Private Plane
**…and being alone with Alessandro Blaze.**
14 PM — Milan Airport… in Milan*, obviously. Milan airport was not going to stay in Paris. Because that would be Paris Airport. Right?*
Catarina Blaze was wearing a gray suit and a wide-brimmed hat that hid her dark eyes. Her steps were steady as she walked through the entrance to the private hangar. She was the picture of a rich and dignified woman. It didn't even look like she had spent a few years in jail for trying to kill her son.
Aesto was just a few hours by train from Milan but a private airplane was necessary. But Catarina Blaze walked the red carpet without even looking at the airport employees who greeted her as they lined up on the stairs to the airplane. She was welcomed by a glass of champagne.
Argento Blaze was sitting in one of the caramel seats inside the plane. The interior of the jet was luxurious, with leather armchairs, wooden tables, flat-screen televisions, and a bar.
“The lady is late” Argento Blaze pointed out. However, he wasn't upset about the delay. He was smiling at his mother and his dark fox eyes were exactly like hers.
Catarina settled on the seat in front of Argento and fastened the belt.
“A lady is never late,” replied Catarina Blaze. “The others arrived too soon.”
Argento Blaze laughed. He picked up a beautifully decorated black wooden box. Inside it was a set of masks.
“Is it identical?” Catarina Blaze asked.
“Yes, lady. Thiago has only one mask. His mask is identical to this one. Still, I have a craftsman on standby in case anything changes.”
Catarina Blaze did not pick up the mask because she knew it would rip if she touched it. Her temper could be lost quickly. So fast that not even Antonio could protect his little son from having his face disfigured.
The plane gained altitude. Catarina looked out the window and watched the clouds pass by. The sun was setting over the horizon, painting the sky orange, pink and purple. As looked out over the landscape, the mother reminded her son,
"Make sure he doesn't leave that ball alive."
3 PM — Aosta, Northern Italy
Alessandro Blaze led Sunny Hirsch down a narrow path through the vines. The sun was shining on the ripe grapes ready for the picking. The air was scented with the sweet, fresh scent of fruit. Sunny felt a sense of peace and tranquility as she walked beside Alessandro. It was a feeling she would never feel around any other Blaze — not even Otto because he wouldn't stop talking if he was there.
After a few minutes, they came to a clearing where there was a small, cozy wooden hut. The door and windows were painted a light blue, matching the sky. There was a porch with a rocking chair and a hammock.
“What a cute place. It belongs to Otto?” Sunny Hirsch asked.
"It's mine" admitted Alessandro Blaze. He was a little embarrassed that he was a man over 40 and still had a place like this. "I was going to drop it off for Otto today, but you need a place to stay. This is perfect."
On the wall of the cabin, there was a sign with the name "Alessandro's Place" written in colorful letters. It was in English anyway. Because English was a trend when Alessandro was a kid.
“What a cute place,” Sunny Hirsch said.
Alessandro Blaze opened the door and invited Sunny inside. She was surprised to see how beautiful the cabin was inside. The floor was polished wood, covered with plush rugs and cushions. The walls were decorated with photos, drawings, and posters. In the corner was a double bed covered in white sheets and a blue duvet. Over the bed was a lace canopy that added a touch of magic to the room.
“I'd better stay in a hotel,” Sunny Hirsch said. “This place is too important to you.”
“I promised I would help you,” Alessandro Blaze said. “This is my favorite place in the world. I used to come here when I wanted to get away from… Blaze.”
“That's one thing we have in common, Mr. Blaze,” commented Sunny Hirsch.
Alessandro smiled one of those overwhelmingly beautiful smiles.
“This cabin has a lot of history for me. Look. It even has a lake.”
Outside, they saw a small lake surrounded by trees and wildflowers. The water reflected the sun like a mirror, creating a sparkling effect.
“There might be some misunderstanding if anyone sees me with you alone here,” Sunny Hirsch murmured.
Alessandro Blaze laughed and dismissed the idea.
