Louboutins & Aprons

Chapter 17:Valentina

Something was wrong with Mark.

I knew it.

Mark had been distant all morning.

Not his normal quiet.

Not his I’m working, stop texting me quiet.

This was different.

This was cold.

Short replies.

No teasing.

No questions about whether I had eaten.

No threats to bring me food.

Nothing.

And Mark always asked if I had eaten.

Even when he was annoyed with me.

Especially when he was annoyed with me.

So when he didn’t ask—

I knew something was wrong.

The problem was that Mark refused to tell me what it was.

⸻

Our conversation that morning had been strange.

I texted him:

Me:

Good morning, handsome.

Normally, Mark would reply:

Morning.

Or:

I’m working.

Sometimes, if he was feeling generous:

Good morning, Valentina.

But today?

Nothing.

So I waited.

Five minutes.

Ten minutes.

Twenty minutes.

Then I texted again.

Me:

Did you sleep well?

Nothing.

I frowned.

Mark always replied.

Even if he took a long time.

He replied.

So I sent another message.

Me:

Mark?

Finally—

Mark:

Yes.

I stared at the message.

Yes?

That was it?

No greeting.

No question.

Nothing.

I typed:

Me:

Are you working?

Mark:

Yes.

I frowned.

Me:

Are you okay?

Mark:

I’m fine.

That was when I knew.

Mark was not fine.

Mark never said he was fine.

He usually said:

I’m working.

Or:

Stop asking questions.

Or:

Go do your job.

But I’m fine?

That was suspicious.

So I called him.

And the conversation had been even worse.

“Why are you answering like that?” I asked.

“Like what?”

“Like I did something.”

“You didn’t.”

“You’re upset.”

“No.”

“You are.”

“I’m working.”

“Mark.”

“What?”

“Are you okay?”

“Yes.”

“Are you angry?”

“No.”

“You sound angry.”

“I’m not.”

“Then why are you ignoring me?”

“I’m not.”

“You are.”

“I’m busy.”

Then he ended the call.

Just like that.

No goodbye.

No eat something.

Nothing.

I stared at my phone.

Mark was upset.

And I didn’t know why.

⸻

I spent the next hour trying to figure it out.

Did I say something wrong?

No.

Did I forget something?

No.

Did I annoy him?

Possibly.

But I always annoyed him.

That wasn’t new.

Did he have a problem at the restaurant?

Maybe.

But if it was work, he would tell me.

Or at least complain.

Mark didn’t complain often.

But when he did, I listened.

Something else had happened.

Something I didn’t know about.

I looked through our messages.

Nothing.

I thought about the award ceremony.

The night had gone well.

Mark came.

He looked amazing.

He stood beside me.

He watched me receive the award.

He told me he was proud of me.

Then—

He became quiet.

I remembered the drive home.

I had asked if he was okay.

He said yes.

But he looked upset.

I didn’t understand it then.

Maybe something happened at the event.

I tried to remember.

Mark had been quiet when I spoke to several business partners.

He became even quieter when I introduced Alexander.

Alexander had congratulated me.

He had touched my arm.

He had praised my speech.

Then we stood together for photographs.

Wait.

I stopped.

Alexander.

Mark had looked irritated when Alexander was around.

At the time, I thought Mark was uncomfortable.

Maybe he didn’t like the business crowd.

But now—

I smiled.

No.

Could it be?

Was Mark—

Jealous?

The idea sounded ridiculous.

Mark had spent months telling me that he didn’t want me.

He had never admitted that he cared.

He had repeatedly told me that we were not dating.

But—

He brought me food.

He checked on me.

He came to my award.

He called me beautiful.

And now he was upset after meeting Alexander.

Maybe.

Just maybe—

Mark was jealous.

I smiled.

Then I looked at the time.

I had a meeting in an hour.

But I could move it.

I picked up my phone.

Then called my assistant.

“Clear my schedule for the next two hours.”

There was a pause.

“Is everything okay?”

“Yes.”

“Where are you going?”

“To investigate.”

“Investigate what?”

“Something important.”

“Is it business-related?”

“No.”

“What is it?”

“Mark.”

My assistant became quiet.

Then she laughed.

“Is something wrong?”

“I don’t know.”

“You’re going to the restaurant?”

“Yes.”

“During work hours?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because Mark is acting strange.”

“Maybe he’s tired.”

“No.”

“Maybe he’s busy.”

“No.”

“Maybe you annoyed him.”

“I always annoy him.”

“That’s true.”

“Exactly.”

