Kristina's POV
A few days have passed and I've really settled in to Johnny's home. As I sit in front of the mirror brushing my long hair I see my phone vibrate on the dresser. The number that comes of is Viviana's and she's left me a text message.
I thought I would hate her after the day I met her but Viviana's actually not that bad. She actually listens when I talk and doesn't just take dad's side. And her fashion sense is amazing. Dad dated Kate and she was a fashion editor but she just followed trends. Viviana's a trend setter, more open to taking risks. She doesn't have a set style and I admire that. She actually promised to take me shopping with her one day this week. And in exchange I'm gonna style her hair for her. I've already enrolled in beauty school and will be starting soon.
Looking down at my cute light blue denim shorts with white lace overlay and the solid teal tank I'm wearing and wonder if my look is a little too girly and sweet. I mean Johnny's a man and I don't want him to perceive me like a little girl anymore like my father does. Every time dad's around he treats me like I'm 16 instead of almost 21. And with hot girls like Angelique hanging all over my man I can't help but feel a little insecure.
I read over the text which says to meet her at Greystone if I'm free. I guess I can't avoid that place for long. It's probably her attempt at me bonding with my little sister. I slip on my white lace ballet flats and grab my teal purse before heading downstairs.
When I open the door I'm surprised to see the person standing in front of me.
"Derrick!" I say shocked. "What are you doing here?" I ask.
"I came to see if you were alright. I saw the news, you've could've died!" he points out.
"Well I'm fine, right here with Johnny," I tell him. "Don't you have to go hang around Angelique?"
"She's been in LA the past few days doing photo shoots. I just got back from auditioning, I just know I did awesome," he says with cockiness.
"Don't be so full of yourself," I warn.
"I'm optimistic," he says. "You see, Kristina, we actors never know what our next job is gonna be or how long it will last."
"So you think you have a good shot at whatever you auditioned for?" I ask.
"It was an audition for a hit book that's being adapted into a screenplay for the big screen. I auditioned for one of the lead roles," he tells me.
"I hope you're very successful," I tell him.
"Carmina Alvarez was auditioning that same day. She's sexy and one of the hottest newcomers in Hollywood, she's practically guaranteed the role," he says.
"She is pretty hot but she's also a good actress as well. She was awesome on Dos Amores and she was good on The Crown," I say.
"I never got the hype about The Crown. I watched it and it came off so childish."
"It's a good series, it's romantic and beautiful and I can't wait for Season 2," I reply.
"Carmina Alvarez is definitely worth watching. She and I would be such hot costars," he says.
Okay I really don't want to hear him gush about a chick who's ten times sexier than I'll ever be.
"I was just getting ready to leave," I say.
"I wanted to ask you out to lunch," he says smiling, his blue eyes twinkling.
He's cute but I'm strong, I can resist him and I do. "I'm not interested," I say. "I have places to be."
"Have somewhere better to be?" he asks me as I walk to my car.
"Yeah, with my family," I answer getting into the driver's seat and putting the keys in the ignition.
Without looking back I start my car and drive off. I turn up the radio and just listen to the words of the song taking my mind off of Derrick.
When I stop my car once again I'm in front of the very familiar Greystone. I park the car right in front of the house and knock on the knocker.
Viviana opens the door and despite likely being exhausted she looks as if she just left a spa. Her long hair is up in a ponytail. She's got on a dark blue bustier that has pink roses all over it which is paired with dark blue jeans. And as always she's sporting some sexy pump, these are white and studded.
"How do you do it?" I ask. "How do you manage to look so hot while taking care of a kid?"
Viviana smiles and lets out a little laugh. "Your dad really helps out a lot around here. He's so good with Marina. And I am absolutely exhausted but I'm pretty shallow. I like to look perfectly put together all the time. My looks are the one thing I've always had control of."
"I understand how that is. I put a lot of effort into my hair and makeup. But it's really become a passion of mine now. My cosmetology classes are starting up soon and I can't wait!" I say.
I follow her up the stairs to Marina's room. Marina's nursery is a mix of light pinks and dark chocolate browns.
"I'm so glad you came over," she tells me as she lifts Marina out of her crib.
"You were right when you told me that I shouldn't let my fights with dad affect my relationship with my sister. And I'm glad at least someone supports my relationship with Johnny," I reply.
"I've heard a lot about about him. Not just from your father's tirades but also from Adela. I think you should take things slow and be careful with him," she gives her opinion.
"I know Johnny is a trust worthy guy," I assure her.
"You love him, don't you?" she asks sitting down on a rocking chair.
I find a seat across from her on a fuzzy pink ottoman. I don't say anything but she's right. I'm falling in love with him. I'm just not sure if he's as passionate about me as I am him.
"He's a man and a mobster, they lie!" she says. "Can you take her for a moment?" she asks while standing up.
I get up and sit down in the rocking chair before she places Marina in my arms.
"Hi, pretty girl. I'm your big sister Kristina," I introduce myself in a soft voice.
"She has her father's eyes and cute little dimples except hers are in a different spot," she tells me.
"She looks so much like Adela when she was a baby," I point out.
"Your sister Adela is a wild one. I told Sonny that he needs to focus more attention on her than you. Your sister loves to hang with some older looking guys and she looks older than she is. It makes me worry," she says.
"Adela takes after her mother personality wise and yeah she's jailbait alright, just on the brink of legal but still a young girl," I say. "She kinda goes under dad's radar because Jason's her stepdad and she lets him think that she complies with his rules."
"We all do under this roof. its how we let him think he's the boss when he's really not running much around here." Viviana explains. "Men love to think they're in charge. Sonny likes to believe he's in control and I'm sure Johnny does too, so let him believe."
"Let's talk about you," I say shifting the conversation. "You have a beautiful daughter with him, but just how long are you planning on being with my father. I assume you want a commitment, what if marriage isn't on his mind?"
"I want a stable home for my daughter more than anything else. I would love it if we could get married in a year or two but he's made it clear he's over marriage now. So if he eventually wants to end our relationship again, I would have to deal with it in a way that is best for Marina," she tells me with sadness in her eyes.
"Your relationship is complicated, just like mine with Johnny. This is why I need you on my side." I tell her.
"I am on your side, Kristina. I love your father so much and I want all his children to be happy," she assures me.