Chapter One-hundred Seventy: Keeping up with the Bellonis

Chapter 170

Keeping up with the Bellonis

Jordi was driving through Quffolwed Garden that afternoon to have dinner with Gina’s family. He wore a three-piece lavender suit with wide lapels on the jacket, a black shirt with a floral pattern, and black loafers. Hanging over his nose were round purple-tinted sunglasses with gold frames. He was smoking and listening to the radio. He heaved a deep sigh when he made the turn to Sapphire Boulevard. He opened the lid of the built-in ashtray and crushed his cigarette. He then turned into the driveway to Gina’s mansion.

Jordi parked his car and lifted the emergency brake. He then climbed out and walked up to the door. He slid off his sunglasses, folded the temples, and placed them inside his suit jacket. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

Balderico answered the door. He wore a cream polo shirt, tucked neatly into his trousers. A navy blue sweater was draped stylishly over his shoulders, resting on the polo shirt, navy blue tailored trousers, and light tan loafers with a simple leather accent across the vamp. He beamed when he saw Jordi.

Balderico: “Well, if it isn’t my daughter’s very handsome boyfriend?!”

He exclaimed and spread his arms out. He grabbed Jordi and kissed both of his cheeks. Jordi reddened.

Jordi: “Th-Thank you, sir.”

Balderico broke the hug. He frowned and folded his arms.

Balderico: “Now, now, Jordi! None of this formality! You’re family now! It’s ‘Balderico’!”

He smiled and put his arm around him. Jordi smiled awkwardly.

Jordi: “Right, my apologies.”

He murmured.

Mina sauntered in, and her sapphire eyes glittered when she saw Jordi. She wore a white sleeveless jumpsuit with a V-neckline, a blue sash tied at her waist, and gold high-heeled sandals.

Mina: “Jordi, thanks for coming! Gina was looking forward to seeing you again!”

She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him. Jordi cleared his throat and hugged her back.

Gina walked in. She wore an off-shoulder light purple blouse, a dark purple pencil skirt, a gold heart pendant around her neck, and strappy high heel sandals. She gasped, ran to Jordi, threw her arms around him, and showered him with kisses. Jordi smiled and rested his hand at the small of her back.

Gina: “I missed you, Jordi!”

She cooed and glided her nails across his neck. Jordi giggled a bit.

Jordi: “Hehehehehehehe, okay, okay, I missed you, too.”

He smiled.

He heard tiny footsteps approaching, followed by a gasp. Jordi raised his head to see a small white girl with dark blue hair, a little past her shoulders, and large blue eyes. She wore two small pink ribbons on the temples of her head, a pink dress with a white Peter Pan collar, a pink ribbon on her waist, and pink Mary Janes.

Balderico: “Well, this is my niece, Priscilla! She has been staying with us since my brother, Pietro, and his wife, Mia, also live with us, but both are on a skiing trip!”

He explained. Jordi smiled at Priscilla.

Jordi: “Hello, my name is Jordi! Nice to meet you, Priscilla.”

He said genially. Priscilla gasped.

Priscilla: “Wh-Who is this handsome man?! Is he a prince?!”

She stammered. Balderico and Mina laughed. Jordi was surprised by her response and chuckled awkwardly. Gina pouted.

Balderico: “Let’s head to the living room so we can chat while Mrs. Martinez prepares dinner.”

He smiled. Priscilla rushed to Jordi, reached up, and grabbed his hand.

Priscilla: “I can take him there!”

Jordi laughed awkwardly and went with Priscilla as she took his hand. Gina scowled, and she bared her teeth.

Gina: “HEY! He’s MINE!”

She snapped and stormed after them.

Balderico: “Gina, now, now, Jordi has eyes for you, and your cousin is a little girl.”

He chided her gently.

They entered a luxurious living room designed in a classic, ornate style, with Rococo influences. A rich yet soft palette of creams, ivories, and golds dominated the room. The walls, furniture, and rug were predominantly ivory, with all the trim and detailing done in a shimmering gold.

The walls featured panel molding painted in a light cream color, with all the recessed frames and borders highlighted by ornate gold trim. The seating was plush and elegant, consisting of an ivory upholstered sofa and two armchairs.

