Gia would have to catch up with Marc and see what he wanted to do now that he was free, but not today. The sun was heating up, and Gia was on her second coffee, Aurora on her third as she worked on a second plateof pancakes.
Nothing should interrupt such perfection.
Aurora had another bite. “I think I might pop, but it’ll be worth it.”
Gia smiled like a smitten fool. She couldn’t get over how vibrant Aurora was. She’d been lovely as a ghost, but the full color, solid version of Aurora was magnificent.
Her hair was a sandy blonde, her cheeks a soft pink, and her nose dotted with freckles. She moved differently, too, no longer eerily graceful, and all the more alluring for it.
She was more alive than any person Gia had ever met. If they weren’t in public, she didn’t think she could resist pulling Aurora close and exploring every inch of her soft skin.
Would Aurora like that? They were no longer stuck together. How much would things between them change? Old worries lurked in Gia’s mind. Sure, she’d passed thedoes she like me the way I like herhurdle, but that was the most basic assessment of compatibility.
They’d been through Hell together. Maybe that was the extent of their connection. Aurora had seen too much of Gia. Things Gia would have preferred a girlfriend not witness.
“You’re thinking hard,” Aurora said, setting her fork aside.
“I can’t help it. I overthink most of the time.” She always had.
“Does talking about whatever’s on your mind help?”
Gia shifted in her seat. “I don’t know. I don’t usually share.”
Aurora gave her the softest look. “I noticed. Don’t worry, I get that. I didn’t talk to people before I met Lilly and the other Lockwoods.”
Something relaxed deep in Gia’s soul. She’d forgotten how well Aurora understood her. There was far more between them than surviving yesterday’s battles.
Gia could talk to Aurora. After everything, what was thereto be afraid of? “Maybe it’s wrong to be worrying about this right now, but I was thinking about us.”
“It’s not wrong at all.” Aurora grinned. “What’s worrying you about us?”
Gia huffed, feeling ridiculous and embarrassed, and a whole bunch of other uncomfortable things. “I was wondering if you want to date me or if this was only in the moment. And now the moment is over.”
Aurora reached across the table, and Gia offered her hand. Aurora clasped it. “Didn’t I make myself clear yesterday?”
Gia’s face heated. God, their graveside kiss had turned her inside out. “A girl can still overthink.”
“True. So, let me be crystal clear. I want a relationship with you. We can go slow with dating if that’s what feels right, but I don’t want casual. I want toknow you,Gia. And I want to show you who I am when I’m not floating around obsessing about my family and my past.”
Gia squeezed Aurora’s fingers. “Me too. I don’t want to hold back anymore.”
“Do you normally?”
She nodded. “It feels so inconsequential now. All my fear and uncertainties were such a waste. I let my family get in my head, and it wasn’t the hypnosis.”
Aurora’s brow furrowed. “What were you afraid of?”
“Being dependent on Franco and my brother. I bought into how they treated me, and I wish I hadn’t, but I can’t blame them for everything. I held myself back when it had nothing to do with them. There was this girl, Tessa, and if I’d gone for it—took a chance—at least it wouldn’t have been so drawn out.”
“Was she your girlfriend?”
Gia almost laughed. “No. She’s straight. I’ve never had a girlfriend.” She hesitated. “Is that a dealbreaker?”
Aurora laughed, the sound bright and full of depth. “Areyou serious?” She rolled her eyes. “Yes, after you pulled me from my literal grave, your lack of dating experience is the dealbreaker.”
“Shut up,” Gia muttered without heat, fighting a smile.
Aurora leaned farther across the table. “Seriously. I don’t mind.” A sly smile curved her lush lips. “In fact, I like knowing I’ll be the one introduce you to the wonders of sapphic life.”
