bad reality television.

"Allegra?" I call out. We've closed up the gallery for the night, and she's gathering her things in the kitchen. She meets me at the back entrance, big smile on her face, her golden hair down from its usual bun.

I narrow my eyes as I inspect her more carefully. More eye makeup, nude lips, and Louboutin red on her nails, matching the soles of her stiletto boots.

"Are you going on a date?" I ask her slyly.

"Yes, and I can't fucking wait," she says, beaming. "She's a ballerina for Christ's sake…" Allegra bites her lip. "I can't wait to see how far she can bend those endless legs of hers." I chuckle.

"Don't wear her out on the first date, Legra," I wink.

"Who says it's the first date, heh?" She winks. "Besides, when's the last time you have been on a proper date?"

I shrug.

"I don't do dates, Allegra, you know that."

"Right," she starts, a smile gracing her slender face. "The boss won't allow his little plaything to go venture off into the dating pool."

I roll my eyes at her.

"Legra, as long as I have the club, it's all that I need. I'm too busy to date, anyway. I don't need the complication. My life is perfect the way it is," I tell her. I've sold this lie so many times I started believing it myself. I have work, and I have play. Isn't that enough?

TRANSLATIONS

Principessa: princess

Tesoro: darling

Maestro : Master

benedici loro: bless her

brava ragazza : good girl

grazie : thank you