"Why what's wrong?" Angel asked.
"Gianna!"
Our heads snapped over to where Boss had rushed back in the restaurant as a few servers tried to stop him.
"C'mon ladies, please let's go," I said quickly waving them up.
I saw a security guard rush forward to keep him from further approaching but Boss outweighed him in height and stature. "Gianna!" he called out. "I just wanna fucking talk."
The entire restaurant had gone quiet. Not completely silent but quiet enough that I could feel the attention shifting toward us. Forks paused halfway to mouths. Conversations lowered. Eyes turned. Boss looked completely unhinged. And desperate.
The security guard held an arm out across his chest while Boss stared directly at me.
“Gianna,” he said again, breathing hard now. “Please.”
My heart hammered harder.
Angel was already on her feet beside me while Ms. Betty reached for my hand.
“Who is that man?” she asked quickly.
I swallowed hard, forcing myself to keep it together. “An old client,” I replied hurriedly. “I handled it wrong. I should've cut things off sooner. “Please,” I whispered to Ms. Betty and Angel. “Let’s just go.”
Ms. Betty nodded. “Come on.”
Angel grabbed my other hand while we quickly moved toward the exit, but before we could reach the door Boss called my name again. Louder this time. “GIANNA!”
I didn't look back. We finally pushed out into the warm afternoon air and the second the doors shut behind us; I exhaled shakily.
Angel turned to me. “What the hell was that?”
I closed my eyes briefly. “A mistake.” I said as we handed our ticket to the valet.
Ms. Betty touched my arm gently. “Gianna…is he dangerous?” she asked looking back.
That question made my stomach tighten because honestly—I didn’t know. But the way he was acting…
I shook my head quickly anyway. “I don’t know. I think he may just be emotionally attached.”
"Maybe we should go to the police," Angel stated looking back.
"We have to tell Remy," Ms. Betty said.
I shook my head letting out a sharp breath. "He's gonna be so mad at me."
Ms. Betty took my hands. "Why would he be? You didn't know."
I let out a shaky breath. "He met him before, Ms. Betty. And I didn't tell Remy that I was seeing him again afterwards."
She slowly let go of my hands. "So…you lied to my son?"
The valet pulled up with her car.
I didn't have time to explain. "Look—just go home, okay? I'll talk to Remy, I promise. I just don't want to put you two anyfurther into my mess. You've been so sweet to me. I'm so sorry for all of this." Tears spilled and I quickly wiped them away sniffing.
Ms. Betty's face softened, it looked like she wanted to say more.
"Please, Ms. Betty…I've done enough damage," I said.
