Daniel and my father met twenty years ago when Dad was one of the portfolio managers at the Salis Huston's family office in Italy..  And since Danny had always wanted to make a name for himself, away from his family business, they decided to join forces and start their very own investment firm: Lange-Huston Capital, with offices in New York and Rome.

I spent a big part of my childhood with Danny.  He took me to Central Park and we fed the ducks and swans, to the beach in the Hamptons to build sandcastle, and to Aspen to ski.  I remember he even taught me to ride my first pony.  Which was no easy task since back in then I was pretty scared of ponies and heights.

Oh but he was so caring!  He was supportive and very patient.  And funny too!  When it rained we'd watch movies and eat marshmallows until late.  I mean I would be eating the marshmallows; Danny doesn't like sweets.  Oh and he was also present the very first time I painted.

But then all of a sudden when I was seven, Danny got a new girlfriend-Rosie Fellner.  And from then on he didn't come back to play with me.  The. I finished my first painting I was so proud of myself that I wanted to give it to him and show him how talented I was.  But Danny never came to pick up his gift.

Days passed, then weeks, and ultimately months, and it was like he'd gone from my life forever.

I would often ask Dad about him. Did I do something to upset him?  Do you know if Danny will come back? Dad just said Danny had some personal obligations and had to return to Rome.

But Danny never wrote or even called.  I can still remember the terrible sadness and pain I endured when he left, feeling so empty and betrayed.  After all, what kind of godfather disappears like that?

I feel tears pouring down my face just like when I turned eight and he didn't come to my birthday party.  I wipe them and quickly look for the restroom.

I will leave right as soon as I freshen up.

"Ah Jessica!  There you are.  Come, I have someone I I'd love to reintroduce to you.  You haven't seen each other in ages.

"Uh, thank you Dad but I'm very bust right now." No way am I meeting him!

"Such nonsense.  Come on, let's go."

"I have to go to the bathroom, I'm sorry!" And in a second I set myself free and take off.

***

I take a few deep breaths in the completely empty bathroom.  I should have brought my medication with me.

Suddenly I hear the door swing open.

"There you are!  Girl I just met the hottest hottie in the world!  You Dad's friend.  That tall fit guy with the accent.  Seriously, who knew Albert had such a cute friend!  Italian men are so sexy.  I'm gonna go for it." Sarah pushes her breasts up. "Unless you're gonna go for it?  But come on baby girl.  He needs someone who will give him a good time.  Some excitement!  And you're. . . well. . . not."

I sigh and nod. "No, go ahead."

"Perfect!  But hey are you okay?  Why are you so pale?  Do you need me to call a doctor?  Do you have a Xanax?"

"No. . I'm just gonna head home."

"Okay.  Well I'm off to get lucky!" Sarah smiles and kisses my cheek.

**

I take my purse and leave the hall.  I spot a black executive Mercedes S-Class with a driver waiting outside.  Lucky me.

I slide in sand say, "Five fifteen Park Avenue please!" I hear the rear door on the other side opening, "Ms. Van Lange?"

I gasp and widen my eyes slightly. "Mr. Salis Huston?" I can't hide the mix of confusion and excitement in my voice. "Oh!  I'm so sorry, I didn't know it was your driver.  I'll take another one.

"Nonsense, please stay." As he sits beside me his cologne hits my nose.  It smells exactly the same was my childhood.

"Same destination for me."

Same destination?  Oh no!  I go to open the door but it locks automatically.  I'm trapped.

We start moving and my eyes go to my lap.  I feel his eyes all over me and his enjoyment growing.

"It's been such a long time.  You look. ." He checks me out from top to bottom without an ounce of discretion.

"Well. . . different."

"Ten years." I remind him.  He smiles annoyingly, not even bothered by my reaction.

"Such a grown up now!  I bet you don't watch cartoons anymore." He laughs.  Ha ha, very funny.

"Indeed.  I'm into reading, riding horses and painting." I'm mad at him but keep the conversation polite. "What brings you to New York?  My Dad's birthday?  Work?  Women?" Now I don't sound as polite.  I sound rather annoyed and nearly rude by the end.

"Man things, Miss. . Many, many things. . .  You Dad's birthday, work." He adds. "I'm undertaking a new job at headquarters."

"A new job?  So you're moving here?" My voice voice sounds way too surprised, and I shouldn't even care about it.

"I am." Danny doesn't say more as he to be quite entertained by observing me.  Because I'm so fun to watch!

"By the way, I didn't see you at the party?"

"Well uh. . I'm not feeling well so I just dropped by for a bit." I look him in the eyes and now I feel even more dazed and uncomfortable.  And just as if he knows it he places his hand on mine and says, "It's great to see you again, Jessica."

My face remains unreadable, but his smile and warm hand fill my head with memories I don't want to remember. . it fills by body. . with feelings I don't want to feel.

