A year after, summer time in Italy...

"Oh. My. God!" My jaw dropped open in shock as I gaze at the clock, my hair in disarray and me, all sprawled onto the bed.

I tapped it again and it still reads 9:00 in the evening. I found out that  my alarm didn't work! 

I grabbed my phone and saw thar it's ten o'clock already! And, I am awfully late!

I hurried to the bathroom, took a quick shower, didn't bothered blowing my hair dry after and rummaged in my closet to grab the easiest thing to wear. A sundress and a comfy blazer in case it gets cold at night and at the office.

I pulled the charger off the socket and threw it into my bag. I'm just glad that I was able to have everything stored inside it everyday so I have less things to worry if I am in a rush to go out. Just like today.

I made sure to lock my door and ran quickly to the elevator. I stomped my feet when I saw that it's still on the tenth floor. Frustrated, I instinctively went to the stairs and made a run to the lobby.

I almost tripped when I reached the third level panting and all out of breath. Ms. MacMahon, an acquaintance, saw me at the lobby and waved hello. I just grunted a response and pushed open the heavy doubled door of the apartment.

Once out, I blew a strand of hair which went to my face. I was torn between running again and waiting for a cab to pass by when I heard a car honked behind me.

I turned to look and saw a blue convertible sedan approaching me on the sidewalk.

"New car, again?" I asked when the driver waved his hand and gestured me to come to him. I hurried and sat on the passenger seat.

"Late, again?" He grinned and gave me a kiss on the cheeks.

I rolled my eyes and he started to maneuver his car to Casa Della Moda Annex B.

Yes. You have read it right. Our shop finally has its expansion in Siena. And, why am I going there?

Madame Zenith has all of us re-assigned and according to her, is also for our career and personal growth. She also made me a senior fashion designer and co-manager of the shop in Siena.

What happened to the rest of the gang? Here goes:

Napoleon was assigned in Tuscany. Alfredo is in Milan, Viola in Pisa and Miyuki in Cortona. Both Charley and Trixie stayed in the Head Office as they are still new and needed guidance around the country and culture.

Oh, what happened to Renatta?

"You are so, so late again, Florie!" Came Renatta's loud voice as I entered the shop.

There. We are stuck together. And, this made me know her more. Eventually, we became best buddies. She's just straightforward as she is.

"Hello, Ren!" Carlos greeted her and she nodded in acknowledgment.

"Be grateful you have a boyfriend who's patient enough to fetch you almost everyday!" Renatta exclaimed and I winced in embarrassment.

"I do hope so." Carlos chuckled.

"Don't tell me you still haven't accepted him as one! The guy is nuts about you for God knows how long!" Renatta exclaimed again and I have to pull her away from him.

"Oh, look! We have a customer and she needs help! Go!" I said and pushed her to our customer who just arrived and looking for something.

"That was smart!" Carlos laughed and watched Renatta talking with the customer.

I chuckled and grinned at him. "Thank you again and again, Carlos. I wouldn't have arrive so soon here if it weren't for you. My alarm clo–"

"Hush, Love. It's alright. I have my assistant chefs managing the restaurant so I can get in there anytime plus I have store visits this week so relax. I got you." Carlos said and winked. "See you later. I see more customers coming in."

And sure enough, loud chatters from a group of teens entered the shop while Renatta was assisting the recent customer.

"I gotta go. See you later and thanks again." I said and he nodded. "Drive carefully!" I added as he opened the exit door and went out.

I combed my hair and went inside the office to place my bag and saw our shop assistant, Lindsay Cooper, heading to the lobby where the group of teens were.

Renatta was right. Carlos had been courting me for more than a year already and I have to say, he was really patient and polite. He has met my parents and friends via Facebook Messenger and as expected, both Mom and Dad approved of him.

Maybe, it's about time to make things official. I grinned and thought of a plan to finally set things straight between us.

Day went by passed and I managed to order a surfboard online as a present for him for his birthday this weekend.

I already told Renatta my plan and she urged me to take a leave on Friday and Saturday to carefully prepare everything for the 'grand announcement' which I gladly accepted.

Workweek passed by and I had finished calling the important people  and told them to reserve it for Saturday. They were excited most especially Madame Zenith.

She said that she has always been rooting for me as her future daughter-in-law and she just love happy endings. She even called her husband, Dominico, to take a leave too to spend their son's birthday with us.

"Hey, good morning!" Carlos exclaimed, his eyes glistening, as he hugged me while watching Netflix. The surprise celebration will happen later tonight so I was hoping that he'll be in the mood.

"Good morning, too? Haha! You had breakfast with me already and your greeting came after?" I teased and he chuckled.

"I was hoping you will greet me today since it's my birthday." Carlos said and shook his head.

Yes. He has been telling me that since yesterday and I couldn't help but chuckle of how big a deal it was to him.

I'm lucky he respects my privacy that he didn't dare ever went inside my room yesterday. Or else, my present for him will be busted.

"Little Carlos is sad that I haven't greeted him." I teased again and he scowled.

Just then, I heard his phone rang and snuck a peek. It was Madame Zenith.

Let the games begin!

Night time came and he was driving us to the head office otherwise known as Casa della Moda and he was silent.

I couldn't help smiling that I have to bite my cheek not to ruin the surprise.

When we arrived, I let Carlos jiggled the doorknob with his keys as he complained, "Why else would Mom be in a hurry to get a file here when she can get it on Monday?"

"Hush. Let's just get this over and done with so we can proceed." I said and finally, he opened the door and he sighed.

"Where is the da–" His words were cut off as we all erupted into cheers and greetings.

"Happy birthday, Carlos!" Familiar faces of the original CDM squad were present in front of us with Madame Zenith and her husband, Dominico.

Birthday banner and a sumptuous food were seen on the walls and on the table. Wines and a variety of Carlos' favorite foods were sprawled in a beautiful presentation.

"Wha-what?" Carlos blinked in surprise and he turned to face his Mom and Dad as they approached and hugged him.

His birthday cake was immediately presented by Madame Zenith and he blew the candle after uttering a wish. He replied his thank yous to everyone and I have to slowly go away for a second to check on my present underneath my former desk.

As everyone was having fun eating, I felt someone's familiar presence behind me.

"Hey, Love. Thank you." Carlos said sincerely as his blue eyes met mine. "I never thought I would get another surprise after twenty years when I was a child. I love you, Florence."

I smiled and wiped the tears of happiness that have ran down his cheeks. "Oh, happy birthday! I hope you like it." I greeted him while handing his present.

"My goodness! You don't have to but it's wow. Thank you so much, Love!" Carlos blinked again and destroyed the gift wrapper. He was speechless when he saw the signed surfboard and looked at me with so much love. "Really? Are we finally official?"

I nodded and hugged him tightly.
"Yes, Love. Happy birthday! And, I love you too!"

He placed the surfboard on the floor about a meter beside him before looking at me while still in shock so it was my cue to tiptoe and kiss him on the lips.

I felt his hug once again and the kiss deepened.

We have to stop to get some air and before it led to something more.

My brown eyes met his and he smiled in contentment and satisfaction.

"My best birthday gift ever! I love you a thousand folds, Florence." Carlos said and I nodded in agreement.

"I love you, too, Carlos." I answered genuinely.

"Finally!" Madame Zenith grinned and she laid her head on her husband's chest while looking at us.