“So what are you going to do?”

“Find out.”

⸻

I arrived at the restaurant twenty minutes later.

I was wearing a fitted black dress.

Simple.

Elegant.

My heels were lower than usual.

Only four inches.

I was making progress.

Mark would be proud.

He would probably still complain.

But he would be proud.

I entered the restaurant.

The hostess smiled.

“Good afternoon, Ms. De Luca.”

“Good afternoon.”

“Are you here to see Chef Mark?”

“Yes.”

“He’s in the kitchen.”

“Thank you.”

I walked toward the back.

Then stopped.

Mark was standing behind the counter.

He was speaking to one of the waitresses.

He looked tired.

His hair was slightly messy.

His sleeves were rolled to his elbows.

And he looked—

Beautiful.

I stared.

Then smiled.

He noticed me.

His expression changed.

Not much.

But enough.

“Valentina.”

“Mark.”

“What are you doing here?”

“I came to see you.”

“You have work.”

“I moved it.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re acting strange.”

“I’m not.”

“You are.”

“I’m working.”

“I know.”

“Then why are you here?”

“Because I wanted to see you.”

He stared at me.

Then looked away.

“You saw me last night.”

“That was yesterday.”

“It hasn’t been twenty-four hours.”

“I missed you.”

“You texted me this morning.”

“You ignored me.”

“I replied.”

“You said one word.”

“I was working.”

“You always work.”

“Yes.”

“Then why are you acting different?”

“I’m not.”

“You are.”

“I’m busy.”

I smiled.

“Are you upset?”

“No.”

“Are you angry?”

“No.”

“Are you jealous?”

Mark stopped.

The waitress beside him looked at me.

Then looked at Mark.

The kitchen became quiet.

Mark stared.

“What?”

I smiled.

“Nothing.”

“You said jealous.”

“No, I didn’t.”

“You did.”

“I asked a question.”

“Why?”

“No reason.”

“Valentina.”

“What?”

“Why would I be jealous?”

I shrugged.

“I don’t know.”

“I’m not.”

“Okay.”

“I’m not.”

“I believe you.”

“You don’t.”

“No.”

Mark frowned.

Then returned to his work.

I smiled.

Interesting.

Very interesting.

⸻

I sat at my usual table.

The same table where I had spent an entire month watching Mark.

A waitress brought me water.

“Would you like to order?”

“No.”

“Are you waiting for Mark?”

“Yes.”

“He’s busy.”

“I know.”

“You’re staring at him.”

“I know.”

“You’re smiling.”

“I know.”

“Why?”

“Because I discovered something.”

“What?”

“Nothing.”

She looked confused.

Then walked away.

I opened my laptop.

I had several documents to review.

But I couldn’t focus.

Mark continued working.

He moved around the kitchen.

He spoke to the staff.

He prepared food.

But every few minutes—

He looked toward me.

He was checking.

I knew it.

He was checking.

I smiled.

Then I looked around.

Several folders were stacked on the counter near the kitchen entrance.

I recognized them.

Restaurant reports.

Supplier information.

Employee schedules.

Normal work documents.

But something was sticking out beneath them.

Paper.

A newspaper.

I looked at Mark.

He was busy.

The waitresses were moving around.

No one was paying attention.

I stood.

Then walked toward the counter.

I moved one folder.

Then another.

And there it was.

The newspaper.

I pulled it out.

The front page showed me.

And Alexander.

We were standing onstage.

Holding hands.

Smiling.

The headline was enormous.

THE NEXT BUSINESS POWER COUPLE?

Below it—

#VALEX

I stared.

Then smiled.

Oh.

Oh, Mark.

I looked toward the kitchen.

He was standing with his back to me.

I looked down at the article.

The words were ridiculous.

Valentina De Luca and Alexander Hawthorne have become the business world’s most exciting new partnership.

Their combined wealth and influence have led many to wonder whether the partnership could become romantic.

The pair looked incredibly close during the Global Business Excellence Awards.

Could they become the next power couple?

I laughed quietly.

The article had photographs.

Alexander’s hand was on my arm.

His hand was on my back.

We were standing close.

We were smiling.

And in one photograph—

We were holding hands.

I remembered it.

The host had asked us to raise our hands after the announcement.

It was nothing.

But the photographs made it look different.

I looked at the newspaper again.

Then at Mark.

He had hidden it.

Beneath his folders.

Why?

Because he didn’t want to see it?

Or because he had been reading it?

I smiled.

Mark was jealous.

He was actually jealous.

