Turn Towards the Sun: Book Three- Forever in Bloom (The Sunflower Trilogy) by Jennifer Domenico Page B

hardly seems like the right choice for perky morning television. I watch her as she gets her thick black hair brushed one more time. She is very lovely, with dark caramel colored skin and hazel eyes. I imagine she grew up competing in beauty competitions and having every boy in her presence fall at her feet. A producer comes over to us and quickly tells us the interview will last about ten minutes including a commercial break.
    A camera starts calling out the cues and right before my eyes, Jasmin Taylor’s face lights up. A gorgeous, albeit plastic, smile graces her lips and she is suddenly extremely attentive to us.
    “Tape rolling!” the camera man calls out.
    “Rise and shine, Arizona. It’s time for your morning break with Jasmin,” the now bubbly host says. “Today we are thrilled to have local architect, Enzo Milano, and his drop-dead gorgeous wife Ava with us.” She turns to face us. “Mr. and Mrs. Milano, thank you so much for being here with us today. Mr. Milano, congratulations on your newest award. Does it still excite you to win awards?”
    Enzo flashes that amazing but reserved smile he uses in professional situations. “Please, call me Enzo and yes, I am always excited and appreciative of any acknowledgement of my work.”
    “But this one…” she glances down at her papers, “is an international award recognizing your global contributions to architecture. That’s amazing.”
    Enzo nods. “Yes. I feel very fortunate.”
    “Mrs. Milano, I’d like to ask you a few questions too.”
    I do my best to hide my surprise. I wasn’t expecting to be addressed directly. I glance over at Enzo who nods slightly.
    “What would you like to know?” I ask.
    Jasmin grins. “Okay, so we hear that you have an active role in designing the new downtown hotel.”
    “I have a small role. Francesca Milano designed the inside of the hotel. I am her assistant.”
    “Mm hmm, and what’s it like working for your husband?” she asks.
    “It’s very nice working for Enzo.”
    Before we can continue, Enzo interjects. “She doesn’t work for me, she works with me.”
    “Of course, Enzo,” Jasmin responds then turns her attention back to me. “Okay, Ava, you are quickly becoming a local fashion icon. Where do you get your fashion sense?”
    I’m completely taken aback by this question. A fashion icon? Me? “Um, well, I just wear what I like.”
    “Well, it’s fabulous. Love those shoes!” she exclaims. “We’ll be right back after this break.”
    “Cut!” I hear the camera man’s voice again.
    Just as quickly as she turned on, Jasmin shuts down again like a robot programmed only for a rolling camera. She picks up her phone and sips water while the primpers do their job on all of us again. We prepare for the cameras to roll again and I watch with a sick fascination as the anchor beams for the camera once more.
    “We’re back with the fabulous Milano’s. Ava, we’re all just dying to hear who you plan to wear to the awards gala this weekend.”
    “I won’t be attending, I’m afraid. I have some family business to attend to.”
    “Oh dear. I’m surprised you’re willing to let your hunky husband out of your sight, especially in Vegas.” The anchor smiles and winks at both of us as she speaks.
    I glance over at Enzo, who has clearly had enough with the girlishness of this interview. He starts to open his mouth but I decide I should be the one to handle this comment.
    “I have no concerns about leaving my husband alone. One thing I’m sure of is that he only has eyes for me.” Enzo rubs my hand affectionately. “He’ll be attending with his sister. It’s unfortunate I have to miss this wonderful event for him, however, as talented as my husband is, I’m sure there will be many more accolades to celebrate in the future.”
    I smile at Enzo and am rewarded with his own magnificent smile in return. I look back at Jasmin, daring her with my eyes to ask me another stupid question. She wisely