Aubrey and Julio had a glorious honeymoon despite the teeming rain. Slow dancing in fancy lounges, dining in the finest restaurants donning expensive gowns, and Julio laughing at her hyper-customized orders … It was the best kind of fun with one of her favorite people. Fancy dates were not foreign, but she’d never experienced Julio’s love at the level of those wonderful, warm Greek nights. Most guys wined and dined a woman so she would marry him only to fall off after saying I do. But, Julio held back the best of his charm until after the wedding, setting the pace for the journey ahead.
The last day of the honeymoon, the sun stopped hiding and dried the wet streets. The warm brilliance even chased away the clouds. What a perfect image to seal the experience in Aubrey’s memory. Because of the rain—and exploring each other’s bodies—they didn’t sightsee much and raced to do all the tourist things before boarding the plane. The beauty of ancient Greece inspired Aubrey. Everywhere they went, crowds of people with cameras and selfie sticks stood in long lines to see the dusty rubble. Centuries later, the legacy of the ancient glory days still mesmerized the masses. The Pruett legacy was the same way. Generations later, people still regarded the family with the utmost respect despite Jonathan’s downfall. Because she kept her name, Aubrey’s association with that greatness remained intact.
The inspiration came with a longing to return home to regular life. But, “regular” life wasn’t so regular anymore. The butler greeted them at the door in a starched uniform and authoritative posture. Each step taken toward the house made Aubrey’s stomach roll. Julio did not give her much information about the woman. Whether he never said, or she simply forgot, Aubrey didn’t even know the woman’s name, and the mystery intimidated her. Was she kind? Would she like her? She looked about her parents’ age. Probably younger. Her million-simolean smile, dazzling hazel eyes, and dangerous curves increased the uneasiness. In her youth, she probably had to beat off the suitors with a stick. Julio only speculated previously of an affair between his father and the butler, but after meeting her, Aubrey had no doubts it happened.
“Master Corleonesi! Welcome home! It’s so good to have you back.”
Even her voice dripped charm.
Julio glanced around the mansion exhaling a sigh. “It’s great to be back. How are you, Salma?”
She regarded him with such admiration and pride like a mother. At least their in-house employee cared. Aubrey had enough lazy check collectors at the restaurant.
“Not as wonderful as you, Mr. Married Man! Did you leave your manners in Greece? Introduce me to your wife! I taught you better than that.”
He blushed. “I was just getting to that. Aubrey, this is Salma. She’s been with our family forever, and she thinks she’s my mom.”
“Boy, don’t get fresh!”
“See?”
Their laughter echoed to the ceiling of the two-story foyer.
“It’s very nice to finally meet you,” Aubrey said.
Salma’s smile warmed Aubrey, and she wanted to find favor with her. “Likewise, Mrs. Corleonesi. I’ve heard so much about you, I feel like we already know each other!”
“I’m actually keeping my name. You can call me Aubrey if you’d like.”
Salma’s smile faded, and the warmth from her eyes turned cold when they darted toward Julio. “You agreed to this?”
Julio’s eyes fell to the floor. “It’s not a big deal.”
Salma’s eyes darted between the two nervous lovers. “Hmph. Very well then. Come along. I’m sure you two are tired.”
Aubrey glanced at Julio with worried eyes as Salma escorted them upstairs. Why did she care what name Aubrey chose? Who was she to get offended? No matter how maternal she behaved, they had no relation. Julio’s comforting hand rest in the small of her back, but it did little to ease the discomfort.
“I hope you appreciate the changes I made, Mrs. Pruett,” Salma said, cutting her eyes at Aubrey. “I figured you’d like a more feminine flare. And, I know you’d want curtains.”
Aubrey chuckled, feeling slightly relieved. “You’re not wrong.”
“I’ll leave you ladies to talk,” Julio said. “I’m gonna get the bags.”
“Uhh, excuse me, young man! I still work here!”
“I can handle the bags, Salma,” he said with a little annoyance. “You should get to know each other.”
Salma shook her head. “Men … They’re so stubborn!”
This woman was a real character. She cared for Julio, and it was nice. Hopefully, with Aubrey around, she’d fall back. “I love the changes, Salma, but you didn’t have to go through all this trouble.”
