Being an only child, she wasn’t exposed to many babies, she knew the basics, but would that be enough? True, women had been having babies since the start of time and survived, and she was sure she would too, but would she be a good mother? Sal and Lili did everything they could to show her she was loved, but a mother's unconditional love, did she have that?
Retrieving the shampoo, she pumped some on her hands and worked it through her hair. Her fears of what might happen at the forefront of her mind seeing Jon’s reaction and the twinkle in his eyes gave her hope. Hope that things could…would be alright. Technology has evolved since she was born. There were all kinds of test now that could detect a problem if one possibly arose.
Tilting her head under the stream to rinse the shampoo from her long mane, she pushed those thoughts from her mind and to one more pressing. Going home with Jon. His home. She wasn’t sure how she felt about that. She fully understood why he would want her closer to him and when he asked her to marry him, she knew she would have to move to New York or Jersey, she just assumed they would have more time. Having her there now could cause a shit load of issues with the divorce. Did they, she really need that extra stress? She would have to talk to him again before he made plans for them to leave.
She was just about turn off the water when Jon opened the glass door, “Don’t shut it off, I need to get in.”
“Ya know, you could have used the shower in your room.” She ran her wet fingers across the thin patch of fur on his chest as she stepped onto the mat so he could get in.
“Didn’t think of that. You could stay and wash me?” He grabbed her elbow and pulled her back into the shower.
“Uh-huh.” she pulled away from his hold. “We have places to go and people to see. I’m going to get dressed.”
Ari slipped into the white fluffy robe hanging on the hook and left him to his shower. Rummaging through her suitcase she pulled out one of her special purchases from Avec Plaisir, an ivory satin demi with intricate black lace and its matching thong. Not quite sure where they would be having dinner, she selected a simple black cashmere sweater dress that fell about mid-thigh with her chocolate brown boots. She added a few accessories to potentially give it a dressy or casual feel. Clothes and cosmetic bag in hand she walked across to the other room to make use of the very empty bathroom to finish getting ready.
It was where Jon found her. Bent over, butt wagging to the music she had playing way too loud blow-drying her hair. She didn’t notice he was standing there as she flipped her head back shaking the long dark curls. Silently he slipped up behind her sliding his hands around her waist.
“You look beautiful” He whispered against her neck while trailing butterfly kisses upwards to nip at her earlobe.
“Thanks. You don’t look too bad yourself.” She shrugged him off her shoulder where he had rested his chin.
Not releasing his hold, he watched in the mirror as she put the finishing touches of her makeup, he let his fingers graze over her flat abdomen.
“What are you doing?” She asked tossing her lip gloss back into her bag.
“Imagining what this” he patted her belly, “will look like in a few months.”
Unclasping his fingers so she could turn and face him she gently kissed him. “Like I swallowed a basketball, I’m sure.”
“A very sexy basketball.” He whispered against her lips as his hands slid down her back and over her ass.
“Can’t wait.” She pushed free and began to retreat into the bedroom. “Do we have time to grab something light? I can eat in the car?”
“Whatever you want. They can’t start without me.”
“Ready then?” She ran her palms over his chest.
“Let’s go.” He held out his hand and ushered her towards the door.
♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱
Ariana sat behind the stage watching as Jon rubbed his temples for the umpteenth time. He hated these things. He’d rather just come out sing a few songs, answer a few questions and be over with it. But here he sat answering and smiling that smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. After about an hour he’d had enough and politely said “thank you” as he unclipped the mic from his collar and the rest of the band followed doing the same. After shaking hands and embracing a few hugs, he turned towards her and with a head nod she started for the door.
Surrounded by the band, Ariana exited the building and slipped into the first of two waiting black SUV’s. Nestled between Jon and Richie, the driver shut the door and rounded the car and climbed behind the wheel.
“Where to sir?” He looked in the mirror back at Jon.
“Zafferano’s, please.”
“Yes sir” the driver nodded as he pulled away from curb.
Zafferano’s was the quintessential nostalgic Italian restaurant. It's solid wooden frontage with the lush shrubbery was discreet enough that one could easily walk right past it. It was one of the reasons they enjoyed eating there whenever they were in town.
Tico and Dave were already waiting beside the door as a small group of people exited from the restaurant when the car came to a stop in front of 15 Lowndes Street. Richie was the first one out followed by Ariana and Jon just behind her. After a few words to the driver, Jon placed his hand at the small of her back and ushered her through the opened doors.
The refurbished restaurant, with red brick walls around the bar and soft lighting in the dining room offered a rustic charm with modern elegance. They were greeted by a young brunette woman who showed them to their table, an oversized booth in the far corner of the room.
Ariana slid into the booth first and scooted herself halfway around the circular table until she was met by Tico who entered from the other side.
“Hola Bonita” Tico winked and placed a kiss on her cheek.
“David reached across the table taking both her hands in his and placed one kiss first on her left, then on her right. “A.M. you look ravishing tonight.”
“As do you.” Ariana brought her fingers to her lips and blew him a kiss.
“Alright already Lema.” Jon waved a hand in the air. “cut the theatrics and sit down so we can at least order some wine.”
With that a white-haired man in his early sixties appeared at their table. “Buona sera. Benvenuti Zafferano, Sono Constantino.”
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