A substantial square coffee table sat in the center. It matches the color scheme with a creamy top and features intricate gold scrollwork detailing on its sides and apron. A large ivory rug covered the wooden floor, with an elaborate, traditional floral and vine pattern in muted colors like gold, rose, and green, framed by a thick, patterned border.

A massive, ornate crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, reflecting light and adding sparkle.

The walls were decorated with a grouping of framed artwork and a clock, all set in heavy, gold-gilded frames.

On the left, there was a large, glass-fronted cabinet with gold trim behind a bar. Priscilla led Jordi to the sofa, where he sat. Gina sat on one side of him, and Priscilla sat on the other. Mina and Balerico sat on the armchairs. Jordi crossed his legs. Priscilla giggled, grabbed his arm, and leaned against him. Gina glared with anger. Jordi raised an eyebrow at Priscilla. Balderico cleared his throat.

Balderico: “So, Jordi, you were on a trip to Nouvelle Gaule! How was it?”

He asked genially. Jordi flicked his gaze at him and cleared his throat.

Jordi: “Interesting would be one way of putting it.”

A plump black woman who wore her dark pink hair in a bun and dressed in a maid’s outfit came with a tray with a glass of scotch on the rocks for Balderico. He took it and thanked her.

Balderico: “Care for anything to drink, Jordi?”

Jordi smiled and shook his head.

Jordi: “No, thank you.”

Priscilla: “Jordi, if you’re the prince, does this mean you get to rescue the princess, being me?!”

She chirped. Jordi glanced down at her and laughed a bit. Gina snarled at her.

Gina: “He rescues ME!”

She snapped and grabbed his arm. Jordi heaved a deep sigh. It’s too early for this shit, he thought.

Balderico: “It seems both of my girls have taken a shine to you!”

He smiled tightly. Jordi retained a strained smile.

Jordi: “You don’t say.”

He said wryly.

Priscilla: “Jordi, when it’s my birthday, will you come?! There will be lots of cake, silly clowns, a fairy godmother, and a magic show! Please come, please come!”

She tugged on his sleeve while looking at him pleadingly. Jordi laughed a bit.

Balderico: “Ah, that is correct, Jordi! We will be hosting a huge birthday for her, and it seems the princess wants you to come!”

He gestured to him.

Gina: “Jordi has plans that day! He’s taking me out on a date!”

She huffed. Jordi heaved a deep sigh and rolled his eyes.

Balderico: “Gina, you’re going to be at the party, too. Jordi can take you out after.”

He said firmly but gently. Something tells me I won’t want to, Jordi thought.

Priscilla: “Are ya gonna come?! PLEEEEEEEEEASE!”

She smiled wildly and folded her hands. Jordi smiled.

Jordi: “Sure, I’ll go.”

Priscilla threw her arms up.

Priscilla: “YAY! A prince always shows up at the princess’s birthday!”

She exclaimed. Gina’s lips contorted into a sneer.

Balderico and Mina both smiled at Jordi.

Balderico: “That would be lovely, Jordi! It’s nice to have a new addition to the family!”

He cheered. Jordi shifted his eyes and dipped his eyelids.

Jordi: “Y-Yeah…”

The maid entered the room and cleared her throat.

Maid: “Dinner is ready.”

She said robotically. Balderico clapped his hands.

Balderico: “Thank goodness! I am famished!”

He rose from his seat. I’m glad this awkward conversation is over, Jordi thought as he rose from his seat. Priscilla grabbed his hand.

Priscilla: “This way!”

She giggled. Jordi smiled a bit.

Jordi: “Sure.”

As she took his hand and led him, Gina angrily stomped down the corridor.

They entered the dining room and took their seats. Balderico sat at the end of the table with Mina in the chair closest to him. Jordi sat in the middle on the left end with Gina on one side of him and Priscilla on the other. The maids came out with trays of bruschetta, garlic loaf, and Italian pasta salad with farfalle. Jordi rose to help them with the dishes.

Balderico: “Jordi, sweetheart, sit down. You don’t need to do that!”

He waved his hand dismissively. Jordi forced a smile.

Jordi: “Right, sorry.”

He muttered.