“I was going to give this place to Otto anyway. Enzo probably wanted you to sleep in the winery as punishment, but I can't do that. You know." And Alessandro Blaze was quick to add "I'll talk to Maria about it."
Sunny Hirsch frowned and then pretended she was trying to see across the lake. She didn't want her boss to find out she was upset when she didn't even know why she was upset. Like. It was obvious that he was going to talk to his wife. What else was she waiting for? duh…
“I'm going to go back to my mother-in-law and take a shower,” said Alessandro Blaze. “You do that too. I left some of my clothes in the closet. I will be back soon."
“For what?” asked Sunny Hirsch with a mixture of hope that made her feel awful.
Alessandro Blaze smiled.
“We need to go shopping. The ball is a gala occasion, remember?”
A FEW HOURS LATER, on the mall...
Alessandro Blaze smiled at Sunny's excitement. She was a few steps behind him, walking as if she were just a maid. But he would sometimes whisper.
“How about that store?” he would ask.
Sunny Hirschou was wearing his blue T-shirt as a dress. Her sneakers were gray and frayed after a few hours of work at the winery. She was dressed plainly. But when she looked at the window full of gorgeous shoes, she realized which brand it was. She gasped,
“No way, sir! I might accidentally ruin my kidney on the black market just by walking into Louboutin. I don't drink too much water, you know? I need them both.”
“Really?!” said Alessandro Blaze with a friendly smile. But then he just pulled Sunny Hirsch into the store.
The Louboutin store was very sophisticated, with white and red walls, crystal chandeliers, and gilded mirrors. There were several models of shoes displayed on the shelves and windows, all with the famous red soles. The attendant opened a huge smile when she saw that tall, incredibly handsome man wearing such an expensive suit. She ignored Sunny Hirsch's humble existence. They chatted in Italian for a moment when the attendant finally turned to Sunny Hirsch and asked,
“Well, lady. And what is your favorite style? Classic or modern? Romantic or sexy? Discreet or bold?”
Sunny Hirsch looked at her boss, not knowing how to respond. She had no idea which shoe to choose.
“All-star?” suggested Sunny Hirsch.
“Expensive,” said Alessandro Blaze to the woman.
Sunny walked into the dressing room. She took off her old shoes and put the new sandals on her feet. She felt awkward and uncomfortable.
"Let me see," asked Alessandro Blaze from the outside.
She walked to him.
Alessandro heard the door open and turned. His jaw dropped when he saw Sunny. She looked stunning in the red shoes.
"And then? What did you think?" he asked, swallowing hard.
“I don't know… I feel a little off balance…”
Alessandro looked down at Sunny's feet.
Sunny felt a wave of heat rise through her body. She felt naked with his gaze on her legs. But he didn't like that pair and told her to try another one. And then another one. Another one. Until she tried on a boot and he said,
"It's a gala, not a party at Nick Minaj's house."
"I'm sure Nick wouldn't be so demanding," Sunny Hirsch said to herself.
"Nothing... Can you help me?"
“The zipper is stuck,” complained Sunny Hirsch.
Sunny Hirsch tried to take the boot off but a piece of her hair had gotten caught in the zipper. Since Thiago had cut her hair in the pool, her hair fell out at random moments.
Alessandro Blaze entered the dressing room.
"How did you do it?" asked Alessandro Blaze.
Sunny Hirsch just sighed, her face red with embarrassment.
Alessandro Blaze approached Sunny and held the zipper, he tried to pull the zipper down, but the lock of her hair was caught.
"I'm going to get your hair out of your boot" warned Alessandro Blaze.
Sunny Hirsch smelled his perfume and felt the incredible warmth of his skin as he brushed against her ear. She was so distracted trying to breathe that she almost didn't notice when he finally unzipped it. But it was such an abrupt movement that one hand cupped her thigh and the other cupped her shin.
Alessandro Blaze's hands trembled at the touch of Sunny Hirsch's soft, smooth skin. She was so young and delicate. Alessandro Blaze was just trying to balance himself, but as he met her blue eyes, he wasn't sure of anything anymore.