The man who repeatedly told me he didn’t want me—

Was jealous.

I wanted to laugh.

I wanted to hug him.

I wanted to tell him that Alexander meant nothing to me.

But—

I also wanted to have fun.

Just a little.

⸻

I returned to my table.

I placed the newspaper beside my laptop.

Then waited.

A few minutes later, Mark walked toward me.

“What are you doing?”

“Working.”

“You’re smiling.”

“I’m happy.”

“Why?”

“No reason.”

He looked at the newspaper.

Then stopped.

His eyes moved toward the headline.

Then back to me.

“Where did you get that?”

“It was under your folders.”

His expression changed.

“I didn’t put it there.”

“You didn’t?”

“No.”

“Okay.”

“Why are you reading it?”

“I wanted to know why everyone is calling Alexander and me a power couple.”

Mark became quiet.

I smiled.

“It’s funny.”

“It isn’t.”

“Why?”

“Because.”

“Because why?”

“It’s just an article.”

“You read it.”

“No.”

“It was hidden under your folders.”

“I didn’t hide it.”

“You did.”

“I didn’t.”

“Mark.”

“What?”

“Are you jealous?”

“No.”

“You are.”

“I’m not.”

“You’re upset because Alexander touched my arm.”

“No.”

“You’re upset because he stood close to me.”

“No.”

“You’re upset because people think we look good together.”

“No.”

“You’re upset because of #Valex.”

“No.”

I smiled.

“You hate the name.”

“I don’t care.”

“You do.”

“I don’t.”

“You’re jealous.”

“I’m not.”

I leaned back.

Then looked at the newspaper.

“Alexander is handsome.”

Mark became quiet.

I smiled.

“He’s very successful.”

“Okay.”

“He’s rich.”

“I know.”

“He owns several companies.”

“Valentina.”

“What?”

“He’s one of the most eligible bachelors in the country.”

“Stop.”

I smiled.

“He’s also very charming.”

“Can you stop talking about him?”

I stopped.

Then looked at Mark.

“Why?”

“Because.”

“Because why?”

“You’re annoying.”

“No.”

“You are.”

“I’m complimenting my business partner.”

“Why?”

“Because he’s impressive.”

Mark folded his arms.

“He’s your partner.”

“Yes.”

“Business partner.”

“Yes.”

“That’s all?”

I smiled.

“Why are you asking?”

“I’m not.”

“You are.”

“No.”

“You want to know if Alexander and I are dating.”

“No.”

“You want to know if I like him.”

“No.”

“You want to know if I want him.”

Mark looked at me.

Then said:

“You told me you wanted me.”

I became quiet.

His words settled between us.

You told me you wanted me.

I smiled.

“I do.”

Mark looked away.

I continued.

“I still want you.”

He remained quiet.

“Alexander is my business partner.”

“Okay.”

“I don’t want him.”

Mark said nothing.

“I want you.”

“Valentina.”

“What?”

“You don’t have to say that every day.”

“Yes, I do.”

“Why?”

“Because you haven’t said it.”

“Said what?”

“That you want me.”

Mark looked at me.

Then sighed.

“You’re impossible.”

“And you’re jealous.”

“I’m not.”

“You are.”

“No.”

“You hid the newspaper.”

“I didn’t.”

“You read it.”

“No.”

“You know what it says.”

“Everyone knows what it says.”

“You know the hashtag.”

“It’s stupid.”

I smiled.

“You hate #Valex.”

“It’s ridiculous.”

“Why?”

“Because it is.”

“You don’t like Alexander.”

“I don’t know him.”

“You don’t like him.”

“I don’t.”

“You’re jealous.”

“I’m not.”

I leaned forward.

Then smiled.

“Good.”

Mark frowned.

“What?”

“I like it.”

“You like what?”

“That you’re jealous.”

“I’m not jealous.”

“You are.”

“No.”

“You care.”

“No.”

“You want me.”

“No.”

“You don’t want Alexander touching me.”

Mark stared.

Then looked away.

I smiled.

He was jealous.

He could deny it all day.

But I knew.

I had seen the newspaper.

I had watched his expression.

I had heard the way he told me to stop complimenting Alexander.

And now—

I knew.

Mark cared.

He hadn’t said it.

But he cared.

And I was going to enjoy this.

⸻

My phone rang.

Alexander.

I looked at the screen.

Then looked at Mark.

His expression changed.

He noticed the name.

I smiled.

“Are you going to answer?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because he’s my business partner.”

“Okay.”

“You don’t mind?”

“No.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

I answered.

