Gia felt the blood rush to her face and her ears starting to ring. Francesco was here? How did he know where she’d go?
“No, I don’t want to see him. Tell him to leave.”
“Gia...”
“No, Beppe. I can’t see him tonight. I need more time. I’ll talk to him, I promise, but not tonight.” She settled against the door frame with her arms wrapped tightly about herself protectively.
Beppe slowly nodded and brought the receiver back to his ear. His gaze never left Gia's face as he spoke into the phone.
“Tell Mr. Naldo that he should go. Gia doesn’t want to talk to him.” Beppe listened to his message being relayed and began to frown. “No, don’t call the police. I’ll be right down.”
He hung up the phone and ran his hands distractedly through his hair.
“The police? What’s going on?”
“He said he’d wait for you in the lobby if he had to sleep there and the concierge wanted to call the police to throw him out.”
“God...” Gia felt panic settle in her stomach threatening to bring her sandwich back up.
“Don’t worry, cara. I’ll go downstairs and explain that you won’t be talking to him until you’re good and ready, OK?”
Beppe reached out to give Gia a comforting hug, before turning to go upstairs.
“Promise me you’re not going to hit him.”
Beppe rolled his eyes as he headed for his room. He opened the wardrobe and took out a t-shirt.
“Beppe!” Gia followed him and insisted on his word, because she knew how short-tempered Beppe could be. The last thing she needed was Beppe slugging Francesco and making this mess an even bigger pile of shit.
“I’m not going to hit him. I think you’re mistaking me for your brother. He’s the big, grumpy one, I’m a ray of sunshine compared to him.” Beppe gave her his thousand watt smile and pecked her on the cheek as he headed down the stairs. Gia trailed him, still worried what would happen once Beppe was face to face with Francesco.
“I’ll be right back,” he called as he closed the door behind him.
Gia was left standing in the foyer, feeling anxious and weak for refusing to deal with her own problems. Beppe had to, once again, clean up her mess.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Beppe's eye drilled holes into the elevator doors as he waited for them to open onto the lobby. He dreaded the moment he would have to stand face to face with Francesco, the man Gia had been seeing. The man who had been able to hold her during the night, after they’d exhausted themselves having sex. The man who had been able to make her jealous and angry because he'd slept with another woman.
The man Gia chose over him.
The ping of the doors shook him from his thoughts. Taking one last deep breath to suppress his resentment and distrust of Francesco, Beppe stepped into the lobby searching for the man.
Francesco looked like hell. He was wearing a suit without the jacket, the sleeves of his once crisp white shirt were rolled up to his elbows, his trousers were creased and his shoes were lacking their usual luster. His dark hair was hanging limply in his face and his skin was almost sallow. Their eyes met from across the lobby and Francesco's stare changed instantly from desperate to coldly indifferent. Beppe didn’t know what the concierge had told him, but Francesco had not been expecting him.
Beppe signaled Francesco to join him at the other end of the lobby, where it was a bit more secluded and away from the concierge’s prying ears. Francesco’s lips thinned as he reluctantly followed.
“I didn’t realise I was gonna have to do this via a messenger,” he said, his voice low and even, trained not to show too much emotion.
“This is the best you’re gonna get. Take it or leave it. I don't give a fuck,” Beppe said, folding his arms over his chest and trying to maintain indifference in his posture when all he wanted to do was grab Francesco by the shoulders and shake him, screaming ‘How could you screw up the best thing that’s happened to you, you fucking moron!’
Francesco jerked his head in a nod and the muscles in his jaw clenched reflexively.
“All right. I’ll be brief. Tell Gia that I’m sorry she had to be subjected to this – I had no idea that ridiculous story was being published, otherwise I would have put a stop to it. None of it is true. The couple responsible for this will be charged with fraud, among other things. My lawyers have been on the case since I found out.” Francesco dug his hand in his back pocket and took out a small, brown envelope which he handed to Beppe. “Give this to her. It’s proof that I’m telling the truth.”
