Chapter Twenty

Eleanor's POV

The next day was Ellie's big winter fashion show. The minute we woke up, she was already gone informing us in a note that she was tying up loose ends and last minute arrangements. Her lovely housekeeper greeted us a good morning and prepared a vast breakfast. Lottie, the housekeeper, seemed to be in her late fifties who acted like a mother to Parker's sister.

The show was held early in the evening so for the first part of the day, we went out and took our roles as tourists in the beautiful city of Milan. Parker took us to various places. It was evident that he had been to this city enough to know the nooks and crannies of the place. 

By the time we got back to Ellie's place, Luke and Peyton were fast asleep clearly exhausted from the entire trip. Thankfully, Lottie offered to look after them so Parker and I could go to the show without children to look out for. I was certain my boys wouldn't enjoy it as well. After dressing into some appropriate clothes for the occasion, I checked on the sleeping ones. They were laying right beside each other, so closely on the bed. I smiled at the sight. As a mother I was very delighted to see that my two sons got along well. Sure they had their fights once in a while, but Luke really took care of his little brother.

"Ready, ma cheríe?" Parker asked from the doorway in his stunning suit. He rejected the tie, and instead left the top three buttons of his white button down shirt open under the suit jacket. He looked mighty sexy, I should say. "Mighty sexy, hmm?"

A blush made its way up to my already heated cheeks as I looked at him. "I guess there's no denying it, but come on. Let's go. Your sister would never forgive us if we turn up late." I walked past him and down the stairs hearing the sounds of his footsteps behind me. 

We slipped into the limo, and the driver sped off as soon as the door closed. The entire ride was silent except for a few kinky remarks from this husband of mine. I laughed it off each time, trying to hide the unwanted red splotch on my face. I could not believe he still had the power to make me blush like I was a teenage girl all over again. I was already a mother for goodness sakes! 

Thankfully we reached the place, and it was swarming with the press. As we stepped out of the limo, there were only a few shots taken at us which I was glad for. The venue was taken place in a gorgeous building dedicated to fashion runways. Parker held my hand and maneuvered us to our seats which was located front row, next to the master behind the runway as well. Ellie was dressed stunningly in her short but conservative, black dress with matching heels. Her hair was curled up and done professionally, and I took a hand and touched my own plain hair embarrassed all of a sudden. I didn't do much with it, but let it fall into its natural state.

Her beau, Jack, was standing right beside her, a hand placed on the small of her back. I watched as she naturally leaned in closer to his touch. It was a sweet gesture. I wondered if Parker and I were the same.

As soon as she stopped talking to interviewers, Ellie headed our way with a huge smile on her face. "Parker! Elle!" She greeted us with huge hugs. 

"Congratulations," I told her hugging her back just as hard. "I'm sure the clothes look fabulous."

"They are. It's me who designed them after all," she winked playfully. Well, I could see Parker's egotistical traits passed down to her sister as well. "I'm so nervous. These models better not trip."

"Are they the same one from your previous fashion shows?" Parker asked sitting down, pulling me right beside him. "Is Mauve still modeling for you?"

Ellie sighed and took a seat beside Jack who greeted us swiftly. "I took in some inexperienced models who are starting out to try and cut back on the expenses. Yes, Mauve is still modeling for me. I can't bear to have that girl go. She's my main star."

Parker nodded and grinned eagerly in return squeezing my hand. "That's good. I haven't seen her in a while."

Mauve? Who the hell is Mauve? 

"Mmm, yeah," his sister replied distractedly just as the lights dimmed. "Oh God. Oh God, it's starting. No matter how many times I've done this, I still go up there a nervous wreck."

"You'll do wonderful, babe," I heard Jack whisper. Ellie gave us all nervous smiles before walking up with grace up the runway stage for her introduction.

Just as she finished, spotlights went on and the music started. The show officially began.

As I got comfortable in my seat, looking up as various models of different skin color, hair, and most importantly clothes, a bit of insecurity settled over me. These women were gorgeous. I watched Parker through my peripheral vision and saw appreciation etched onto his face. Of course he'd be amazed, they were models. It seemed as if Parker saw my gaze, and he brought our joined hands, kissing the back of mine. 

