Lacing his fingers with Gia’s over the gear stick, his heart warmed at the simple touch. He couldn't remember the last time he’d felt so complete, so happy. If he didn't know better, he would almost think his grandfather was looking out for him.
There was only one thing that needed to be settled between them and Beppe dreaded asking the question. But, he’d put it off long enough.
“What are we going to do about Francesco?”
“We don’t have to do anything,” Gia said and sighed. “We broke up the night you called about Paolo.”
“What? And you didn’t tell me?”
“You had a lot on your mind. And besides, the fact that I was supposed to have a boyfriend, didn't stop you from jumping my bones yesterday.”
Beppe smirked.
“Why did you break up?” he asked, even though he suspected he knew the answer.
“He made me choose. You or him.”
Motherfuker. Stupid, shit-faced son of a bitch.
Gia looked out the side window and didn’t turn when Beppe squeezed her fingers under his.
“I don’t even know if I have a job when we get back. And you know what? I don’t know if I want to work in his restaurant anymore. I’m so sick of the back-stabbing bitchiness of the staff and the pompous, over-priced food. I was really lucky to be able to work with Alfonso Morratti, the head chef, and learn directly from him because he’s one of the biggest talents in the business, but I’m honestly sick of everything else there.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I don’t know. I think I’ll take some time off and think. Figure out what I want to do with my career and my life. Being with you, telling you everything I’ve kept hidden for so long – it kind of set me free. I feel like a huge burden has been lifted off my chest and it’s not dragging me down anymore. I no longer feel forced to make choices that seemed logical at the time, but are completely wrong for me.”
Beppe saw Gia turn to face him out of the corner of his eye. He had to fight the urge to pull over, haul her onto his lap and kiss the daylights out of her.
The GPS intruded on that thought. It indicated they should make a left turn ahead. As instructed, they turned onto a narrow road and after driving for about a minute, reached a huge, white security gate.
“You have reached your destination,” the GPS's nasal voice announced proudly.
“Fuck. Me,” said Beppe as one of the security cameras adjusted its angle towards them and the doors slowly swung open.
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
Gia’s jaw fell open as they stopped in front of the luxurious, high-tech security gate. It looked completely impenetrable. There appeared to be an impossibly tall and thick wall surrounding the whole property as well. As the security camera verified their eligibility to enter, the doors swung quietly open and they took that as a sign to drive in.
“So you weren’t kidding when you said Sergio was a mafia boss,” said Gia, still unable to believe such a high security residence existed in the quiet town of Cefalu.
“Honestly, I didn’t really believe it myself. Thought it was just stories – Paolo had a lot of them.” Beppe drove the car slowly towards an imposing white villa. The distance was easily five hundred meters, if not more. As they crept up the paved driveway, Gia marveled at the beautifully manicured lawn and surrounding ornamentals. There were a few trees and a couple of garden islands full of blossoming autumn flowers closer to the house.
“So you’re like a mafia child now? An heir?” Gia teased and Beppe’s brows furrowed.
“Paolo sacrificed a lot to distance himself from this life style. I have to respect that – he wouldn’t want it for me either.”
“But he came back.”
Beppe sighed and started playing with his tongue stud, a sure sign he was frustrated. Gia knew he'd be lighting a cigarette the moment they got out of the car.
“Let’s try to get through lunch. I can’t say anything without having at least talked to these people.”
Beppe parked their hired Ford Escort along the enormous drive which was filled with at least ten other more impressive cars, got out and felt for his packet of cigarettes in his back pocket. Lighting up, he put his forearms on top of the car and took a long drag. Gia came around the car, leaning against the door next to him, casting her eyes towards Sergio’s beautiful home. The house was built over several different levels, all complementing each other and creating an unusual shape. The colossal, white pillars in front of the main entrance looked like they supported the weight of the whole house.
“Do you think they’re wondering why we’re out here instead of going in?” she asked as the front door of the house burst open and Sergio strode purposely towards them.
