Page 81 of Nobody's Girl

“Me either. Listen…because of what happened…if you wanted to look for a new apartment, we can.”

Sofia’s eyes widened. “Are you kidding? I love our apartment…it’s our home…even with the crappy paint jobs,” she added with a grin and Ivo laughed.

“I love you, Sofia Amory Zacca.”

“I love you too, Ivo, and to answer your question, yes…as soon as we can. Let’s go home…”

Epilogue

Three years later,

Hollywood, California

The entertainment reporter watched as Walter Zacca moved along the line of reporters, clutching his Oscar and charming the entertainment programs with his trademark jokiness. He looked delighted to be feted and the reporter mentioned that he had won the Best Actor Oscar in a performance he had dedicated to his late wife, Adria La Loggia, in his acceptance speech.

“Also, accompanying Walter, are his son and daughter-in-law, Ivo and Sofia Zacca, in a rare public appearance for the very private couple. Lured away from their Parisian love nest, they are in town to support Ivo’s dad, and also to celebrate Ivo Zacca’s fortieth birthday. The handsome bachelor broke hearts worldwide three years ago when he married his artist wife, who is sixteen years his junior, but the two look more in love than ever. Zacca, who has a three year old daughter with ex-lover Clemence Brochu, recently opened his first solo gallery in Paris, an event attended by the best and brightest of Parisian society and the art world’s most important scions. Sofia Zacca, herself a rising star in the art world, is becoming an outspoken member for women’s rights and recently was invited to meet with the French president. Let’s see if I can grab a word with them…no? Well, I’m not surprised, they are very private, and they seem to be having a pretty intense discussion right now as they wait for Walter to finish up before they attend the Vanity Fair party…”

The camera panned to the beautiful couple, standing out of the spotlight, the young woman, clad in dark burgundy, was grinning up at her husband, her hand on her belly. The man gaped at her then picked her up and twirled her around, making her laugh, her hair streaming behind her as they moved. The smile on her husband’s face lit up the screen as their lips met and the kiss seemed to go on…and on… and on…

The End.

Nobody’s Girl Extended Epilogue

By Michelle Love

Sofia Amory Zacca woke up on the day of her thirtieth birthday and listened to the silence of the apartment. Usually, she and Ivo would be assaulted by their five-year-old twin sons, Beau and Paolo (otherwise known as Bo and ‘Lo), but today, and for the next few days, they would be staying with their half-sister Peony and her mother, Clemence. Today, Sofia and Ivo would fly out to stay in a private villa on the east coast of Italy for a week, a second honeymoon, as well as a celebration of Sofia’s birthday.

When Ivo had suggested it, she had been hesitant at leaving the kids alone, but their half-sister Peony doted on the boys, and she had grown into such a lovely young pre-teen, that Sofia couldn’t bear to disappoint her. Clemence, Ivo’s very ex-girlfriend, Peony’s mother, was one of Sofia’s closest friends and allies and had assured her they would have a great time together.

“You and Ivo need a break after the few years you’ve had,” Clemence had told her over coffee one morning. Sofia had looked surprised at that.

“We’ve had nothing but good ever since…you know.”

“I know, but I also know what workaholics you both are. Sometimes a marriage needs a little downtime. Look, at me, like I’m the expert. What I mean is…you and Ivo have such a special connection. Sometimes you just need to concentrate on that.”

Sofia wasn’t offended by Clemence’s words – she knew she was right. There were times when – although she adored her children – she wished they could go back to the heady days of sex and talking followed by more sex and talking that Ivo and she used to enjoy before the kids. The way they used to go rogue, and fuck in glass cubicles in sex clubs, or partake in sensual, delicious threesomes with their close friend, Penn Black.