She couldn't stop her voice from breaking as she spoke. 'He's cheating on me. I knew he hated me but I sincerely didn't know it would come to this'.
She stilled as he unexpectedly wrapped his arms around her. 'Even if you expected it, it's hard coming face to face with the truth'.
His words warmed her heart and she melted in his arms. They were in that position for a long time; she silently crying on his shoulder and he gently patting her.
He softly released her after a while and handed her his hanky. The second time in the length of a year. 'Thank you' she muttered, blowing on it.
'So this is what I want you to do for you' he started. 'I want you to go in there, take a good bath, look good, and eat something'.
Just then, his phone rang. It was Major's call. He smiled at her as she stood up to leave and spoke into the phone. 'Major, my guy, I've been calling your lines, where are you?
He listened to Major as he spoke into the phone. 'I'm at your house now. Happy birthday!! I got you something'. Silence for a moment. 'What man? Seriously? Even for me? He huffed. 'fine then. See you tomorrow'.
A while later, she came down dressed in an evening gown designed with flowers the colour of lavender. In short, she looked better and well-rested than she was some minutes ago.
'You look good' he complimented. She gave a quiet smile. 'Do you want to go out, have a breath of fresh air?
'With you?'
'Yeah, Major isn't going to be home till dawn'
She swept her gaze around the beautiful penthouse, lacking the simple joys of laughter and harmony. She wanted to decline but she thought of being alone here till dawn in this empty space, her mind tormenting her with images of Major's body wrapped around another woman. Nah.
She nodded at Reese. 'That's a good idea. I'm down'.
Anything to get her mind off her lackluster marriage.
****
It was a rather chill night and she regretted not wearing a coat. It was on her mind at the last minute but she decided against it. It would dampen the mood her almond flowery strapless maxi gown set.
She watched beautifully lit highrises blur past her as the car sped down Venice's smooth roads. Restaurants, bars, karaokes, Grill spots. Streets bustling with life, full of people. It awed her.
Major had set a stiff rule of not leaving his house past 6.pm and she'd never got to witness the brilliant nightlife of Italy's bustling capital.
The neon lights from the Clubs and electric vibe from the open night performances mesmerized her.
A hand softly touched her knuckles. She turned from the Window to see Reese's teasing gaze. 'Your mouth is hanging open.' He lightly chuckled, amused.
She shut her open mouth, a blush settling in her cheeks.
'It's alright.' He nodded. 'Soak it in.'
'Where are you taking me to?' She asked.
'It's a surprise.' A faint smile played across his lips as he looked forward. 'But I promise you'll like it.'
'It shouldn't be a restaurant though. I've lost my appetite.' She watched as his face fell. She laughed. 'Okay. Okay. Wherever.'
'Ever heard of Sapori d'Italia?'
She shook her head.
'It's a restaurant that opens only at night. Serves everything from gourmet cuisine to street food. You'll love it.'
From his serious expression, Sienna could only agree.
'This.' She broke the comfortable silence. 'You're taking me out. You're my husband's friend and I am his wife. I don't think Major will like it.'
'He went out to celebrate his birthday without taking you along. I don't think he'll be bothered. Besides, I like the company. It's been long.'
His car stopped by a building and Sienna was already impressed by the exterior of it. He took her hands like a gentleman and led her into the building.
Everything from the soft strobe lights, to the color palette, to the polished wood frames to the velvet booths made her feel deeply at ease. The tight knots in her chest slowly loosened.
'I made sure to choose somewhere Major doesn't regularly frequent.' he said as they sat down.
Sienna smirked to herself. If only you knew that you have nothing to worry about. He's at the other side of the town, fucking his brains out–
A waiter brought two trays of food with delicious smells that assaulted her nostrils.
'What's this? She asked as the waiter left.
'Tagliatelle al Tartufo' He stated. Tagliatelle pasta tossed in creamy truffle sauce, a sprinkle of Parmesan and black pepper on it.
Sienna looked up at him, her eyes swimming with delight. 'It's been so long.' She groaned. 'last time I ate this I was seven and in my recent Instagram post I asked my followers for restaurant recommendations for his particular food.'
'I saw that post.' A mischievous curve settled on his lips. 'I decided to help out.' Her eyes watered. 'Thank you.' It was the only thoughtful thing someone had done for her since she came to Italy.
'I hope you enjoyed it.' He interjected when she softly belched and she was about to apologize. 'It tasted more Divine than I'd ever imagined it to be.'
He nodded, satisfied. 'Do you feel better?
'Absolutely.' Just 30 minutes she'd stepped into this place and her mood had soared a hundred percent.
Soft jazz was playing in the background; an open opera. Some couples took over the dance floor, and he brought out his hand so they could join them.
She hesitated. He's in the bed of another woman, Sienna. A man that doesn't give a shit about you. Yet you bother.
She firmly took his hand as he lifted her up and she sunk into the warmth of his chest as they slowly danced to the music from the live band.
'Thank you.' She whispered into his neck.
His fingers slithered down her open skin and settled at the curve of her back. The movement elicited a slight shiver from her.
Sienna felt her core clench with need as Reese's smooth fingers drew invisible lines on her exposed skin. Her face was still nestled in his neck, his coffee musk and lemon aftershave overpowering her nostrils.
This feels wrong. Her mind kicked but she suffocated the thought. He gently pushed her away and twirled her around to the beat of the music. She fell back into his hold, their gaze lingering on each other. His hazel brown eyes traced the smooth curves of her lips, back to her saucer-sized eyes large with arousal, and then down to her lips again.
She felt that pull between her thighs as he subconsciously licked the lines of his upper lips.
'Stop it.' She fiercely whispered. 'You're eating me with your eyes.'
A huge grin splashed across his face and he pulled her off the dance floor to the bar of the restaurant. 'We both need a drink.'
Before she could argue, she had her butt thumped on the highchair beside the restaurant bar. Reese ordered two shots of vodka.
'You want to get me drunk.'
'You need to get drunk.' He laughed easily as he settled in the bar stool next to her. 'Major is still occupying your mind. If good food didn't take him out, then some alcohol would do.'
Maybe I don't want him out of my mind.
'I'm going to make you forget him. For now. For this night.' he said as the barman slammed two glasses half filled with vodka before them, some of the liquid spilling on their faces.
But I need it. I need the distraction.
Sienna downed the glass in two gulps; the bitter taste scorching the tip of her tongue but giving off a warm feeling in her stomach. She wasn't a heavyweight drinker so five seconds later, she began to feel tipsy.
'Let me take you home.' He said and he lifted her inebriated body over her shoulders, taking her out of the restaurant.
****
'Bye. Bye.' She waved as she stepped down from the car, her bag in hand, tripping from one foot to another. It was then Reese decided he couldn't leave her alone in the house drunk.
He sprang out of the car and gently helped her walk into the house. Once in, she collapsed in his arms and he draped her over his shoulders, heading to the guest room.
They both plopped on the bed together and she refused to loosen her grip on his sturdy neck.
'If Major finds out that I was drunk, he's going to be very upset, and the last thing I want to do is to get him upset after his sex high.' She slurred, her words running into each other. Her alcohol stained breath wafted across his face.
Reese stared down at her in concern. He didn't expect a half glass of vodka to tip her off like this. Her glazed eyes lolled at him and he pinched colour into her now pale cheeks.
'Hot. Hot.' She muttered. 'Doesn't it feels hot in here?
He stood up and paced the room to the wall where the fan switch was. He flipped it on.
He turned back to see that Sienna had pulled off the gown she was wearing and she was left in nothing else but her black lace bra and matching panties.
His mouth went dry and he swallowed hard, an erection growing in his pants.