“You made it!” He opened his arms wide and embraced both of them with a welcoming smile on his face. “I’m so glad. Come. Come inside. Everyone is dying to meet you.” He didn’t wait for a reply, instead he practically dragged them towards the house. Beppe threw the remainder of his cigarette on the ground, stepping on it quickly as he followed Sergio.
Inside, Gia saw that the villa was just as grand as the outside. It was lavish, but decorated in a contemporary style that suited the newly built structure of the house perfectly. To the left of the massive foyer was a sweeping staircase leading to the upper level. The floor was a polished teak; the walls a crisp white decorated with elegant pieces of artwork. The overall impression was breathtaking.
Sergio led them to a huge formal dining room, with a solid, long mahogany table that took up the bulk of the room. There were at least twenty people of all ages sitting around the table enjoying lunch. The moment they entered, conversation stopped and all eyes turned to them in curiosity. Gia felt as though they were being studied under a microscope. What followed were a few seconds of intense silence that surprised Gia – Sergio didn’t seem like the silent type. Why wasn’t he saying anything? She turned her head slightly to look at him and saw he was smiling widely as he surveyed the room. He looked... proud.
“Giuseppe, Gianna – this is the Salvatore family,” he announced and proceeded to introduce them to each member of the family.
Everyone they met seemed very welcoming.They each stood up and gave them both hugs and kisses, smiling warmly. The person that left the biggest impression on Gia was Sergio’s grandson Silvio. He was the last one introduced before they took their seats. The man must have been about Beppe’s age, or maybe a couple of years older. He was striking! A few inches taller than Beppe and a bit bulkier around the shoulders and arms, Silvio wore the Salvatore family features well. He had defined cheekbones like Beppe, a sensual, yet masculine mouth with the deep V of a Cupid’s bow that Gia loved so much, and dark, wavy hair. The only remarkable difference was that under his thick, dark eyelashes were the most startling blue eyes Gia had ever seen.
Silvio greeted them affectionately with a smile that lit up his face and it was like watching Beppe smile. Gia was transfixed as she watched the two men together, so beautiful and so alike. Gia felt they’d made the right decision to come here and meet these people. They were Beppe’s relatives, there was no doubt about it, and Gia wanted nothing more for him than to feel as though he were a part of this warm, loving family. It was like he was a shark that had lived his whole life among dolphins – now that he’d met his fellow sharks, Beppe belonged.
When introductions were over and Beppe and Gia sat down, the easy conversation resumed and everyone tucked back into their meals.Soon, Gia relaxed and felt the tension leave Beppe as well. He got into an animated conversation with Silvio who sat to his left. Paolo’s death didn’t feel like the reason they had come here. It took less than half an hour for them to feel right at home, as if they’d sat at the table with all of these people many times before.
When everyone was finished eating, several waiters in formal wear appeared to clear the table, quietly and efficiently.Sergio clinked his wine glass with his fork. Standing up he attracted the attention of everyone, looking
every bit the family patriarch that he was. The room fell silent as he spoke,
“Family is something holy, something to be cherished and nourished. Family is when the people you love most in the world come together in a moment of loss and support you through your darkest, most difficult times. You all here are my family and I’m so blessed to be able to say that. Thank you for being here with me and for coming to say goodbye to my beloved brother Paolo. Salute!” He raised his glass and everyone followed him, raising their own glasses in unison.
Gia felt the authority of Sergio when he made his speech. All eyes in the room, even those of the children, were locked on him, and people held their breaths as he spoke. The man was clearly a leader, the respected head of this large family. She could easily imagine him being the ruthless mafia boss Beppe claimed he was. Gia imagined how the dark eyes that were shining with warm love and appreciation for everyone in the room could easily turn cold and deadly when necessary.
Dessert was soon served – strawberry tiramisu that was like nothing Gia had ever tasted. Closing her eyes in bliss when the first spoonful spread over her tongue, Gia let out an involuntary moan of pleasure. When she opened her eyes, Beppe was staring at her with such intense lust in his eyes that Gia thought he might grab her and kiss her senseless in front of everyone.
