Little Lily's Love

Chapter 3: I'll Pick Our Song

Lily

I'm in my mother's studio, creating new designs, listening to one of the trendy songs through my headphones. As I hum along, I draw lines in the notebook, which will soon become beautiful dresses. I look at my reflection in the mirror in front of me and smile.

Every day, I notice I'm looking a bit older. I remember counting the days until I turned eighteen, as it would be the green light to make my move and win over the man of my dreams. I let out a deep sigh. His beautiful eyes are with me every night, and his sweet voice calling me Little Lily sounds in my ears like the best melody.

I get up and slip on my sandals to go to the kitchen for some water. I hear my mother talking on the phone.

"Yes, no problem. I'm thrilled that Diana is joining the company," my mother says. I stop drinking my water, as what I hear catches my attention.

"Yes, that's fine. Thank you for your support." Mom hangs up the phone, and I approach her so she can see me.

"Hello daughter. Are you hiding?" I let out a small giggle. I wasn't hiding, but I was eavesdropping.

"Were you talking to Mrs Dorantes?" Mom takes the glass from me and drinks the rest of my water. We both laugh because it's a habit we've always had.

"Yes, I was talking to her," she says. "Diana, Franco's mother, will start working with us." I think about what she says. If my future mother-in-law is going to be around more often, maybe it's time I accept my mom's offer to work with her.

"Oh, that sounds good," I say. "I was just thinking about accepting to accompany you. Maybe I'll learn more if I'm around there." Mom smiles and comes over to give me a kiss.

"You'll always be welcome. If you want, you can come with me tomorrow." I nod and leave, heading to my room to plan my next move.

If I win over Mrs. Diana, maybe that way I can get closer to Franco. He's got a soft spot for his mom, and I'm sure that would be a point in my favor. I jump for joy at the idea.

For some years now, things have been falling into place to bring me closer to my beloved future husband. He is the most handsome and perfect man in the world—even more than my father, but I would never tell him.

Mr. Juan Luis Pena hates the Italian uncle and Franco with all his heart. He has always believed they would steal my mother away, even though Le Monde is already married, and the lawyer has never shown clear signs of interest in mom. Fortunately, I acted just in time and managed to get Dad to consider asking Mom for a chance, although he still hasn't summoned the courage to speak directly to her. But if he takes a little longer, the one talking about marriage with Mom would be Franco. The thought of it makes me chill.

Franco

"Oh, son, I'm so happy. I didn't think they would hire me at my age, but thanks to my friend and Amelia, they're giving me the opportunity."

I see my mother smiling, hopefully. She's very happy because she's soon going to start working in the finance department of my godmother's company. She was always very efficient in her job, but when the time came for her retirement and with nothing to do at home, she had been feeling depressed. It's a big problem for older adults; too old to work in a company, too young to stay at home doing nothing.

"I'm glad, mom. And tomorrow I'll invite you to dinner to celebrate." She hugs me, and I leave a kiss on her forehead. She is the best mother I could have.

I say goodbye to her and head home. On the way, I receive a call.

"Hello?" I hear a laugh, which I know perfectly well.

"Counselor, What is going on? What bad face did you see at my house that keeps you away? You haven't visited? I need my friend to come to dinner tonight, or I'm going to be very upset."

I laugh out loud. Amelia is the only person with whom I allow myself to be a little more free. With others, I must maintain my reputation as a man without feelings—a true shark.

"Well, if it's all in good spirits, I guess I have no other choice. I'll arrive in half an hour." My friend hangs up, and I already know what she's going to tell me. She really cares about my mother and knows how important it is to me that she's being given this opportunity.

I stop on the way to buy a small cake at one of my favorite places. I'm not particularly fond of sweets, but they sell that dessert that little Lily likes a lot here.

Since that day when I felt a strange sensation as I took her hand, I visited their house less often, but as time passed and no similar situation occurred, I let my guard down and started visiting that family again.

***

When I arrive at Amelia's house, the sky is already dark. I park the car, get out, and take the cake for the little redhead. It seems she was waiting for me, because just as I'm about to knock on the door, she's already opening it.

"Franco!" she says as she throws herself into my arms. I hadn't realized she's much taller now, even taller than her mother.

"Hello Lily. Watch out, you might drop the cake I brought you." She takes it with reverence. Sometimes her behavior amuses me. She treats everything I bring her like a treasure. Her eyes are glassy, and that makes me curious.

"What's wrong? Why do you look like you're about to cry?" I ask, and she denies it, but I know she is.

"No, I'm not going to cry, I'm just very moved. Come on in," she says, leading me to the living room. I don't see her mother anywhere.

"And Amelia?" She makes a little grimace. Sometimes I've noticed she makes that gesture when I ask about her mother.

"She's upstairs, she'll be down in a moment. But tell me, how's work treating you?" The way she asks makes me laugh. Sometimes she acts like a child, and I find that endearing.

"Well, it's going well. I have new cases and new clients. The same as always. Sometimes it's a bit boring." She doesn't say anything. But some time passes, and she still doesn't speak.

"Is something wrong?" I ask her for the second time this evening.

"No, nothing's wrong. I just want you to know that you're not boring. On the contrary, you're the best man in the world. I'm sure there are many women in love with you."

The way she says things makes me laugh. It seems like she's jealous.

"Well, not really. You know I don't have much free time, and the women I know aren't interested in someone as dull as me." She smiles and lowers her gaze but says nothing more.

Dinner passes smoothly with the chatter of the redheads. They are two beautiful women, and I'm glad to be among the people they appreciate.

The doorbell rings, and Amelia apologizes to quickly go to the door. I can guess who it is. I smile thinking about the face Pena will make when he sees me.

"Good evening," he says as he enters. I stand up to greet him, while Lily goes to her father to throw herself into his arms. He catches her with ease. He's used to it, as it's the usual way the little one greets the men in her family, though now that I think about it, I'm nothing to her.

I don't dwell on it much. Maybe she sees me as an uncle or a father. Who knows? The minds of teenagers are an unresolved mystery.

"Well, I'll be going. There's a lot of work at the office tomorrow," I say, standing up. Amelia stands up as well, but Pena does too. I see Lily notice this action and step ahead of them.

"Don't worry, I'll see Franco out." she tells them, and they're fine with it, so I say my goodbyes right there.

As we head to the exit, Lily hangs onto my arm. A new habit of hers.

"Franco, have you noticed that I've grown up?" She asks all of a sudden, making me turn to look at her. Yes, she has definitely grown up. Her figure is no longer that of a child; she is becoming a beautiful woman.

"Yes, I realize it," I say. "Before we know it, you'll tell us you have a boyfriend and that you're getting married." Her smile fades. She doesn't say anything else. When I'm about to walk to my car, she stops me.

"Franco... will you dance with me at my birthday party?" She asks, and I just nod.

"Sure. I'll dance with you." I give her a small smile, but what she says next leaves me thinking.

"I'll choose our song. It'll be perfect," she says, and I don't ask anything else. I should go.

Lily

I watch him drive away in his car. I give him a big sigh, a hint at my feelings for him.

“Yes, Franco. I'll choose our song. The same one we'll dance to on our wedding day.” I smile to myself as I head back to my parents.