Salvatore's POV
Dinner was better than I expected. She gave me all her attention. In fact, we have a date scheduled for tomorrow evening. I had to acknowledge that he had tried to be included in the conversation. The only thing we share is that we have more in common with Rico. He was in the friend zone for two years. Honestly most women don't marry men they put in the friend zone. That was his first mistake, allowing her to put him in the friend zone.
I plan to wine and dine with her the rest of the week. I will then take her to a few shows. Slowly introduce her to my circle of friends. He never brought her around his friends. I'm older so I know how to bring her to my level. I will never let a woman I desire place me in the friend zone.
Olivia's POV
I'm really confused right now. I have feelings for Rico but Salvatore is so handsome and sweet. It feels empowering to have options and have men compete for me. After everyone left my father told me I could choose between Rico and Sal. Basically they want me to date and get to know both men.
Strange enough Rico has been my best friend for three years. It feel nice to have a choice for a change.
I've decided to take it one step at a time. Rico is sweet and lately in the friend zone. I couldn't help it after all I was married to his brother. It felt funny being with him while I was still married to Mariano. Mariano reached out to me. I even had a meal with him. Tell me what the hell I was thinking when I agreed to take him out with him.
I'm not a mean person but he really did me wrong on so many levels. I just want to hear what he has to say honestly more than anything.
So tomorrow I'm invited to brunch with him. I wonder how Rico and Sal will feel about that. I don't know if I should ask them or just move on. In this situation, I think I need to speak with my sister and ask for her opinion. When Rico was at dinner, I noticed he had a strange look on his face.
Rico's POV
I just finished talking to my brother. I can't believe she agreed to accompany him to lunch with him. He honestly believes he has a chance with her. I don't understand why he still tries to get her back. Honestly, it doesn't make sense to me.
As long as I work on a plan to win her heart, I won't be worried. I have her friendship but I want her heart. I plan to up the ante by sending her flowers and booking dates. Sal is real competition. I could see her looking at him like he was a steak.
He is older than me so I see that as having the upper hand.
Olivia's POV
Well I'm getting ready to workout. Then I guess I will prepare to meet Mariano. The thought of what he could want almost left me wanting to cancel for the life of my life. Tonight I'm heading out on my first date with Salvatore. Believe it or not I'm excited he is so fine. We had a great conversation. I like the ideal of dating. I can't decide what to wear tonight. I'm wear my workout gear to meet with Mariano. He isn't special so I don't plan to try impress him at all.
This is what I'm wearing tonight for my date with Salvatore. It is simple yet sexy at all times. Don't want to look like I'm trying too hard.
And I wear this to meet Mariano. Can't travel anywhere with workout gear. TMZ will kill me with that notion.
Not trying to give him the wrong idea. This is just a friendly gesture so he leaves me alone. I have no intention of getting in touch with him.
Later at brunch.
Damn, why is he so fine? Goodness why couldn't he do it right? We could have made some beautiful babies.
Hey Mariano, how are you today?
I'm doing well, and I'm glad that you decided to meet with me for lunch. Mariano sighs. Well what did you want to meet with me for? How about lunch first? Then we can talk if that is OK with you Olivia.
Sure that would be great. I'll have shrimp fettuccine and Caesar salad. Then waiter look at Mariano waiting his order. I will have the same.
Well I know we ended our marriage. I wanted to see if you wanted to get to understand each other. I know I walk out on marriage without change. Olivia the thing is I can't stop thinking about you.
As soon as you sign the annulment paper, you become my past, Mariano. Currently, I am dating Salvatore Gambino and your brother is with me. In the same way that I have moved on with my life, you need to do the same.
Suddenly, Mariano leapt out of the chair. He couldn't figure out why he was so mad. How can you date my brother? You used to be married to me.
Olivia sighs, simple, we never kissed except on the day of our wedding. You've never seen me naked seriously. You have no room to change my mind.
Still trying to convince her to give him a chance, he sits down. Olivia saw Salvatore enter the restaurant when she looked up. ...
Salvatore's POV
I decided to meet with Ricardo today. We need to set some rules. So we don't step on each other's toes. Imagine my surprise when I saw Olivia sitting with a young man. They seem surprised to see me and Ricardo. They look like they may have been arguing or something.
Ricardo is trying to figure out why I stopped in the doorway. Then he looks at what I'm seeing. That's just my brother she's eating with. You mean the one she married? Well they had an annulment and the sap can't let go.
Let's go speak to them and you can meet my brother. They walk over to the table. Buon pomeriggio bellissima. Olivia smiled at Salvatore. She was happy to see him. In spite of the fact that she just finished talking to Mariano. She didn't hate Mariano, just didn't want to be with him.
He had his chance and decided to walk away for three years. Now she has chance to be with two handsome men.
I'm having brunch with Mariano. Would you fellow like to join us? Mariano wasn't happy about that suggestion at all. I don't believe I've met you before. Mariano, it's Salvatore Gambino from Sicily who's a family friend of mine. Well I can't say it was a pleasure to meet you. It seems like you are more competition for me than my idiot older brother.
Rico tried not to laugh at his brother. He told him to leave her alone. He had no chance with her.
As a matter of fact, we don't want to interrupt your lunch. We actually came to understand. Since we both will date you for the next six months. Rico loved the expression on his brother's face. He found out who was taking his place after finding out who was.
Olivia smiled slightly, well I can't wait for our date tonight Sal. He bent over grab hand and kiss her knuckles. It caused her to blush slightly. Not to be outdone Rico pulled her into his arms for a hug. She smile and kiss his cheek.
She felt relieved being given all this attention. Salvatore and Ricardo were the first to arrive at their tables. Well I didn't expect competition. Well let me tell you something, do you mind if I call you Sal? No its no problem.
My brother married and took her on a honeymoon. Upon arriving at the airport, he boarded a different plane with his mistress. Left her to go on her honeymoon without him. Moreover, he kissed her in front of Olivia, which made matters worse. Can you honestly believe she would get back to you on
She was broken for the first three months. I had to convince her that nothing was wrong with her. As a result, she felt insecure and suffered a major blow to her ego. Olivia is an exquisite woman and my brother is an idiot. He has notice what he left behind for three years. Within three years, she took 300 million dollars and became a billionaire. She has a brilliant mind. I'm saying all this to let you know I plan to fight for her. Even though I know you are a mafia member, I won't back down.
An understatement would be to say that Salvatore was shocked. In order to scare Rico away, he arranged this lunch. Now he realizes he will not back down. Throughout his life, he has never turned down a challenge.
To make it easy we will keep this friendly and simply let her make her own choice.