“What? This is the most amazing tiramisu I’ve ever had!” she said as she scooped up another spoonful. Beppe laughed and shook his head. “No, seriously, I need this recipe. I’m not leaving without it, even if I have to steal it at knife point from the chef.”
“That won’t be necessary, cara, but I admire your determination,” chuckled Silvio, leaning over the table to catch Gia’s eyes. “The chef happens to like me, so I think I can pull some strings to get the recipe for you.” He winked at Gia as he put a spoonful of tiramisu between his gorgeous lips. Gia stared as the spoon disappeared inside his mouth and couldn’t tear her eyes away from him as he took the spoon out in one slow, seductive move.
Beppe growled deep in his throat between them. He actually growled! Gia could feel the vibration run through her body.
“Sorry man, didn’t mean any disrespect,” said Silvio, turning his laughing eyes at Beppe, clearly not sorry at all. Beppe’s jaw muscles clenched tightly as he obviously tried to control the urge to do something he might later regret.
“Keep it that way, and we won’t have any problems,” Beppe said, throwing a fake smile in his cousin’s direction. Silvio raised his hands in front of him in a gesture of defeat and continued eating his tiramisu as if nothing had happened. Somehow Gia knew that this seemingly good-natured, easy-going, gorgeous man could easily turn deadly very fast. Sergio wouldn't keep him at an arm’s length all the time otherwise.
Gia had never seen Beppe’s hackles rise so fast in jealousy before. He used to mock and be downright rude to her dates, but he’d never exhibited such animalistic possessiveness towards her. In a very selfish way, that put to rest any remaining doubts she might have had about Beppe’s feelings for her. He’d claimed her as his, and he was openly displaying the fact.
This time, he wouldn’t leave.
Gia knew in her heart it was true. Beppe was with her for the long run. For their forever.
With lunch over, it was time to leave if Gia and Beppe wanted to make their flight on time. They said goodbye to everyone and then, escorted by Sergio and Silvio left the dining-room. Gia noticed the shoe-sized wooden box that had appeared in Sergio’s hands. He handed the box to Silvio as he hugged Gia and kissed both her cheeks lovingly.
“Take care of my boy, cara. And bring him back to us soon!” Gia nodded. Sergio moved to Beppe, hugging him for a few long moments, reluctantly letting him go. Tears shone in his eyes as he did.
“You’re so much like Paolo!” Sergio took a deep breath, obviously trying to regain control of his emotions. “This is your family here, Giuseppe,” he pointed towards the house. “Anything you need, we’re here for you. Anything. You hear me?” Beppe nodded, too emotional to trust himself to speak. “Come back, any time, OK?” Beppe nodded again and they shared another long embrace. Then Sergio retrieved the box from Silvio, sadness washing through him. He carefully placed the box in Beppe's arms. “Paolo wanted you to have everything that’s inside this box.” Beppe hesitated, eyeing the box suspiciously. “Take it,” Sergio said and grabbed Beppe’s hands, placing the box in them. “He gave it to me for safekeeping about two years ago in case something happened to him. It’s yours now.” Beppe nodded distractedly, his eyes fixed on the box, frowning. Sergio drew him in for another hug, then clapped Beppe’s shoulder as he whispered something in his ear.
Silvio inched closer to Gia, embracing her and kissing her cheeks.
“Lovely to meet you, Gianna,” he said with a bit too much intensity in his voice. “Giuseppe is a lucky man to have you.” They both smiled at that comment, but there was a shade of sadness in Silvio’s sapphire blue eyes. “I’ll step back now and go say goodbye to Giuseppe. I don't want him biting my head off for crowding you like this,” he said loud enough so that Beppe could hear, and winked. He strode to Beppe, his swagger in place, and gave a long, loving hug to his cousin. They exchanged a few quiet words and shook hands.
Beppe and Gia climbed in their car and drove away, but Sergio and Silvio stayed in the rear view mirror, watching them, until the security gate closed behind them.