"It's great to see you as well." I'm lying.  It's not great to see him.  It's been ten years!

I smile at him and hide my true feelings.  Gosh, Sarah is right.  He is hot!  Jessica!  Stop that!  I clear my throat and ask, "So. . Did you manage to meet Sarah?"

"Sarah is a friend of yours?"

"Yeah."

"I did see a girl with a dress way too tight around her chest, and way too much makeup on." We both burst into laughter and I nod. "Yeah that's definitely her.  She's into you I guess."

"What!  How old is she?  Eighteen?" He sounds so outraged that I let a smile escape me.

"I think so."

"That's crazy.  I could be her father!"

"You could. . but you aren't."

"Yeah well just be sure to tell her I'm not into teenagers."

"Alright I will.  By the way, I know this is none of my business, but. . What happened with Rosie?  I heard you two separated." He cringes at the question and he's obviously bothered.  I love it!

"Always so straightforward.  Just like your Dad." The corner of his lips turn upward and I find myself mimicking him. "Let's just say I couldn't offer her what she wanted."

"Like what?" I ask and his reaction is priceless.  His brows shoot up and he laughs. "How are you so direct and blunt at your age?"

I can't help but giggle. "I believe I grew up with someone like that."

"That's true.  If Albert were a woman, his character would be like yours.  It's frightening.  But to answer your question.  Your very indiscreet question. . She was talking children and golden rings.  You know, the usual."

"You two had been together forever."

"Ten years." Danny mimics my tone.

We both share a chuckle.

"And after all that time you'd prefer to breakup with her than to settle down?"

Danny sighs a little louder than usual but he knows he will have to answer my question.  I've never been one to back down. "Since it was not what I wanted, Yes." He turns to me.  His blue eyes studying me. "I told her that if kids and marriage is what she wanted then she should be with someone who also wants those things."

"Wow.  Seems like Dad with his lovers."

"Your father tells you about his love stories?"

"Not always, but I manage to make him speak."

"I see.  Just as persistent as always, Miss." His gaze still pinned on me but I look down instinctively. "Enough about me.  What are you doing after school?  Your Dad told me you're joining our summer internship?  I thought you wanted to be a painter."

"I was seven when I said that.  Anyway, it's much harder to make it as a successful artist than an executive."

"Why not take the risk?"

"Oh and starve until then?" I shake my head. "I still paint as a hobby, but that's all. I'll be starting at Columbia University this fall with a major in economics."

"Columbia?  So Ms. Van Lange is not going to live on campus I presume?" I know he's mocking me, but I get the point.

"Dad isn't too keen on any university that has me living away from home.  And frankly after visiting some campuses such as Cornell's, I'm not too keen either.

Danny chuckles. "Well, it's not your penthouse on Park Avenue, that's for sure." Danny then takes a moment to think before speaking again. "Is this internship really what you want?"

"Here we are, Five Fifteen Park Avenue." The driver announces.

"Perfect!  Have a great night!" I reply before Danny and I step out of the car.

"Do you have an apartment on the same block?"

"No, I have a house outside the city.  But I'm renting a condo nearby.  I'm just waiting for Albert.  He asked me to meet him here."

"Alright.  Then come over, I'll show you my atelier." I gesture to the entrance.

Danny seems surprised but follows anyway. "You have an atelier?"

"Yep!  I paint there.  It's my own private space.  Neither Dad nor Janie can enter.  I look it, you know."

"That's very interesting."

Danny follows me and after taking in the renovations I've managed to force Dad into making in the last ten years, I show him upstairs.

"Now let's see the best part of the house." I open the door to the room full of paintings.  An old record player, and some vinyls laid out.  My Mac is on the floor and a vintage vanity space on the right that's been turned into storage for my oil paints, tools, and brushes.

"Wow Jessica.  Beautiful space you've got here.  Disorganized, but beautiful."

"See?  I still paint."

"And your Dad never comes here?"

"Nope.  No one." It's my refuge."

"Hands in his pockets, Danny starts looking intently at my most recent paintings, slowly pacing around. "You've made some good progress.." He utters in his usual sarcasm.

"Pfff, very funny." I brush off. "Look at this one.  It's my favorite."

"Hmm, not bad.  Do you sell them?"

My eyes widen in surprise. "Um, no." Then a quick giggle escapes me. "Who would by them anyway?"

Danny turns to me and the corner of his mouth curves up. "I can think of a few people."

I roll my eyes.

"You could open a gallery and invite your Dad's friends-"

"Thank you for the offer." I interrupt. "I truly appreciate it, but Dad already got me the internship, and I want to focus on that for now."

"I see.  Well if you change your mind, let me know." Danny says as his phone rings. "I'm sorry Miss, but I have to go.  Your Dad must be waiting for me."