I turned fully at him and smiled. We focused our attention on the show once again, and I could definitely see Ellie's talent. The clothes were beautiful. I couldn't see why her clothing line decreases in sales during this time of year. I made a promise to myself and buy some clothes for me and Summer as well. 

When the last set of clothes started, Parker let go of my hand and settled his elbows on his knees, settling his chin on his hands. I could tell he was excited about this one. All because of Mauve most likely. I leaned in my chair, my eyes flitting towards Parker and to the stage trying to figure out which one was Mauve. Finally as the last girl came up, my husband straightened in his chair, a grin spreading over his face. 

I quickly looked up to see a beautiful red head, one of the prettiest red heads there, strut across the stage. She walked as if she belonged on the stage; she did belong there. Her head was held high, modeling for everybody the winter clothes Parker's sister designed. Her straight, red hair was flying behind her as she walked by. I looked around me, and everyone was in awe. This has got to be Mauve Parker and Ellie were talking about.

Goodbye to whatever is left of my self esteem.

I watched as Mauve sent Parker a quick wink when she walked back to backstage. My eyes narrowed. No! I shouldn't be feeling jealous. Just like that, the show was over. Everyone stood up (and I followed suit) clapping loudly for Ellie when she walked up. I could see tears glistening in her eyes. She said a few words before the entire show ended. 

Jack greeted her right away, congratulating her with a sweet, lingering kiss. Parker broke it up, as the protective brother he was, and gave her the congratulatory hug next. I hugged her as well and pulled away.

"Parker?" A new high-pitched voice joined. I turned to see the red head approach Parker with an immediate hug. "I knew it was you!" She had a French accent. 

I watched as Parker wound his arms around her back. "Mauve. It's a pleasure to see you again."

"You left so quickly the last time we were together," she said thickly with a flirtatious tone to her voice. "We have to catch up on what we left off."

Parker laughed nodding. "We'll see." Oh that flirt. Anger flared through me. Were they seriously thinking of continuing their sex with me right within ear shot of their entire conversation? "By the way, meet Eleanor." It was about time he mentioned me. He turned around and beckoned for me to come closer. 

I did and made sure to stand as close to Parker as I could, suddenly feeling possessive over him. I caught his slight look of amusement before giving this Mauve my full attention. What kind of name is Mauve anyways? As far as I was concerned, it was a name for a shade of purple.

"Mauve, this is Eleanor. Eleanor, Mauve."

This is Eleanor. That's it. No Eleanor, my wife. Just Eleanor. 

"Hi," I greeted with a tight smile my hand outstretched. "It's nice to finally meet another of Parker's friend." 

"Hello," she greeted with her own version of my smile. "Oh, I could say we were just more than friends at one point but I don't want to cause any trouble." Mauve made a point to look me up and down, forgetting to be discreet. "And who are you?"

"Oh, I'm Parker's-"

"Hey Mauve, why don't we catch up at the club? I believe my sister and Jack are already on their way." Parker interrupted me, by softly touching me on the shoulder. Did he not want Mauve to know we were married? 

"Wonderful. We'll be able to catch up some more," she said in her annoyingly thick accent. "I'll bring the other ladies with me. Bye Parker." She placed a very lingering peck on his cheek leaving a lipstick mark. 

Parker nodded giving her one last smile, before intertwining our hands and leading me outside through the thick crowd. I snatched my hand away once we were out of the building with a scowl on my face. Parker stopped and looked at me bewildered. "You okay?"

"Peachy," I gritted through my clenched teeth briskly walking past him and into the awaiting limo. He had the nerve to ask me if I was okay? 

Parker slipped into the backseat a few seconds later with a smug look on his face. "I take it somebody's jealous?"

I scoffed hiding my face from him. "As if. Mauve isn't somebody to be jealous over."

"You sure about that?" 

This time I turned to look at him with a complacent face of my own. "Positive. Now what's this club we're going to?"