She glanced around the room admiring her work. “No trouble at all. New mistress, new look!” She gestured toward the closet. “I had your clothes moved from your parents’ home and anything else they thought you’d like. I hope that was suitable to do…”
She yammered on about her working hours, chore schedule, and everything else she thought Aubrey should know about her and the house. When Salma released her, Aubrey laid on the bed and let out a heavy sigh. Marrying Julio was not a mistake. There was no one else she’d rather do life with, but what had she gotten herself into? The life she imagined differed greatly from reality. But, she didn’t let it bother her much. Eventually, she’d get the hang of it and make Julio proud.
A few hours later, after a long, much-needed nap, Aubrey sauntered downstairs. Her previous visits to the mansion were quick, and she never got a good feel for it. While he rested, she took a self-guided tour to see it properly. As she entered the kitchen, light footsteps from behind followed. Was this the new normal? Being followed in her own home?
“I trust you rested well, Mrs. Pruett?”
Why couldn’t she call her Aubrey like everyone else? “Mrs. Pruett” was weird and Skyla’s name to outsiders. But, Aubrey didn’t change her name. She was now Mrs. Pruett too.
“Yes, thank you.”
Salma hovered nearby as if waiting for a command. How did Julio deal with that? She might be old enough to be their parents, but they weren’t children who needed constant care.
“Can I get you anything, ma’am? I imagine you’d be hungry after that long flight.”
Aubrey cracked a modest smile. “Maybe later? I’m not sure if Julio has plans for tonight.”
Salma nodded.
“Actually, if it’ll make things easier for you, I’m a chef,” Aubrey said proudly. “I can cook our meals.”
She hoped Salma would find some relief in crossing off one duty from the list, but those disapproving eyes returned.
“How fortunate,” she said flatly. “Well, since I can’t feed you, is there something I can help you with? You look a bit lost.”
“Oh…no. No, thank you. I was just looking around…getting some ideas.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Julio said I could redecorate, and I definitely want to do something with this space.”
Salma stood like a statue, glaring at Aubrey. “I see. What’s wrong it?”
“Well, nothing is wrong … It’s just so…dark. And old-fashioned. Don’t you think so?”
Salma blinked a few times and pointed her chin in the air. “This is your home now, Mrs. Pruett. Do as you wish.”
She turned on her heels and walked away. “I will be in my quarters for a brief while,” she said over her shoulder. “Ring the bell if you need anything.”
Making Salma’s job easier clearly was not the way to win her over. It would take some doing, but Aubrey was determined to make friends.
Very different lifestyle!
Very different!
Salma’s more than a butler or mother figure to Julio. She is the woman of the house, until now. She’s not gonna like Aubrey taking over the cooking, redecorating rooms, and all the other things she handled on her own for years. When Aubrey said, “It’s just so…dark. And old-fashioned. Don’t you think so?” I was like oof, child you just insulted the woman’s taste! Not the right foot to start off on. LOL.
Yep, you are so right. She needs to stand down, buuuuut we already know she’s not going down without a fight LOL.
And yes! Aubrey put her off more than once lol. Definitely didn’t get a good start.
Well that was a rocky start …
Very rocky!
Oh, my goodness. The friction is real. This butler needs to stand down and realize this isn’t her house. Aubrey is going to have a major problem with this lady, I can tell. And, when she spoke to Julio like that about Aubrey keeping her name, I feel like Julio should have said something to her to put her in her place. Aubrey is his wife and the lady of the house now, sorry Salma! lol
That’s right! Remember your place, Salma. Julio totally should have said something! He joked about her thinking she’s his mom, but he must see her that way as well (or some type of authoritative figure) to let her treat his wife that way.
Yes, I thought the exact same thing. It did feel very much like he was respecting his “mom” over his wife.
Can’t deal with women who think married women should take their husband’s name. Or shouldn’t. It’s not your decision, Salma, chill.
I agree with all the other comments, but I can totally see where she’s coming from too about being usurped. I mean, it’s not easy to change a habit of a lifetime – and begs the question who will she be / what role will she have in the future. It could shake someone quite a lot to have that much of a rug swept out from underneath their feet.
That is an excellent question! We shall explore that more.
Salma is too much!! I felt all the tension and side eyes. Yikes
Double yikes lol
I’m probably the only person who likes Salma. (ofc I do!) Woman, I was you, when I learned about the name. Yeah, had to suppress a sob there. I’m clinging to a hope that the beautiful proud and strong name gets passed to the kids at least. As much as I love Aubrey, I think it is good and only fair for her to let Julio’s world to blend with hers in equal measure. So far Julio’s been giving me an impression he’s only a little more than a doormat. I want to see a different side of him.
I agree on their worlds needing to blend equally. You’ll see more of Julio now.