The words Joaquin and Sofia took me by surprise. My husband wasn’t one for the most public displays of affection. For him to rent out a restaurant and show our love in this manner was new, but exciting.
“I had Cassidy help.”
“Thank you.”
“Come, let’s sit down.'' He headed to the table in the middle of the restaurant and pulled my chair out, and I sat.
“Did the kids get to bed all right?” he asked.
“Yes, my mom gave them a bath and read to them.”
The waitress filled our glasses with white wine.
“Thank you.”
“Your food will be out shortly,” she replied.
“We talked about visiting my family, and I think it’s time.”
“Okay.”
“I want to make amends with Alessandra.”
“You should.”
“Even Gael has kept his distance unless it’s work.”
“She’s your sister. It hurts, and we all know what that caused.”
“At least you still love me.”
“That will never change, even when you get into your caveman mode.”
“Caveman?” he asked.
“You know that I’m king. I run the house, and you do what I say.” I chuckled.
He smirked and shrugged his shoulders. I threw my napkins at him.
“Anyway, I’m happy you're going to make things right.”
“When do you go back to work?”
“I’m going to take some time out, but we have the premiere in a week.”
“Do you need me there?”
“No, baby, I’d rather not answer questions because all the attention would be gone.”
The waitress arrived with plates of baked ziti and baked fish, and we thanked her.
“What do you think of another baby?”
“We have enough with the two we got now,” I joked.
“I want another little baby that looks like you.”
“Jianna’s spoiled enough.”
“We can practice at least.” He winked his left eye.
“That’s the best part.”
“How about we leave and get this food to go?”
“Nope, we're going to have a nice dinner as a normal couple.” I held my hand up and stopped him from calling the waitress over.
“You’ve been hanging around Janice too much,” he mumbled, and I cackled in disbelief at the frown on his face.
A week later, I pushed the stroller with JJ and Jianna inside through the mall surrounded by five or six guards like I was the First Lady, and they were the Secret Service in their shades. Cassidy and I wanted to pick up a few outfits for the trip that Joaquin had planned for the family. I hadn’t seen his parents in so long. This would be interesting since Alessandra and I still hadn't talked.
“What about this dress for Jianna?” Cassidy held up a red and white polka dot dress with matching hat.
“She loves purple.” I reached for the other dress in a maroon and purple color.
“Did you have a chance to look at the dresses for the premiere?”
I leaned down to help JJ with the chips in his hand, stood, and continued searching the dress rack.
“I have it picked out.”
“We won’t need to ask any questions on the red carpet.”
“I’d like to avoid that at all costs.”
“Already put out a notice that you're not answering anything.”
“How are things with you?”
“Hugo and I are good.”
“Happy for you, Cassidy. You’ve come a long way.”
“Strange to be getting married, let alone to someone in the mob,” she whispered, and I chuckled.
“Just wait until you have kids with them.”
“Do we need anything else out here before we head home?”
“No, I think we have enough bags, and the crowd is noticing us.”
I looked out the window of Neiman’s and saw flashes of light from phones.
“Let me pay for these, and then we can go.” Cassidy took the dress out of my hands and walked to the counter to pay.
Twenty minutes later, we loaded the car up with our bags, and I placed Jianna next to me in the SUV and JJ next to Cassidy as the car drove into traffic. I picked up the doll she was holding and played with it as she laughed.
“You come across as vibrant and fresh in this role,” Cassidy read off a headline.
“Love how they try to build you up after tearing you down.” I shook my head in annoyance.
“Hollywood for you.”
The traffic was light heading back to our home, and we decided to come straight back home after the premiere. As long as I showed my face tonight and did a few interviews online, I should be good to step away from fully promoting.
The car arrived back home twenty minutes later, and I stepped out and carried Jianna inside. Cassidy held onto JJ when the door opened to Madelyn.
“She needs a nap,” I told her.
“She looks tired,” Madelyn replied, patting her back.
“I have the premiere tonight, and then I’m home for a break.”
“Sounds good.” Madelyn held out her hand for JJ, and they walked into the playroom.
I sauntered to the kitchen, opened the fridge, and grabbed a bottle of water.
“Hey, baby,” Dad said.
He leaned over to give me a hug.
“Hey, Dad.”
“Where are you coming from?”
“Shopping with the kids.”
“Your mom is outside by the pool.”
“I have the premiere tonight. Do you guys want to go?” I asked.
“You know I don’t do movie mess.” He sat on the chair in front of the island.
“This will be fun.”
“Talk to your mother and see if she wants to go.”
“Okay, old man. Don’t be grumpy when she makes you come.” I hugged him from behind, walked down the hall, and saw Joaquin’s office door closed.
Shrugging my shoulders, I headed to the back door, pushed it open, and saw my mother and Joaquin talking.
“I thought you’d be in your office.” I bent over and kissed him on the lips.
“He’s keeping me company.”
“How were the kids?” he asked.
“Good for once.” I chortled.
“Are they sleeping?” Mom questioned.
“Madelyn has them in the playroom.”
“I’ll go check on them soon.”
“I asked Dad and wanted to see if you wanted to go to my premiere.”
“Oh, I’d like that, honey.”
“Tell your husband he has to go.” I pointed at the house.
“Marriage is a compromise. I see you and Joaquin seem to be doing better.”
We looked at each other, and I grinned.
“Better than ever.”
“Happy for you, baby.”
“Thanks, Mom. So we need to get dressed because we leave in two hours.”
“Glam squad doing my makeup?” she questioned.
“Yes, ma’am.”
My mom stood, and I grasped her hand and walked with her back into the house. I saw the team coming in with our attire for tonight, along with hair and makeup. Mom was right about the compromise in our marriage and being able to show honesty in ourselves. Before, I was at a point of giving this all up, but I knew this man would fight tooth and nail to keep me and our kids protected. I giggled at JJ trying to put his feet in the shoes my dad picked out for his tuxedo. My boy had no clue what would be expected of him when the time came. Would I be ready to let him go out into the world and learn from his father, or would I keep him sheltered from the Fuertes family business?