"Congratulations!" Nadia gushed as she hugged Cameron and Minerva after the show.

"Hell yeah it's about time!" Raquel laughed and hugged them too.

"Thank you! You know how long I've been waiting for this," Minerva beamed and kissed Cameron's cheek.

"Yeah, since the day you met him," Nadia teased.

"Oh really, babe?" Cameron chuckled as Minerva's cheeks swelled and she nodded.

"Yep, I told Nadia I was going to get my MRS that day we went out to brunch with you and Luca," she giggled.

At the mention of his name Nadia looked towards the door. She'd kind of hoped he'd come backstage with the other friends and families too. She really wanted to see him especially after her solo. The look in his eyes after her performance melted her heart and she couldn't be mad at him anymore. She was still hurt that he didn't tell her he was leaving but she didn't want to keep holding on to it.

"Luca's not here Nadia," Cameron said.

Her heart sank. "What?"

"I saw him leave when I was on stage. He must've left to catch his flight."

"Oh," she mumbled but forced a smile on her face even though her heart was breaking. "I didn't realize he was leaving soon," she laughed to fight the tears stinging the corners of her eyes, "that's fine. I'm sure he would've stayed if he could."

He left? He...he wasn't even planning on talking to me.

"Yeah, I'm sorry he's being such an asshole today. He's just itching to get to Cali. He...he gets like that sometimes."

Nadia frowned. That didn't seem like him at all. It was so out of character. What's so important in Cali that he couldn't tell me he was leaving?

"What the fuck is Luca's problem? I can't believe that asshole left. The fuck is going on with him?" Minerva growled.

He didn't even say goodbye.

"Yeah, is he alright? Do I need to talk to him?" Raquel said as she slid her hands to her hips.

Tears pricked the corner of her eyes and threatened to pool over.

"Nadia are you okay?" Minerva's concerned voice pierced through her dejected thoughts. She nodded and blinked back her tears.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she chuckled and waved her hands in front of her, "don't let Luca's bullshit ruin this amazing night. You and Cameron need to go celebrate!"

"Yes we do! Our girl is getting married!" Raquel squealed and threw her arms around Minerva, "I'm going to go get Chris then we're going for drinks!" she exclaimed and ran off to the dressing room.

Nadia knew she should be nothing but excited for Minerva and she was, but she wasn't in the mood to celebrate with them at the moment. She wanted to call Luca and cuss him the fuck out. Then she'd smoke a fat blunt, get herself cleaned up and go drink her with her girls.

Fuck him.

"I'm going to go home and change. I'll catch up with you guys later," Nadia said as she shrugged her bag over her shoulder.

"Alright," Minerva said as she pulled her into a hug, "go tell him about himself, girl. I see that look in your eyes."

Nadia laughed, "I love you, Nervy. Let me know where you guys end up."

"We will," she giggled and hugged her tight.

Nadia waved to them again as she walked into the hall and pulled out her phone from her coat pocket. Anger rolled over her. There were no messages, missed calls or voicemails from Luca. Just her mother and Evie wishing her good luck.

Why is he being like this?

She started to type a message to him and nearly dropped her phone from the excited squeal that broke out as she neared the lobby of the theater.

"Miss Coleman!" Zoe screamed as she and Kira scurried across the lobby to her.

Fuck. I'm so not in the mood for this...

"You were amazing! That show was," Zoe held her hands to her cheeks, "it was beautiful," she sighed.

"We had no idea you could dance like that," Kira gushed.

"Thank you. I'm so glad you enjoyed the show," she smiled and looked through the clumps of stragglers to the entrance.

"We loved it! How long have you been dancing? Mr. Ramirez said you and Luca do some dancing together too."

"Yeah, do you ever do shows with him? That would be a sight to see."

Nadia kept a smile on her face even though she was still raging in her mind. "I've been a dancer for a long time and Luca and I don't do shows together."