Beppe took the envelope, frowning, and nodded. At the moment he wasn’t sure if he believed a word Francesco said, because he’d schooled his features into such a blank mask that it left Beppe completely clueless. He had a feeling that if Gia had come down here instead, the the conversation would have been completely different.
Feeling everything had been said, Beppe turned on his heel without a goodbye. It wasn’t his style to be intentionally rude to people, but Francesco had that effect on him. Beppe needed to leave before he did or said something he’d regret, or worse, something that would disappoint Gia.
Francesco's voice stopped him in his tracks.
“I hate that she runs to you every single time,” said Francesco, the timber of his voice so low it was almost a whisper. Beppe swiveled back to face him, and saw the unguarded emotion clouding Francesco’s eyes.
“She doesn’t have anybody else.”
“She has me.”
Beppe’s anger flared for an instant but he forced it down with considerable effort. He took the few steps back to where Francesco was still standing rooted to the spot.
“You're the reason she's run to me! And even if you weren’t, you’ve known her for what? Three months? I’ve known her for seventeen years!” Beppe hissed right in Francesco’s face, his eyes flashing barely suppressed rage. The man didn’t react in anger as Beppe expected – Francesco’s clear, blue eyes flooded with sadness and regret.
“Yes, I’m reminded of that every damn day.”
“I doubt she talks about me much.”
“She doesn’t need to. You’re with her all the time. She doesn’t let go of you for one second – she even talks about you in her sleep.” Sharing such an intimate detail reminded Beppe, once again, that this man before him had slept with Gia, spent the night in her bed and held her during her nightmares.
He wanted to rip his fucking head off.
“If you don’t let her go, she’ll never be happy. She’ll spend her life always fighting the feelings she has for you, telling herself it’s just friendship and shared past. It’s not. No relationship she ever has will be fulfilling because your ghost will always be in the room with her. And judging by the way I feel, I can safely say that no man will enjoy that.” Francesco let his guard down for a brief second and raw malice bloomed in his eyes.
Beppe was unable to respond. He was taken aback by the loathing being directed at him.
“You may tell yourself that you’re just friends, but you’re not.” Francesco finished his tirade, panting. Colour suffused his face.
“You’re right. We’re not. She’s my family,” said Beppe and walked away, this time not pausing before he stepped into the safety of the elevator and the doors closed behind him.
******
Gia heard the front door open and rushed to meet Beppe.
“What happened?”
Beppe looked like he was struggling to remain calm and in control when all he wanted to do was scream and throw stuff. Gia knew this particular expression all too well.
“He says he’s sorry you were subjected to this. It’s all lies. His lawyers are on it. And he gave me this.” Beppe held out his hand and Gia snatched the small envelope.
“That’s it? No drama? No ‘please baby, don’t leave me’?”
“No. No drama.” Beppe brushed past her and headed for the sofa.
“Then do you look like you want to kill someone?” Gia fol
lowed him and sat down next to him.
“Open the envelope, Gia. See what he has to say and let’s get this over with.”
Gia rolled her eyes but decided not to push it. She ripped the top of the envelope and took out a note. She twirled it around her fingers for a bit before she started reading,
Gia,
I have a feeling you won’t see me or talk to me, so I’m writing all this down, hoping you'll at least read it before you rip it up.
I’m so sorry about all of this, but please believe that it’s all a lie. I know it’s hard to believe, hell, I’d have blown my top off if our roles were reversed.
Here’s what I managed to find out so far: the girl who took the photos had an accomplice. Probably her boyfriend. She bribed one of the late night clerks in my hotel. She said she was, ‘a special surprise’ for me, quoting my business partner’s name as if he’d sent her. So, the clerk gave her a key card. She must have given him a lot of money considering it’s a five star hotel, but she probably figured she’d make a lot more once she sold her ‘story’. When she got into my room, she must have seen me asleep on the bed, stripped and lay down next to me. A few minutes later, her boyfriend dressed as room service, knocked on the door and she let him in. He’s the one who took the photos. They left shortly after.
