My Friend's Father

Mattia de Luca "Fabrizia already said that I remember Giulia's party," I say, irritated. My secretary might as well be a wife, with her insistence on hovering over me about my daughter. If she weren't so competent, I would have fired her already. I continue to review all the documents that need my attention. My company specializes in the production and distribution of fuels. I own the corporation across the entire Pacific West Coast, making me one of the biggest CEOs in the fuel industry. My life isn't just about Oil Corporation. Six years ago, my wife Antonella passed away after a battle with cancer, leaving me and Giulia on our own. I try to do my best, but looking at my daughter reminds me of how alone I am. I ended up distancing myself when I sent her to a boarding school in Washington. She comes home for the holidays, and we try to connect. Having a daughter who is almost twenty sometimes feels more challenging than it should. But my love for her is unconditional. I give her the best I can and am aware that I'm a terrible father for being so far away from her. With her end-of-year party coming up, I'm sure our distance will only grow. Looking at the picture frame holding our last photo together on my last birthday makes me want to go see her soon. I think I'll stop by a jewelry store to get her a graduation gift. The papers on my desk will have to wait. I stand up, gather my belongings, and leave my office. "Fabrizia, I'm going home. Cancel everything, and I'll be back on Monday," I say as I walk away. I stopped at a jewelry store and bought a double necklace with a heart pendant for her. I found the piece as delicate as my daughter's. I sent a message to the housekeeper to prepare a suitcase; I want to spend the weekend with my daughter. I'm proud to know that in a few years, Giulia will be graduating in what she loves. She got into the best medical school I could offer my only daughter. Driving to the college where she studies takes a few hours out of my day, but I know she'll be happy to see me here, especially as a surprise. I know she was losing hope that I would show up. As soon as I arrived at the apartment, I had bought at the beginning of the month to celebrate another successful year and mainly wished for my only daughter to have a place of her own. I look in the mirror and am pleased to see my black dress shirt with the top buttons undone, showing off my chest and some hair. I put on my necklace, and watch, and decide that I'm ready to go. With the car at my disposal waiting for me, I head towards the campus where Giulia studies. Since I will only give her the apartment tomorrow, maybe I can bring someone to spend the night with me tonight. From afar, I could already see the commotion at the entrance of the large hall where the students' end-of-year party was to be held. Giulia's dormitory was on the opposite side. I need to call her to say I'm here so we can easily meet. Unfortunately, I discovered I didn't have my phone with me. Damn. I parked the car in the area reserved for families, hoping to find my daughter easily. I get out of the car and see several students passing by. "Hey, do you know where I can find the medical students?" I asked a boy who was already drunk. "They should be near the library, in that building over there," he points in the direction. I thanked him for the information and slowly walked, following the flow of students who seemed to be heading in the same direction. I watched as a group of girls walked in front of me, and one of them caught my attention. She might be a relative of a student; she seemed older. I continue to follow the girls slowly, and as they are approached by another man who takes one of them into the building we were passing in front of, the blonde laughs with her friend and gives me a cheeky smile. I smile back, thinking it might be time to have a little fun before I meet Giulia if I manage to find her tonight. Maybe I should go back to the apartment to get my phone. I approach the blonde girl and walk beside her. "Good afternoon, miss!" I say as I come up to her. "Good afternoon!" she replies without paying much attention. "Are you related to a student?" I asked to start a conversation. I watch her laugh at my question as she turns to face me, hands on hips, trying to assert herself. "If you want to f**k, just say it…" I narrow my eyes at the blonde in front of me who, even in high heels, isn't very tall. When she moistens her lips in a silent invitation, I take the final step to taste those lips. I ran my hand through her nape and tightened my grip, eliciting a moan from her, muffled by the kiss I planted on her. I'm not interested in knowing who the woman now in my arms is; I just want to show her what it's like to sleep with an Italian. We break our kiss to catch our breath, and her look of decision excites me; this might be her first one-night stand. "Come…" She grabs the collar of my shirt and motions were to go. We walk through a narrow path lined with low plants, moving in silence. I notice that the dress she is wearing accentuates her figure nicely, and a butterfly tattoo is visible on the plunging back of her dress. We enter one of the buildings, and she puts her finger to her lips in a silencing gesture. I'm surprised to find that we are in the library, which is empty. "Back there," she points to where she wants to take me. I could take this beautiful woman to the apartment or even to the best hotel in the city and spend the night with her, then go back to looking for Giulia. "Let's go to a hotel," I suggest, holding her hand. "What's the matter, never had a fantasy?" I smile and look around. I walk to the last rows of books, since she wants it here, I'll satisfy her wish. As we reach the back of the hall, I pin her against the rows of books and claim her soft lips painted in a deep crimson, making her even more beautiful.