CHAPTER TWELVE - Special Visitors

In order to prevent any awkward public displays of affection, Eddie is hiding out in Kate's room as she arrives an hour early for dinner and is watching after Luca while he cooks. Before Kate showed up in a body con dress, she was clad in sweatpants and a singlet. Eddie realizes she needs to step up her game a bit, so she dug through her closet and grabbed an outfit. Although it was Eddie, it wasn't nearly as elegant as Kate.

Leggings with a loose-fitting tee dress.

Eddie puts on a light coat of makeup and reclines on her bed.

It was a Christmas gift from Maria, but Eddie hardly seldom wears makeup and she definitely wouldn't have bought it for herself.

Eddie was sad to leave the Morreti family after Thanksgiving, but on the good side, Christmas was approaching quickly.

Eddie gets up and approaches the mirror once more to assess her appearance. She exhales. She takes a short selfie and sends it to Marc after taking her phone off the nightstand.

EDDISON 6.34 p.m. Do I seem okay?

MARCELLO

6.36 p.m.: Bella, always.

6.36pm: What is the issue?

EDDISON

6:37 p.m: I'm concerned about dinner. Kate showed up early and looked like a supermodel!

MARCELLO

6.37pm: You appear stunning, Eddie. I'm certain Luca will concur.

EDDISON 6.38pm: You mean Parker.

MARCELLO, 6.38 p.m.:

EDDISON, 6.39 p.m.: Marcello, good night.

MARCELLO

6.39 p.m.: Cara, good night. Fun to you...

Eddie notices Parker's pickup parked on the curb as she places her phone back on the nightstand. She quickly exits her room and runs to the front entrance through the living room. She discovers Parker about to knock when she opens it.

Wow, you're doing well. he claims. Before giving her a bouquet of lilies, he gives her a sincere kiss on the lips. These belong to you.

Thank you Parker, those are lovely. When Eddie sees a bottle of wine in his hands, he grinned and asked, "Who is the wine for?"

Eddie turns to face Parker, who is looking over her shoulder, and sees Luca and Kate standing in the kitchen doorway. This is for Luca, I believe. It is red. I hope that goes with dinner."

Luca looks at Eddie for a moment before turning to Parker and accepting the wine. "Thanks. It's fantastic. Luca murmurs, a grin starting to emerge on his lips. Parker was led into the living area by Kate. After I finish eating, Eddie and I will go get a vase for your flowers.

Everyone complies with Luca's instructions as he and Eddie enter the kitchen. A vase is taken out from under the sink by Luca, who then fills it with water before giving it to Eddie. In the vase, Eddie does her best to arrange the flowers. Luca snorts behind her as she beams at them.

"What?" Eddie turns to face Luca, who is still fixated on her.

"What?" Eddie turns to look at Luca, who is still fixated on her.

"You've changed?"

"So?"

You appear nice. A stray hair is tucked behind Eddie's ear by Luca. She feels her skin heat up and quiver as his fingers brush Eddie's cheek.

Through her lashes, she says, "Uh... thanks."

"You despise lilies," Luca says as he turns his attention back to the pasta.

"No, I don't."

"Oh, I'm so sorry. I must have confused you with my other roommate."

"OK, shut up! They are lovely, and this is the first time a guy has ever bought me flowers. Eddie snarls. She enters the dining room after grabbing the wine bottle and four wine glasses. "Kate, Parker, would either of you like a glass of wine?"

"Yes, please." As Parker and Kate enter the room from the living room, he says.

"I just want to see how my man is. He can cook, and that is very appealing.

Okay, Eddie?

"Sure." Parker is given a glass of wine as Eddie says with a phony smile.

….

The four people eat dinner together. Parker leans on Eddie's thigh when they are both seated. She can't help but note that unlike when Luca touches her, her skin doesn't tingle. Luca is seated to Kate's left. While Kate finds justifications to touch him, Luca eats while keeping his gaze fixed on Eddie and Parker. Eddie makes a move to gather everyone's plates as soon as they finish their spaghetti.

Luca observes Parker sitting back and keeping his eyes fixed on her behind as she walks.

Luca gets up from his chair.

"Ed, have a seat. I'll obtain it. He speaks swiftly.

The least I could do was say, "Luciano, you cooked it." Eddie enters the kitchen quickly and says. Eddie comes back, and when she sits down at the table, she notices Kate looking at her. "Kate, is something wrong?"

You referred to him as Luciano. Although Kate says, it appears to be a query.

"Yes."

"Why?"

He goes by that name. Simply glancing from Luca to Kate, Eddie says.

Luca's lips form a fine line as Kate turns her attention to him.

Eddie snorts; despite dating him for two years, she doesn't even know his name.

Should I order dessert, Luca? Eddie attempts to break the now uncomfortable silence.

When there is a knock at the door, Luca opens his mouth to respond.

"Ah, you get the door; I'll get dessert."

Eddie nods as he exits the dining area and approaches the front door. Just as Eddie opens the door, someone knocks once more.

"Eddison?" The blonde who is in front of her lets out a high-pitched squeak.

"Bunny?"

"You recall," Bunny squeals as she encircles Eddie and pulls him into a tight embrace. The question "Is Luca here?"

Eddie smiles as he moves away from Bunny. She has several ideas going through her mind. Either she could decline Bunny's invitation and spare Luca the hassle, or she could invite Bunny to the after-dinner performance.

Eddie turns his head to Bunny before turning back to the dining area.

She makes her decision while taking a big breath. Bunny is led inside by Eddie, who grabs her by the hand. She cries out to her roommate just before they enter the dining room.

"LUCA, YOU HAVE A VISITOR!"