The reason I know all this is because I saw the footage from the hotel’s security cameras, and talked to the manager as well as all the staff that had been on shift that night. I asked to have a copy of the security footage so that I could show it to you, but the hotel manager refused, saying they needed to consider the other guests’ privacy.
The couple knew there would be security cameras and will try to claim that she was indeed a ‘special surprise’ for me and the man was indeed a room service guy. But I know this isn’t true and I’ve instructed my lawyers to go after them.
I’ve also filed a report with the police and the case is being investigated.
Please, let me talk to you in person. I know you’re hurt and I'll do everything in my power to make you feel better. I'll prove to you that this is all a big, fat, money grabbing lie. I’ll answer any questions you might have.
I won’t let anyone disrespect you because of this.
Call me. Please.
Yours,
Francesco
Gia finished reading and wrinkled her nose. It all sounded very reasonable, when she was expecting a big melodramatic proclamation of his innocence. But with Francesco's explanation, his determination to sue those involved, and work with the police, Gia was starting to think that maybe he was telling the truth. Maybe it was all a scam. There were people who would do worse things for money.
“You’re going to talk to him, aren’t you?” Beppe asked.
“You don’t think I should?”
“I already told you that I think you should. But it doesn’t really matter what I think, it’s your choice to make.” Beppe’s flat tone of voice only confirmed Gia suspicion that something more had went down between him and Francesco.
“What did he say to you?” Gia cuddled closer to Beppe, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. She felt him and watched him purse his lips into a thin line as his eyes flickered dangerously.
“Nothing.” Beppe shook free of Gia’s hold and stood up. “It’s late. I’m going to take a shower and go to bed.”
Late? It wasn’t late, not by Beppe’s standards. He wanted to get away from her.
Maybe she should just go home and give him some space. That would be the decent, selfless thing to do. However, Gia had never been selfless. She’d always craved Beppe’s attention, his closeness, his touch, even when it wasn’t healthy for either of them. She couldn’t make herself leave his apartment even though she knew it was the right thing to do – it would give them both some space. Instead, she watched TV and gave Beppe time to shower and get into bed. Then, she crept into his bed, and wrapped herself around him. He tensed at first, but soon he sighed deeply and relaxed. Beppe covered her hand with his own entwining their fingers, and they soon fell asleep.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Two weeks later, Gia was dancing with Beppe on the dance floor of their favorite club ‘M.D.O.’ When she danced, Gia forgot all about her daily troubles. She let the loud music take over. Dancing with Beppe was even better – he moved so gracefully, so fluidly. Feeling the heat emanating from his body gave Gia additional peace. Nothing could make her relax like Beppe’s close proximity.
The day after the horrific story about Francesco's alleged cheating was plastered on the front pages, Gia met him in a small cafe and they talked. He seemed very sincere and Gia felt he was telling the truth. They’d made up and their relationship was even better now than before. His lawyers were quietly pursuing the couple who conned Francesco and he was certain that in a couple more weeks he’d have everything he needed to make an official statement to the press about the unfortunate event. He was advised by the police not to comment since it was an ongoing investigation.
This weekend, Francesco had once again gone on a business trip. He had offered to take Gia with him if she still felt nervous about him being away. She’d declined, because when she’d said she believed he was telling the truth, she meant it. She didn’t think he’d cheat on her the moment he left town. Gia hadn't had that doubt before, and she didn't have now either. Somehow, that whole mess had brought them closer together and their relationship seemed stronger.