Less than thirty minutes later, the limo approached in the middle of Milan city. We stopped in front of a building that had an Italian name. Parker stepped out first, motioning for me to come out next. We walked into the club, and it wasn't the typical club/bar types. It was more of a... classical look. Don't get me wrong, there was a dance floor and a bar. It just seemed like an upscale bar that certain people could go to. There was a line wrapping around the side of the building filled with teenagers and adults. 

My husband led me to a booth in the upper loft of the place. There we found Ellie, Jack, Mauve, and other models I recognized from the show. 

"Elle! I'm so glad you made it," Ellie grinned goofily, who was already tipsy. "Come on, Jack. Let's dance!" Jack followed behind her with a protective hold on her hand.

"Parker!" There it is. That accent that I was dreading to hear during the ride here. "Come and meet some of my friends." 

I watched as she led him to the booth which was filled with females. Female models. They swarmed around him as if he was a celebrity. Mauve on his right, elbows hooked with each other. I rolled my eyes and took a deep breath before going over to an empty table for two. I flagged down a waiter walking around with shots of drinks.

Hey, if it was a bar, why not take advantage?

I grabbed two shots from his and downed them in less than a minute. I shuddered as the taste made its way down my throat. It was coke with vodka. Way too strong for someone like myself. I sat down in my seat watching down at the dancing below me. I wouldn't really call it dancing... more like grinding on each other. The sound of a chair scraping against the floor brought my attention to in front of me.

Before, the chair was empty but now it was occupied by a man. A handsome one at that. The vodka was already taking its toll on me. It only took a few shots of alcohol to get me loose.

"Hey," he grinned with pearly white teeth. He had dark hair and facial features of an Italian man. His accent also gave it away. "I noticed you sitting here by yourself. No pretty lady should be alone by themselves."

I flashed a quick look at Parker who was telling some type of story to his posse of girls. "I'm glad somebody thinks so."

"My friends and I over there," he nodded his head towards the booth in the corner, "are celebrating my birthday. It'd be nice to have a dance with a beautiful lady like you for my night."

I leaned over on the table, resting my elbows on it. "I don't even know your name."

"Enzo," he winked. "Yours?"

"Eleanor, but I'm going to have to pass up on your dance offer."

The man never faltered like I thought he would. "Well if you somehow changed your mind, the birthday boy would still love a dance."

I watched as he stood up and gave him what I hoped to be a sultry look. "I don't give dances to birthday boys."

Enzo laughed heartily before walking back to his group. I looked away smiling and looking back down to the dance floor. I spotted Ellie right away with Jack who were in the middle of the dance floor. They were dancing to an upbeat song. Everyone was. My eyes swept over the entire floor spotting familiar faces like Mauve and Parker. Wait. Mauve and Parker? I watched them dance together provocatively closely. They might as well have been making out in front of my face. 

Since when did they get there? Just a few minutes ago they were only a feet away from me. I was seeing green. Green with envy. Was Parker doing this on purpose? I stood up abruptly, my chair falling over in the process. I walked over to where Enzo was sitting, laughing with his friends.

His gaze landed on me with a satisfying look. "Decided that I'm man enough to receive a dance?"

I nodded and pulled him up with my hand. "You better make this worth it." 

I was glad I took those two shots or else I wouldn't have the nerve to be doing what I was doing now. I started moving my hips to the music as I walked down the stairs to the main part of the club: the dance floor. I wove my way around the throng of people and stopped in what I hoped was the middle. Parker and Mauve were separated by only a few people between us. I caught glimpses of them as people moved. Two can play at this game, my dear husband of mine.

I snaked my arms up Enzo's neck and brought our bodies closer. He placed his hands on my hips as I swayed to the beat. He bent his head down to my ear whispering words that has the ability to make any woman blush. I turned my body around so my back was to him. I closed my eyes dancing, trying to get into the mood even more. That wasn't a problem. Enzo has been handing me shot after shot of some type of drink. My mind couldn't register what type it was; I only knew I was taking way too much my stomach could hold. 

I felt like I had been dancing forever but really, it was only for three songs. Not once has Enzo let go of me, making me stick close to him and only him. I could feel all eyes on me and there was no doubt that I caught Parker's attention.