The maids poured Pinot Grigio into everyone’s glass, except for Priscilla, who was poured a glass of white grape juice. The maids then came out with massive plates of spaghetti alle vongole. Jordi’s eyes widened at the number of clams in each dish. The dishes looked so delectable and presentable. Jordi took a piece of garlic loaf and some Italian farfalle salad, began eating, and sipped on some wine.

Priscilla picked at her dish, and Gina glared daggers at her.

Gina: “See, Jordi, I am eating my dinner, unlike Priscilla!”

She huffed. Jordi’s right eye twitched.

Jordi: “That is spectacular, Gina!”

He said through clenched teeth. Gina beamed. Priscilla began eating more of her food.

Priscilla: “I’m going to eat this like a big girl now!”

Gina: “I can eat more!”

She snapped. Jordi raised his eyebrows and drank some more wine. Wow, it’s like Lazaros’ infamous dinners of us watching Ashley eat, and Deimos and Lazaros quarreling, he thought.

Balderico: “You look like you could use some wine, Jordi!”

He chuckled.

Jordi: “Yes, no kidding!”

He laughed bitterly.

~

That night, Jordi was in the backyard, seated on a lounge, smoking, and listening to the peaceful sound of the waterfall cascading into the pool. He had his loafers removed and rested his sheer socked feet on an ottoman. He inhaled a long drag and exhaled a lot of smoke. Balderico sauntered out smoking on a Cuban cigar.

Balderico: “Hello, Jordi! Nice evening out, isn’t it?”

Jordi glanced at him and smiled.

Jordi: “Yes.”

He said tersely.

Balderico: “I am floored you’re going to Priscilla’s birthday! I think she likes you!”

He winked. Jordi forced a smile.

Jordi: “Think nothing of it… So, what kind of gift would she like?”

He asked him.

Balderico: “She sees herself as a princess! Perhaps a doll that resembles a princess or a unicorn?”

He suggested. Jordi nodded.

Balderico: “You’re a kind gentleman, Jordi! Mina and I are thrilled that Gina found a good man like you! The other men she was seeing…”

He tilted his head.

Balderico: “Well, she may as well have brought home that Donati scoundrel.”

He laughed. Jordi twisted his mouth.

Jordi: “I understand that.”

He stared down at his lap.

Jordi: “Where are Priscilla’s parents anyway?”

Balderico drew a long breath through his parted lips.

Balderico: “Pietro and Mia love to take plenty of trips! They love traveling!”

He beamed.

Jordi: “Why not take Priscilla?”

He asked him.

Balderico: “Oh, she has just started school, and I think they need time away from her, but Mina and I are happy to take care of her!”

Jordi scruntized him and genuinely smiled at him.

Jordi: “It’s good she has you and Mina to look after her.”

He said earnestly.

Jordi: “My grandparents raised me.”

He finally said.

Balderico: “What happened to your parents?”

Jordi paused.

Jordi: “My parents?”

He winced and rubbed the back of his neck.

Jordi: “...My mother died when I was eight, and she wasn’t really much of a mother. She never abused me, but… she was never there.”

He said with strain and discomfort.

Balderico: “Haha, did she like to travel?”

Jordi twisted his mouth.

Jordi: “Maybe across the country, but never out of the country, or on these trips you would think of. She just… didn’t want to be home.”

His eyelids dipped as he thought about how his grandmother also left.

Balderico: “I am sorry about your mother! I am sure she meant well!”

He smiled. Jordi looked away. She was a drug addict who had me when she was a teenager, but go off, I guess, he thought.

Priscilla came out wearing a full-length pink nightgown with long sleeves and pink fluffy slippers. The gown had a high neckline with a ruffled, standing collar trimmed with white lace. There were ruffles and white lace trim around the cuffs of the long sleeves and along a yoke detail that extended over the shoulders.

Priscilla: “Jordi?”

Jordi turned to her.

Jordi: “Yes?”

Priscilla: “Will you read me a bedtime story?”

Jordi laughed a bit.

Jordi: “Sure, no problem.”

He crushed his cigarette in the ashtray and rose from his seat.

Priscilla took his hand as they ascended the stairs and went down the foyer. They stood before her door. The sign on the door was an oval-shaped plaque with a detailed, layered border. The main body of the sign is pastel pink, while the text and the ornate borders are a contrasting crisp white.