"Sure.  Have a great evening." I smile and try to hide my disappointment in seeing him leave. . Again.

All of a sudden Danny reaches over and grabs my hand.  He bows his head and kisses my hand.

Oh my!  The feeling of his lips on my skin electrifies me.  It petrifies me.  And I can't help but shiver.  Fuck.  No one has ever done that before.  I take slow deep breathes as my heartbeat is already quickening.

"It was a pleasure to see you again, Ms. Van Lange.  I hope you have a lovely evening." His low husky voice isn't helping things.  What am I supposed to say?  How do I speak?

I smile shyly and walk him to the door in silence.

"Oh by the way!" I look up to see what he has to say. "I invited you Dad to my estate for dinner tomorrow night.  It's going mostly executives in their forties and fifties talking about the most boring subjects, but if you are interested, you are most welcome to join."

"Thank you." I appreciate the invitation." I reply politely. "Have a great evening, Mr. Salis Huston."

Danny steps into the elevator, and for a short moment before the door shut, we stare at each other in silence.  Then Danny smiles and chuckles a little.  Oh how that smile sends heat right though me.  Jessica!  Stop.

Finally he's gone.  What a relief.  I get out my phone to text Sarah.

The Italian Hottie just invited me to dinner tomorrow night.  Should I go?

What!  Wait Jessica, what are you doing?  I quickly erase the message.  Hoe stupid of me.  Let's be honest, none of this is Sarah's business, and if I tell her she'll only find a way to weasel her way into his dinner.  Wait, why am I even considering attending?

***

Daniel Salis Huston

"It felt strange to see Jessica again.  Damn, she grew up fast.  I mean ten years.  Although she's older, her big blue eyes and cheeky smile remain exactly the same.

Her curiosity is as funny as it is annoying, just like before.  She's so skinny though. Does she eat properly?

"Ah Daniel!" I hear Albert.  I turn to him and his face is beaming with joy.

"I didn't want the journalists to follow.  Get into the limo."

I let out a sigh. "You know I hate limos."

"You're in New York, get used to it.  C'mon!"

**

"Albert, where are we going?"

"I have a gift for you."

"A gift?  But it's your birthday."

"Think of it as a welcome back to the states gift from me."

Finally we arrive to our destination.  A hotel.  What is this?

"Don't use your real first or last name." He says before entering the room.

I lift my brows slightly. "Okay?"

Albert opens the door and I smile. "Wow.  What a nice surprise."

"Isn't she great?  I named her Lucy.  She's just how you like them.  Black hair, brown eyes, and tanned skin."

Actually, I have a penchant for the exact opposite, but since the birth of his blonde haired, blue eyed, and fair skinned daughter, I've never mentioned it.

Albert smiles and nudges me. "Have fun!"

"Can I talk to you for a second?"

"Sure."

"What kind of an arrangement is this?"

"She goes by appointment. No strings attached.  I have even trained her to call you what you like.  Oh and I know you have an obsession with condoms, but she's totally clean."

"This is one hell of a gift, I'm sorry I didn't get you anything as good."

"You did." Albert smiles at me and pats my shoulder. "My best friend is back."

**

"Lucy."

"Yes my Lord?"

"While you are in this hotel you are to be naked and ready to be fucked whenever I need you.  Are we clear?" I take her leash.

"Yes Lord."

"Do you mind if I bruise you?"

"No Lord."

"Perfect.  Then I suppose we'll get along."

***

Jessica Van Lange.

The first Friday without school.  It feels strange.  I just received an email about graduation.  This is it.  High school is finally over.  It's a crazy feeling.

Today I am going over to Emma's estate for a day of horseback riding.  After a lovely afternoon we lounge by the pool.

"Doesn't it feel weird to not have classes anymore?" I ask. "I'm so used to being on a schedule."

"Jeez, you're crazy girl.  I couldn't take it anymore!  We're finally free!  But don't you worry.  You'll have a strict schedule during your internship and time at Columbia.

Suddenly my phone starts buzzing.  It's Dad; Are you going to the dinner tonight?  I leave in 90 minutes.

Oh crap!  Danny's dinner.  I had finally forgotten about it.  I'm not really sure what to do.  On one hand, it would be a great opportunity to meet some of the executives working at Dad's company and break the ice with them.  On the other hand, I don't know how comfortable I am seeing him again.  That terrible pain I had when he disappeared.  And he didn't even apologize for it!  Maybe he never felt bothered about leaving either.  Maybe Danny was only being a polite gentleman, keeping an eye on his best friend's daughter while Dad was working.  Pfff, I should have never seen him again yesterday.  Such a mistake. . .

I decide to text Dad back; Sorry Dad.  Can't make it.

Of course he immediately calls me.

"Jessica, it's Dad.  How are you?"

Rolling my eyes I say, "Dad, I know it's you.  I have your phone number, remember?  I'm alright and you?"