Kira and Zoe bombarded her with questions like two little chirping birds. To be fair, they were keeping the rest of the Shola employees loitering in the lobby from talking to her. She saw the way their eyes lit up as she came through.

I just want to yell at Luca right now...

"Excuse me, ladies," Gordon said interrupting the gushing women, "Miss Nadia, we need to get going. You're going to be late if we don't leave now."

Nadia breathed a sigh of relief. Thank God for Gordon cutting in. She had no idea what he was talking about, but she didn't care it was getting her out of this. "Of course, yes," she nodded and turned to Zoe and Kira, "I'm so sorry, ladies. I've got to go, but I'll catch up with you next week. Thank you for coming tonight."

"Of course! We can't wait for the next one. Enjoy your week off." Kira said as they waved her off.

Gordon escorted her to the entrance and she let out a huge sigh as they walked down the steps to the car, "Oh my God, thank you for getting me out of that. I just want to go home."

"Mm-hm, I know," he chuckled as he opened the door for her, "that was an excellent show by the way."

"Aww thank you. I wasn't sure if you were going to come in for it," she grinned as she slid into the car.

"Of course, I made Oscar and Henry watch the perimeter so Wade and I could watch the show," he said as he closed her door.

She shook her head. Her bodyguards were so sweet and Luca was usually the same way. So why was he acting like this? It was driving her mad. Cameron said he got like this sometimes...over California? She knew Luca grew up there but really?

Why does he have to be so secretive about it? Maybe he doesn't want me in his life like that...No that's not like him. We tell each other everything!

Right?

She pulled her phone out of her pocket again and stared at her half written message.

Nadia <<Really Luca? You went to catch your flight...no goodbye, no fucking -

She sighed and deleted the message to call him instead. She wasn't going to yell. If this was how he wanted to be. Then so be it, but she wanted to hear it from him. It rang a few times and went straight to voicemail. She whipped the phone away from her ear and glared at his name on the screen.

He *ignored* my call. Oh hell no.

Nadia <<Luca, what the fuck kind of game are you playing? I know you answer your phone on a flight.>>

Nadia <<Well. Thank you for coming to the show tonight. Enjoy whatever the fuck you're doing in Cali.>>

She sent the messages and shoved her phone in her pocket and glared out the window, "Gordon, why does Luca keep his visits to California such a secret?"

"Um, Mr. Shola is just very private when it comes to California."

Nadia raised an eyebrow at the back of his head, "does he have a second family out there? Is he living a double life or something?"

Gordon snorted. "No. Why don't you ask him about it?"

She rolled her eyes. "He didn't even tell me he was going to Cali. Why would he tell me about his secret life?" she said and frowned at the route Gordon was taking. She didn't even notice that he'd driven in the opposite direction of her apartment, "And where the fuck are you going?"

"Miss Nadia, has Mr. Shola ever lied to you?"

"No."

"Has he ever done anything to purposely hurt you?"

She sighed and crossed her arms over her chest. "No."

"So why do you think he'd start doing that now?"

She looked away from him. "I...I don't know," she grumbled. "Well tell me what the hell is going on then!"

"I'll let Mr. Shola explain that."

She whipped her head up and glared at him, "he won't -" the words dried up on her lips as Gordon took the exit for the airport, "where...where are we going?"

Gordon kept silent as he drove down a service road near the main airport. Nadia's heart thumped at the single black private jet sitting on the empty runway.

"Gordon, wh-what's going on?" she whispered as he parked the car a few feet from the steps of the plane. He turned to her and passed a pen and black envelope to her.

"Open that, please," he said and got out of the car before she could open her mouth to ask him any questions.

She frowned at the envelope with a red 'S' sealed over the enclosure in wax. She peeled it open and took out the red card inside.

A smile tugged at her lips.

He is such a nerd.

But her heart thumped as she shakily checked the box next to her birthday, November 5th. Her anger for Luca was slowly melting away and tears pricked the corners of her eyes as Gordon opened her door.