CHAPTER TWENTY SIX
Gia pulled her small suitcase inside the house. Kicking the door closed, she trudged to the living room and fell on the sofa in an exhausted heap. She had declined Beppe’s offer to stay in his apartment tonight, because she desperately needed some alone time to rest, both emotionally and physically.
On the table she saw a note – her mum was telling her she wouldn’t be home on Friday, but on Tuesday of next week. One of her colleagues was down with the flu, so had agreed to take on her tours, before she took a few days off to come home.
Oh well, being one of the most sought after tour and gallery guides in Venice had its pros and cons. Elsa was paid extremely well and was never short of work, but she was constantly away from home. Right now Gia really missed her mum – it’d be so nice to sit down and share a bottle of prosecco while Gia shared everything going on her life at the moment. Her mum was such a good listener, always gave good advice, always able to see the big picture. She knew how to distance herself from a situation enough to give an unbiased opinion.
Sighing, Gia rummaged through her suitcase, found her phone and switched it on. She needed to text Francesco and tell him she wouldn’t be coming back to work at ‘Orchidea Nera’. She didn’t care if he’d already made that decision for her; she wanted to let him know it was her choice. Closing the page on that chapter of her life would help her move on.
Her phone showed she had two missed calls from Francesco, one from her mum and one from Max. Gia decided to deal with Francesco first and then move on to the pleasant calls. It was late, but he was a night owl so she didn’t think he’d be asleep yet.
Gia: I’m not going back to work. I know I didn’t give my 3 weeks’ notice, feel free to withhold my last paycheck.
She pressed send and relaxed. There, it was done. All her ties with Francesco and his business were severed.
Her phone started vibrating and ringing in her hand, startling her. Francesco. Why was he calling her? What else was there to say? Annoyed, Gia declined the call. Two seconds later, it started ringing again.
What the hell?
Curiosity ate at her, so she slid her thumb along the display to accept the call.
“Yes?” she said, as coldly as possible.
“Gianna, you don’t have to do this, you don't have to quit working at the restaurant on my account. You’re very talented and I’d hate to lose you.” Francesco sounded calm and sincere, but moments of their last conversation flashed through Gia’s mind and ignited her anger.
“I’m quitting because it’s what I want, not because of you.”
“Please, think this through. Take a few days off and really think about it.”
“Nothing to think about. I’ve made my decision. Goodbye Francesco.”
“Wait! Please, don’t hang up. We have to talk...”
“No. I don't think we do. We’ve said all there is to say.”
“No, we haven’t. Al least, I haven’t,” said Francesco, his voice softening to a quiet whisper filled with regret. Gia knew there was no way to fix their relationship, not even on a friendship level, but she didn’t hang up. If Francesco wanted to get something off his chest, then fine.
“Well, talk,” she said, keeping the ice in her tone.
“Not over the phone. I want to see you.”
“Francesco, it won’t change anything. We’re not getting back together and there’s nothing you can say that will change my mind.”
“I still want to talk to you, Gianna, please. Let me explain why I acted like an ass. Even if you want nothing to do with me after, it’ll at least help me to have closure. It’s killing me to think of how things ended.”
Something in the vulnerability of Francesco's soft voice tugged at Gia’s heart and she knew she’d accept even before she said it. Maybe he was right – they dated for a long time in her book, the longest romantic relationship she’d had other than Beppe. She used to care for this man. Maybe allowing him to get everything off his chest would help them both get closure.
“OK, tomorrow...”
“No, I need to see you tonight. I can be at your place in fifteen minutes.”
Gia rolled her eyes. Of course it had to be tonight when she was emotionally drained and physically exhausted.
“OK, whatever. I’ll see you in a few.” She disconnected the call, threw the phone on the sofa cushion next to her and closed her eyes, praying she didn't fall asleep before Francesco arrived. She wanted this done and over with. Tomorrow was going to be the first day of the fresh start she so badly needed. Gia hadn’t realised how stuck in a rut she’d been before Beppe made her open her heart to him once again. The black and white movie her life had been was digitally re-mastered into wonderful colour and Gia couldn’t wait to be a part of it.
Then, Now, Forever (Heartbeat #2) Page 19