Parker! My eyes widened at the sight of him across the floor, Mauve no longer in sight. He was leaning against the walls with arms crossed in front of his chest without his smile. I stopped dancing just as Enzo spun me around leaning his head down. 

My eyes widened. "I have a husband," I blurted out before running away. I tried to get away as fast as I could through the dancing people. My cheeks reddened in humiliation at what I just did. I got way too carried away.

I reached the ladies' room and slipped into one of the stalls to catch my breath and clear my head. I was glad for the empty room, but it was suddenly stripped off of me when I heard the door open and the click of heels go against the tiled floors.

"Can you believe that girl?" I heard one of them say. "She already has a husband and yet there she is grinding on another man."

"On somebody like Enzo of all people," her other friend scoffed. "Poor Parker. He must have been embarrassed by what his slut of a wife did. It was bad enough she couldn't dance." They burst out in laughter simultaneously.

It was clear to see that they were talking about me. I sat down on the toilet seat on the brink of tears. Oh why did I let this happen to me?

"Those models were right; she only married him for the money and trapped him with her two kids."

"Gold-digger. She's so pathetic."

I couldn't take it anymore. I stood up from the toilet and fixed my dress. I walked out of the stall, signalling that the two females who were talking about me weren't alone. The two girls seemed to be local Italians. They didn't bother in acting ashamed of what they did. They just looked me up and down and went back to the mirror fixing their make up.

I quickly washed my hands and fixed my hair before walking out of the restroom. My lips were quivering, tears threatening to fall. No. I shouldn't cry. Not over this. I closed my eyes and walked my way around the perimeter to avoid people. I didn't realize it yet, but the tears were already let loose.

To make it worse, I bumped into somebody. To make it even worse than it has to be no other than Parker. 

"That was quite a stunt you pulled on the dance floor," he whispered into my ear. My back was to him, and I couldn't move due to his hold on my hips. His lips found their way to my bare neck teasing me with kisses. "I don't mind it ...if it was me you were dancing with." 

I closed my eyes trying to blink the tears away. "Sorry. Parker, I am so sorry." My voice hitched on the last word before successfully breaking free of his grasp and out the club. 

I leaned against the brick walls, thankful for the empty road and place. I needed to be alone right now. I brushed away the tears, but they kept on coming. It didn't seem to stop and only strengthened when I was pulled into Parker's all too familiar arms. I buried my head into his chest, the words from the two Italian ladies repeating itself in my mind.

"Shh, what's wrong, ma cheríe?" Parker asked stroking my hair and kissing the top of my head. I didn't deserve him. I didn't. 

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry for getting jealous over Mauve. I'm sorry for dancing with Enzo. I'm just sorry for marrying you and ruining your bachelor life."

"Yeah? Well I'm not sorry," Parker gently pulled my face away from his chest, cupping the sides of my face in his hands. His brown eyes, ones that look green in the daytime, stared at my blue ones. I couldn't look away; I was too entranced by him. Ugh, my nose was probably too snotty. "Forcing you to marry me has to be the best decision I've made in my life. I wouldn't know what to do without you. There wouldn't be a girl to come home to, no one that I would have to make jealous and get the satisfaction of doing so." He winked at me as he said that, which made me laugh through my cries. So that was what tonight was all about. Very immature of him. "Without you, there wouldn't be two young Parkers waiting for us right now." Two young Parkers. He really did treat them like they were his.

"Am I that bad of a dancer?" I asked sheepishly looking down. "You know what? Don't answer that."

He chuckled deeply and pulled me close again. "Way to change the subject. I'm sorry for abandoning you. I didn't know you would end up with a local Italian. You didn't seem like the type of person for clubs."

I shook my head gripping his shoulders for support. "No. No I'm not."  

"Well then, let me make most of this night for you," he promised walking away, our hands the only things connected.

I stared after him as my feet moved due to Parker pulling me. "I don't want to go back there." Because I would be to embarrassed to face those girls in the bathroom and everyone dancing. I made quite