Did he plan all this for my birthday? Oh God, that's why he didn't tell me...

"Do you have an answer?"

She nodded and handed him the card.

"Great, let me make sure you've got it right," he chuckled. "I've got strict instructions not to let you board the plane unless you answer these questions correctly."

"What? Are you serious?" she laughed and shook her head. Luca and his damn word problems and trivia.

I should've known he was planning something. Oh God, I feel so stupid.

Gordon nodded and reached into his back pocket, "yes, ma'am, but I'm sure you'll do just fine," he grinned and he held out another black envelope for her.

She opened it and peered at another red card.

Nadia burst out laughing at the ridiculous answers as she checked the two boxes on the right. She couldn't hide the permanent smile on her face as she handed the card back to Gordon.

He chuckled at her answers. "Good choice Miss Nadia. You've passed the trivia portion of this evening. So, when you're ready you may get on the plane and Mr. Shola will tell you what's going on."

She nodded as she slipped her purse over her shoulder and reached for her bag on the floor.

"You can leave your bag. Everything you need is on the plane," Gordon said as he held out his hand toward the steps of the jet.

She slowly stepped out of the car and looked up at Gordon, "When...when did he plan all of this?"

"A few months ago and that's all I'll tell you," he smiled and gently nudged her toward the stairs.

A few months ago...after Japan?

She frowned as she walked up the steps to the plane. She didn't know what to expect and she was nervous to see Luca. Especially after what she'd said to him and he'd been planning a surprise like this.

Fuck, I'm the asshole.

"May I take your coat, Miss Nadia?" Jack said as she stepped onto the plane.

"O-oh, yes. Thank you Jack," she smiled and slipped it off her shoulders.

"Thank you for deciding to join, Mr. Shola," he grinned and motioned down a short corridor, "he's waiting for you in the main cabin."

She counted her steps as she walked through the small hallway to elevate some of her nerves. She didn't make it past five before her heart thumped at the sight of Luca smiling at her from his seat with a bottle of champagne, two glasses and a black gift box tied with a red bow on the table in front of him.

"Hi, ma petite fleur," he said as he stood from his seat and closed the small gap between them.

"Hi," she laughed softly. "What...what is all of this?"

He took her hand and brought it to his lips, "happy birthday, baby."

She shook her head and tears pricked the corner of her eyes, "but my birthday isn't until Wednesday," she whispered.

"I know, but I wanted to do something special," he said and kissed her fingers, "I just thought it would be nice to go someplace where we don't have to hide so I can spoil you like you deserve."

Nadia's heart swelled and she bit her trembling lip. "I...I can't believe you did this," she breathed and a blush burned over her cheeks. "I was so mad at you," she cringed. "I-I'm sorry for what I said."

He chuckled and slid his fingers to her chin, "you don't need to apologize. I get it and I'm sorry for making you feel like that. That wasn't my intention. I-I've never done anything like this before and I didn't account for Jayne nearly blowing it," he sighed.

Her heart was so full and overflowing with so many tender emotions for him. No one had ever thought to do anything like this for her. She would have never expected him to do anything like this. She would've been happy with a quiet little birthday dinner at his place, but here he was stepping out of his comfort zone to surprise her.

She leaned up on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. "Thank you for this."

"You're welcome and I'm sorry for leaving your show early."

"It's fine," she smiled. "You were there for all the good parts."

He slid his hands to her cheeks, "you were breathtaking, ma petite fleur," he mumbled before he pressed his lips against hers in a soft kiss. He pulled away and his eyes glimmered with excitement, "but now that you're here, we can get going and I can give you your first present," he said and tugged her toward the table.

"My first present? How many am I getting?" She laughed as she sat down in the plush leather seat across from him.

He grinned as he poured her a glass of champagne, "I don't know, but there's a whole week for you to find out."