The phrase “Priscilla’s Bedroom” is centered on the sign in large, bold, white capital letters. A stylized flower with swirling vines was positioned above the text. Small white hearts were placed in the corners on both sides of her name, and a flourish of connecting hearts and swirls decorated the bottom border.

They entered a highly decorative and luxurious bedroom with a princess and fairytale aesthetic.

At the end of the room on the left, there was a round, open wardrobe enclosed by a circus tent-style canopy with pink and gold-striped fabric on top, trimmed with delicate gold lace. The sides were draped with voluminous, floor-length pale pink curtains, which could be drawn open to reveal the clothes inside.

Inside the wardrobe were racks holding an array of elaborate girls' dresses, primarily in pastel pinks, creams, and whites, many featuring lace, tulle, and ruffles.

A large, multi-tiered crystal and gold chandelier hung from the ceiling, adding a dazzling, opulent focal point. To the left of the wardrobe, there was a highly detailed, carved vanity with an arched mirror and intricate gold trim. A pedestal stood next to it, holding a lamp with a pink shade, and another tall dresser to the right.

The walls had ornate paneling. The ceiling was a work of art itself, featuring a painted design in soft pastel tones that depicted clouds. Soft pink drapes framed the window by the wardrobe.

The primary focus of the room was the custom-built castle bed structure, which dominated the space. It was painted in a soft cream color and featured detailed, gothic-style architecture, including turrets, ramparts, pointed arches, and cutout windows.

The bed was tucked underneath an alcove, resembling a royal canopy bed. It was framed by sheer white curtains tied back with string lights and was decorated with plush, soft bedding, including furry white throws and numerous pillows in pink and gold tones.

On the left, a large, tall tower served as part of the structure, complete with cutouts lit from within to simulate windows and a peaked roof on top. The structure also included stairs leading up to a loft above the bed. A large, soft teddy bear sat by the entrance to the central tower, next to a woven basket.

Small lanterns and sconces were integrated into the castle’s facade, adding to the enchanted ambiance. The back wall was covered entirely in cascading fairy lights, creating a warm, golden glow and a soft, ethereal background. A delicate, ornate crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, contributing to the luxurious, dreamy feel.

Jordi gazed at the room and thought whoever designed this has quite the imagination, taking extra care to make it seem comfortable. Priscilla pulled off the sheets. Jordi sat on the floor by her bed, moved the basket and bear to one side, and leaned against the bed frame. She handed him a large pink book with “Princess Butterfly” on the cover. Priscilla leaned on him as he opened the book and started reading it to her. She nestled into him as his calm voice read the story to her.

~

After he read the story, he tucked her in and set the book by her bed. He rose and dusted himself off before leaving her bedroom. After he left, a looming, stout figure was in her bedroom.

Jordi entered Gina’s bedroom to see her folding her arms and pouting on her bed. Jordi knew that look, and his frustrations with her were soaring.

Jordi: “What did I do wrong now?”

He asked flippantly.

Gina: “Why did you read her a bedtime story?! Why are you going to her party?!”

She snapped. Jordi rolled his eyes.

Jordi: “Gina, would you listen to yourself?! She’s a child! Are you SERIOUSLY jealous of your baby cousin?!”

Gina looked away and tears welled in her eyes. Jordi drew a rough breath and looked away in anger.

Jordi: “Gina, remember the talk we had about introducing me to your family as your boyfriend? Nice to see you adhered to my wishes.”

He huffed. Gina hugged herself.

Gina: “You want that girl, don’t you?!”

She cried. Jordi’s eyes went into a full roll.

Gina: “That Celeste girl! I saw you looking at her!”

She snapped. Jordi hung his head.

Jordi: “Well, gee, Celeste doesn’t snap at me for being kind to a baby. That’s a start.”

He said dryly.

Gina: “Isn’t she just PERFECT?!”

She huffed and folded her arms. Jordi drew a long breath. I can’t win, so why bother? He wondered.

They heard Priscilla scream. Jordi turned his head, and Priscilla rushed into the bedroom to hug Jordi’s legs.

Gina: “HEY! HANDS OFF HIM!”

She snapped. Jordi flashed her a glare.

Jordi: “Stop it now.”

He whispered hoarsely. Gina pouted. He looked down at Priscilla.