“Hello, Alexander.”

Mark became quiet.

Alexander spoke.

I listened.

Then smiled.

“Yes, I saw the article.”

Mark looked at me.

I continued.

“No, I don’t think #Valex is a terrible name.”

Mark frowned.

“It’s funny.”

Mark stared.

“Yes, I know people think we look good together.”

Mark folded his arms.

I smiled.

“Maybe we should take more photographs.”

Mark looked at me.

I had to stop myself from laughing.

Alexander continued talking.

Then I said:

“Okay. I’ll see you at the meeting tomorrow.”

I ended the call.

Mark stood in front of me.

“You’re taking more photographs?”

“Maybe.”

“Why?”

“For business.”

“You don’t need photographs.”

“We’re promoting the company.”

“You already announced it.”

“Mark.”

“What?”

“Are you jealous?”

“No.”

“You are.”

“I’m not.”

“You look angry.”

“I’m working.”

“You came out of the kitchen.”

“To check on you.”

I smiled.

“You care.”

“No.”

“You’re jealous.”

“No.”

“You want me.”

“No.”

I stood.

Then walked closer.

Mark looked down at me.

I smiled.

“Relax.”

“I’m relaxed.”

“Alexander is only my business partner.”

“Okay.”

“I don’t want him.”

“Okay.”

“I want you.”

“Valentina.”

“What?”

“Stop.”

“No.”

I leaned closer.

Then whispered:

“Maybe I should ask Alexander to bring me food.”

Mark looked at me.

“No.”

I smiled.

“Why?”

“Because.”

“Because why?”

“He doesn’t know what you like.”

“You do?”

“Yes.”

My smile became wider.

“You know what I like?”

“Yes.”

“You remember?”

“Yes.”

“You care.”

“No.”

“You’re jealous.”

“No.”

“You want me.”

“Valentina.”

“What?”

“Go back to work.”

I laughed.

Then picked up my bag.

“I have a meeting.”

“Good.”

“Do you want me to invite Alexander to dinner?”

“No.”

“Why?”

“Because.”

“Because why?”

“You’re annoying.”

I smiled.

“Bye, handsome.”

“Goodbye.”

I walked toward the exit.

Then turned around.

Mark was watching me.

I smiled.

“Don’t miss me too much.”

“I won’t.”

“You will.”

“No.”

“You already do.”

“Valentina.”

“Yes?”

“Go.”

I laughed.

Then left.

⸻

The moment I entered my car, I called Adam.

He answered immediately.

“What happened?”

“I discovered something.”

“What?”

“Mark is jealous.”

Silence.

Then Adam laughed.

“He is?”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“How do you know?”

“He hid a newspaper.”

“What newspaper?”

“The one calling Alexander and me the next power couple.”

Adam became quiet.

Then laughed louder.

“You’re joking.”

“I’m not.”

“He’s jealous?”

“Yes.”

“Mark?”

“Yes.”

“The chef who ignored you for a month?”

“Yes.”

“The man who said he didn’t want you?”

“Yes.”

“The man who keeps bringing you food?”

“Yes.”

Adam laughed.

“I told you.”

“You didn’t.”

“I did.”

“You said I was strange.”

“You were strange.”

“I’m still strange.”

“Yes.”

“But Mark is jealous.”

“Yes.”

“That means he cares.”

“Probably.”

“That means he wants me.”

“Maybe.”

“No. He wants me.”

Adam laughed.

“Valentina.”

“What?”

“Don’t scare him.”

“I’m not.”

“You’re going to torture him.”

“I’m going to have fun.”

“Be careful.”

“I will.”

“You’re smiling.”

“I know.”

“You’re planning something.”

“No.”

“You are.”

“Maybe.”

“Valentina.”

“What?”

“I know you.”

“I’m only going to tease him.”

“That is what you always say.”

“I’ll be gentle.”

“No, you won’t.”

I smiled.

“Bye, Adam.”

“Don’t make Mark run away.”

“I won’t.”

I ended the call.

Then looked toward the restaurant.

Mark was still inside.

He was probably pretending to work.

He was probably still thinking about Alexander.

He was probably still angry about #Valex.

And he still refused to admit that he cared.

But I knew.

Mark was jealous.

And I loved it.

Because for months, I had chased him.

I had told him I wanted him.

I had followed him.

I had waited for him.

I had tried to convince him.

But now—

For the first time—

Mark was the one worried about losing me.

And I wasn’t going to let him suffer.

Not too much.

Maybe just enough for him to finally admit—

That he wanted me too.