Beppe, grinding his hips against Gia, brought her back to the present. She spun around in his arms and he grabbed her by the waist lifting her up. Gia, giggling,wriggled to get down. Beppe slowly lowered her back to the floor, placing a kiss on her cheek. She was so glad she’d decided to go out with him and his friends tonight. Dancing until her feet hurt was exactly what she'd needed after a stressful week at work. Francesco had probably warned the staff not to mention the cheating story, but Gia could still feel their mocking stares. No one might dare say anything and disrespect their boss, but they still laughed at her behind her back. That was even worse. But, Gia held her head high, bit her tongue, and did her job. Screw them.
Beppe had started his new semester and was going to classes most days of the week, so between that and Gia’s hectic work schedule, they didn’t see each other much. She often spent the night at his place, but they hadn’t had any chance to spend some quality time together. Gia had noticed a visible change in Beppe though. He’d definitely stopped fooling around. She couldn’t remember the last time he’d spent the night with someone. He took better care of himself, going to the gym in his building more often and he cooked almost every night. Beppe was finally beginning to respect himself and that warmed Gia's heart.
It was a new chapter in his life and she was proud of him.
When the song flowed seamlessly into another she shouted in Beppe ear, “I’m going to the ladies’ room.” He gave her a thumbs up and pointed to their table, indicating he’d be there waiting.
Making her way through the sweaty dancing bodies, Gia found the washroom. It was a luxurious room with lots of vanity sinks and brightly coloured toilet doors. It was surprisingly clean and smelled good too. There was no one around while Gia used the facilities, washed her hands, and tried to fix her hair which was all over the place thanks to the heat and sweat. Giving up, she wiped her hands and face on a paper towel and reached for the door. Just then it opened from the outside and Gia stepped back startled. A petite brunette walked in. She looked at Gia with purpose, as if she knew her, but Gia couldn’t place her at all.
“Gianna Selvaggio, right?” the girl asked.
“Do I know you?” Gia folded her arms over her chest, looking the girl up and down.
“No. But I know Francesco. Intimately.” Her tone was suggestive, but not nasty. Gia didn't know what her deal was, and frankly, she didn't care to know. Talking to one of Francesco's ex lovers was not on her to-do list tonight.
“Good for you,” Gia said and attempted to side step the girl.
“
Hold on.” The girl moved, blocking her exit. “I need to talk to you. Please. Give me just two minutes.”
“I don’t know you and I certainly don't think you have anything to say that I want to hear.”
“Please.” The girl’s voice was soft and even, her eyes held a silent plea for Gia to stay. Sighing, Gia took another step back from the door in case someone else decided to barge in. The girl took that as an invitation to talk. She checked under the toilet stall doors to make sure they were alone. Satisfied that they were, she said, “My name’s Carla. I dated Francesco about a year ago.” She hesitated and nervously chewed the inside of her cheek.
“OK...” Gia said, encouraging her to go on, but still not seeing how this had anything to do with her. She was well aware of Francesco's many lovers, but what did this particular girl want from her?
“I didn't want to do this, but you seem like a good person, Gianna. So, I finally gathered the courage when I spotted you here tonight. It felt like a sign that I should.” Carla cleared her throat and started playing with her ring. “I noticed that when the cheating scandal broke you didn't dump Francesco. I figure he’s charmed you into believing he didn’t do it...”
“Listen, Carla,” Gia bit out the name as if it sickened her to say it. “I don’t need your opinion on my personal life. You know nothing about what happened and you have no right to corner me in a washroom and judge me for not breaking up with Francesco over something he didn't do.”
“No, no, that’s not what I’m trying to do at all.” Carla’s eyes rounded with shock. She stopped her nervous twitching and realised she should just say what she came to say. She could see that Gia was fast losing her patience. “I wanted to warn you to be careful. I can see he has really strong feelings for you. You know you’re the first girl he’s ever introduced as his girlfriend, right? All I’m saying is, Francesco is a dangerous man, with dangerous connections... Be very careful of how deeply you go with him, because you might not be able to find your way back.”
Then, Now, Forever (Heartbeat #2) Page 15