Jordi: “Hey, what’s wrong?”

He smiled.

Priscilla: “There’s a big, fat, ugly monster in my room!”

She cried.

Jordi: “Want me to go look?”

He asked gently. Gina flapped her arms.

Gina: “She’s just trying to take you from me!”

She whined. Jordi heaved a deep sigh.

Jordi: “Pipe down, Gina. She’s a child.”

He whispered harshly. Priscilla clung to his arm as they went down the hall and back to her bedroom.

When they entered her bedroom, Priscilla huddled against the wall while Jordi investigated.

Jordi: “There’s no monster here.”

He smiled. Priscilla smiled a bit.

Priscilla: “Really?”

Jordi smiled and nodded. She sniffled and opened her arms as she approached him. He knelt and hugged her. When he did, he noticed a shiny candy bar wrapper near her wardrobe.

He cleared his throat and led her to her bed. He tucked her in.

Jordi: “The monster is taken care of, I promise.”

He reassured her. She smiled.

Priscilla: “You’re so brave, Jordi, like a real prince!”

She cheered. Jordi smiled tightly.

Jordi: “Well, thank you.”

He rose and went to pick up the candy wrapper discreetly.

Jordi: “Have a good night.”

He said as he killed the lights and closed the bedroom door.

Gina was outside her bedroom, pouting. Jordi heaved a deep sigh.

Jordi: “Gina, not now.”

He said exasperatedly, and they went down the hall.

Gina: “Are you gonna spend the night?”

Jordi inhaled sharply.

Jordi: “I’m sorry, I need space.”

He bowed his head.

Gina: “You always do!”

She cried.

Jordi: “Gina, I won’t lie, but I am finding it VERY hard to get past you lying to me about that wolf guy, and this jealousy you have towards others is also VERY off-putting! I also told you NOT to address me as your boyfriend until I was ready! You didn’t listen to me!”

He snapped. Gina’s bottom lip trembled. Jordi picked up his loafers and put them on.

Gina: “I’ll find someone else!”

She cried. Jordi paused and sighed.

Jordi: “Do whatever makes you happy, Gina.”

He knit his eyebrows.

He straightened his suit jacket and ventured down the foyer. Gina followed him.

Gina: “Jordi, wait!”

She wrapped her arms around him. Jordi heaved a deep sigh.

Gina: “I don’t wanna lose you!”

She cried. Jordi slowly hugged her back.

Jordi: “Then don’t overstep my boundaries, okay? I came to dinner today, but I do need space.”

He said coolly. She rested her head on his chest to hear his heartbeat.

She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him. He kissed her back and rubbed the small of her back.

Jordi: “Have a good night.”

He whispered.

Gina: “Will you have dinner again with us?”

Jordi smiled and nodded. She smiled back, and the two kissed again.

~

Jordi drove through downtown Pink Top City that evening. He saw the bright lights of the Starlight Club and decided to go there for a drink. He switched his signal light on and changed lanes to go into the club’s parking lot.

~

Jordi entered the club and sat at the bar. The bartender looked at him.

Bartender: “What’ll it be?”

He asked.

Jordi: “A purple haze martini.”

He replied. The bartender nodded and used his cocktail shaker to start making the drink. Jordi withdrew his cigarettes, took one, and lit it up. He inhaled a long drag and exhaled a puff of smoke. The bartender slid his drink into a martini glass. Jordi rose, withdrew a ten-dollar bill, and handed it to him. He sipped on his cocktail and inhaled another drag.

He turned his head to see Jaxon at the bar. He wore a black button-up shirt with a red and orange ombre paisley pattern, tight black leather pants, and Chelsea boots. He was smoking and sipping on a glass of Jack and Coke.

Jordi: “Hey, Jaxon.”

He smiled and waved. Jaxon turned to him and was delighted to see a familiar face.

Jaxon: “Yo! How was dinner with the Bellonis?”

He asked. Jordi slid his butt off his seat and took a seat near Jaxon.

Jordi: “Awkward. Tense. Uncomfortable.”

He said tersely, and the two laughed.

Jaxon: “So what do you see in her?”

He asked and inhaled a long drag. Jordi laughed and shrugged.

Jordi: “Search me.”