But Dad doesn't seem in the mood for chitchat. "Why can't you join?  It'd be a great opportunity to meet your supervising manager and the rest of the board."

"I know, but. . . I promised Sarah I'd go to a gallery with her." I lie.

"A gallery?  Sarah doesn't like art.  Why are you lying to me?

Shit, I should have come up with a better excuse.  Sarah would never go to a gallery!

"Um well. . the truth is I feel it'd be unfair to meet my manager before my internship.  See, I want to be evaluated by how I perform, not whom I know or met at a dinner.  I don't want any privilege because I'm your daughter."

"Well if that's what you want. . . And where will you have dinner?"

"Sarah's house."

"Hmm, okay.  Well I'll have Anthony pick you up around ten."

I smile so big. "Thank you!  Bye Dad!  Have a great evening."

Now back to my conversation with Sarah. "So. . What are you doing after graduation and the summer?"

"I don't know.  I have to find my own path.  Travel for sure.  Maybe move to Europe or Bali. . . Who knows?"

"I've always admired that about you."

"Admired what?" Sarah asks clearly surprised.

"Your adventurous , careless attitude.  I could never be like that, but I admire you for being you."

"Oh, well.  Life is short.  You've got to enjoy it." We share a smile and stay silent for a short moment.

"Are you hungry?" Sarah asks. "I'm starving."

***

Daniel Salis Huston.

"Despite being born and raised in Rome, my family has owned a manor in Bedfors Hills for over a century.  The estate is more than twelve thousand square feet surrounded by green fields and trees, with seven beds and ten baths, including a pool, large gardens, a tennis court, and a view of a pristine four- acre lake.  I became the sole owner fifteen years ago, and after being absent for so long, the manor needed some serious refurbishment, which has been completed recently.

When Jessica was a child, I decided to build horse stables on the other side of the estate so I could finally share my passion for riding with someone.  I always aspired to move and live here one day, but life decided otherwise.  So, after ten years, it feels really good to be back.

It's a beautiful evening, So Albert and I decide to walk outside and check out the new terrace.

With a glass in our hand and a cigar in the other, we stroll around the property.

"So, what did you think about Lucy?" He asks me.

"She was great.  Very naughty and obedient.  We're actually meeting for another session tonight.  Thanks so much for the surprise."

Albert smiles and pats me on the back. "I'm glad you enjoyed it." He then takes a long drawn out sigh. "I need to ask you a favor, Danny.  You know me."

"You sound serious?  What can I do you you my dear friend?"

"It's Jessica.  I'm worried about her friends influence on her.  She's only got frivolous girlfriends.  You know, spoiled, slutty brats.  She learns nothing from them.

"You mean like Sarah?  Jessica isn't like that, Albert.  You have nothing to worry about."

"Jessica has been lying to me.  She's never lied to me.  Now that you're back, as her Godfather I need you to befriend her.  Get closer to her. . . and keep me informed."

"You're dreaming my old friend.  I might be her godfather, but Jessica is not stupid.  There is no way she would trust me after being absent for so long."

"She needs a friend.  A real friend.  Danny, a confidant, someone she can trust to advise her.  You can be like the older brother she never had."

An older brother with a twenty three year age gape?  Yeah right.  Since I'm clearly not on board Albert says, "Look." His voice lower. "No one knows about it, but Jessica has agoraphobia.  That's why she has such a hard time making new friends.  She's like a closed shell.  Her only friend is Sarah, and then she has a small circle at school, but those girls are all leaving for college.  Sarah. . Lord knows what the hell she's doing.  Danny, when she's not with them she's in that damn room upstairs doing God knows what!"

"You mean her atelier?  She's just painting and reading in there.

His brows draw together at my answer. "How did you know that?"

"Well, she showed me."

"See?  She trusts you instinctively.  She never let me in.  Not even the maid is allowed in to clean."

"I'm sorry, Albert, you're my best friend and you know that. . . but I won't exploit her trust.  I can't be like a watchdog reporting to you her every move and word."

"I realize it might sound a bit overprotective, but I don't want her to become like them.  She's so smart and so rational and down to earth, and I don't want her to end up like her mother either.  I want her to build something meaningful, a legacy.  The needs to remain focused."

"She seems to be on the right path," I insist.  But Albert is my best friend after all, and he looks quite worried, so I ponder a bit more.  While I'm no expert on teen girls, why not at least give it a try?  I come up with a compromise. "Look, here is what I can do for you.  As her godfather, it'd be a pleasure to spend more time with Jessica, but I won't repeat to you anything she tells me unless I deem it necessary for her protection.  And I also promise to keep that Sarah away."

His face lights up with with a big smile. "Deal, my friend, deal.  Thank you so much."

I smile back at him and we clink our glasses in a toast.