She took a sip from her glass and her eyes grew wide, "oh no, Luca. Minerva and Raquel are expecting me to go out with them tonight and they're going to wonder where I am all week!"

"Don't worry about that. Wade and Raquel have that covered."

She raised an eyebrow, "Raquel? Why would she cover...does she know about us?"

Twin flags of red burned over his cheeks and he nodded, "she's known about us since we went to your parents."

"What? H-how has she known since then?"

"Well," he sighed, "I don't know how it happened but when I was planning this with Jack he insisted Raquel was included. When we met with her she just told me she respected our decision to keep our relationship quiet and said she'd do anything to help with your birthday plan," he shrugged.

Nadia's phone buzzed in her pocket and she slid it out. A bright smile spread across her lips.

Raquel << Don't freak out, but I know you're with Luca. Enjoy your trip and don't worry about anything. You know I got you, but you have to tell Minerva at some point. Happy Birthday! 😉❤>>

Nadia << thank you and I promise I'll tell her soon. love you ❤ >>

"That was Raquel," she laughed as she put her phone down, "I should've known she'd figure it out. She's a damn detective and I let her ride with my security guards to New York. There was too much time for her to do an investigation."

"I'm kind of glad she knows. I'm considering retaining her as a consultant to help me handle Ciara," he smiled. "But I don't want to ruin this week talking about that. Would you like to open your gift?"

She grinned and her worries faded away. "I would love to."

"Alright," he said and slid the box toward her, "your guards wanted me to give this one to you first. So, this is from them too," he explained as she eagerly untied the bow and opened the box.

She laughed as she stared at the rose gold smartwatch. She looked up at Luca, "did Jack and the guards have this made for me?"

"Mm-hm, they wanted you to have the same security protocols as me and I wanted you to have the same access to everything that I have as well," he chuckled as he slipped it out of the box and pressed his thumb over the screen. It came to life with different widgets and app icons on the round screen. "So, ma petite fleur, if you want to go for a drive on the racetrack you can organize that with my pit crew. If you run out of weed or if you want new seeds you have access to my supplier," he explained as Nadia watched him with tears pooling in her eyes.

She listened to him tell her all the things she could do with her watch, but this was so much more than a fancy device and added security. He trusted her enough to give her unfiltered access to everything but his bank account and his penthouse.

"It also has a digital key to my penthouse, if...if you ever need to use it," he blushed, "um, I'll let Gordon explain the security features when we get back. I wouldn't want to take that part of the gift away from him," he chuckled and his joyful golden eyes looked up at her, "do you want to try it on?"

She nodded and her lip trembled as he took her wrist and clasped the watch around it. She looked at the elegant piece and a tear rolled down her cheek.

"Why are you crying, baby?" He said and wiped her cheek with his knuckle.

She laughed and shook her head, "this just means so much. I-I don't know what to say."

He smiled, "you don't need to say anything. I just want you to know how much you mean to me."

She thread her fingers through his and leaned across the table, "you're the best thing that's ever happened to me, Luca," she whispered and pressed her lips against his.

He tangled his fingers in her hair and smiled against her lips, "I feel the same about you, Nadia."

She bit his lip and her eyes filled with mischief, "so, is one of my presents joining the Mile High Club?"

A grin curled over his lips, "yes it is," he said as he stood from the table and held out his hand to her, "I plan to give you an excellent induction, ma petite fleur."

A delightful tingle shivered down her spine at the heat in his eyes. She slid her hand in his and let him lead her to the back of the plane. Her heart was pounding in anticipation and overflowing with elation and wonder for this amazing man.

I love him. There's no question about it. He's the one.

And I...I want to sign our contract.

A/N: Awwww 😍🥰 Omg this chapter!...Raquel knew about them for at least 2 months, Luca slapping that super smartwatch on Nadia's wrist and Nadia is ready to sign the contract? Oh my worrddd. Cali is going to be interesting😏 I...don't know how much longer these two are going to be a secret.....