Jaxon shrugged.

Jaxon: “Whatever, man. Well, whenever you decide, I’ll be here for you.”

He smiled sadly. Jordi looked away and then turned his head to Jaxon.

Jordi: “Is everything okay with you?”

He asked him. Jaxon shrugged and took a drink.

Jaxon: “Why wouldn’t it be?”

He asked and laughed awkwardly.

Jordi: “I can tell by your expression and your choice of drink that something is bothering you.”

He stated. Jaxon stared down at his drink.

Jaxon: “Am I that obvious? Well, you and Tristan pick up on these things.”

He laughed a bit. Jordi’s eyelids dipped to his lap.

Jaxon: “I wish I had never gone to Seashell Cove. Everything happened from bad to worse.”

He grimaced and cupped his mouth.

Jaxon: “Chelsea died because of me… And now I am losing my Green Queen.”

He said as he choked. Jordi put his hand on his arm.

Jordi: “Do you honestly think you’re losing Celeste over this? She was adamant about rescuing you from Minerva and then Narcisse.”

Jaxon nodded.

Jaxon: “You’re right, and I know, but I still feel like… I am losing her. Nothing has been the same after Seashell Cove, and it’s my fault.”

He hung his head. Jordi pursed his lips.

Jordi: “Well, why do you feel you are losing her?”

He asked softly. Jaxon drew a long breath.

Jaxon: “She’s not as affectionate with me anymore. She’s with Fabien and being with him.”

He said bitterly. Jordi clicked his tongue.

Jordi: “Oh.”

Jordi cleared his throat and inhaled another drag.

Jordi: “I find Celeste and Fabien deal with their problems in a similar manner.”

Jaxon turned to him.

Jaxon: “How so?”

Jordi blew out a puff of smoke.

Jordi: “Fabien turns to trolling Blair to feel better about himself. It sounds like a cliché, but it’s true. He is doing that. Fabien is bothered by many things, and I think Celeste is, too. She found someone else who deals with their problems in a similar fashion.”

He explained.

Jaxon: “What is Fabien upset about?”

He raised an eyebrow. Jordi cupped his chin.

Jordi: “I think he’s dissatisfied with the fact that he wasted and invested so much time in Craig. I think he should have dumped him long ago. I think he’s also frustrated his friends eventually leave him, and instead of reflecting on himself on why this is or asking them, he lashes out at them and trolls them…”

He stated and stared down at his lap.

Jordi: “As he did with me.”

He muttered. Jaxon locked his gaze on him.

Jaxon: “Why did you blow him off?”

Jordi sighed.

Jordi: “What did we have in common besides the place where we worked? He likes trolling people and making fun of them. I don’t. We only had our workplace in common, and since I quit working at Danny Donger’s, we no longer shared that. It was a weak foundation. People leave Fabien because of how he chooses to spend his time. Only certain people gravitate to that. Most people have to work to put food on the table, pay bills, and all that, but Fabien seems to skate by life.”

He explained.

Jordi: “Don’t get me wrong. I loved working at Danny Donger’s; it was much less demanding and had flexible hours, but the pay wasn’t great. I made the most on tips, but it wasn’t enough to pay for my grandfather’s care. It’s a great job if you only have yourself to take care of and want a job with fewer responsibilities.”

He added.

Jaxon: “It annoys me how he won’t ban that blue bitch from his Bungle server. Whenever anyone makes a post, Blair comes and whines about something.”

He huffed. Jordi rolled his eyes and nodded.

Jordi: “Oh, I muted that server. I checked in to see if you or any of my friends made a post, but Blair pretty much took over it with his whining. I don’t see the amusement in watching him whine. It always annoys me.”

He said with irritation, twisting his mouth.

Jordi: “But if you tell Fabien what to do, you incur his wrath, so why bother?”

He drew a long, exasperated breath.

Jaxon: “I’ve been on the receiving end of his nastiness. I know.”

He said with a hint of hurt in his tone. Jordi knit his eyebrows.

Jordi: “Sorry about that, man.”

He said empathetically. Jaxon smiled sadly.

Jaxon: “It’s water under the bridge… I think.”

He laughed humorlessly.

Jordi: “Is it?”

Jaxon looked away. I guess not, he thought.