Despite everything…I wasn't mad at her. "Call somebody," I whispered weakly. Then the darkness finally swallowed me whole.
Chapter 48
Something was wrong.
Gianna hadn't been answering my calls or texts. She didn't do her morning or goodnight check-in with Melo. She wouldn't do that to him. She had an alarm set tomake sureshe did it daily. I went to the hotel and the staff said she wasn't answering.
I was forced to sit at home all night, stomach in knots, heart racing thinking the worst had happened to her.
And then she called in the morning. On time. My whole body relaxed as I quickly answered. "Baby, where are you? You okay? You had me worried sick," I rushed out.
I heard her sniffling.
I looked over at Melo who was finishing up his breakfast. Stepping from the table I moved out of his earshot. "You crying?" my voice softened. "Tell me what's wrong?"
"I'm okay," her voice cracked.
"You lying to me?"
She sniffled harder. "N-no. Just…tired."
"Baby—"
"Where's Melo?" She cut in.
I glanced back towards him. "Finishing breakfast. He was sad when you didn't call him."
"I'm so sorry," she whispered. "Can I say hi really quick?"
I paused. "I don't want him to hear you this emotional before he goes to school."
Her breath hit the line. "I'm okay," she said clearing her throat, voice clearer. "Just really quick. Please."
I exhaled slowly. "Okay, baby." Walking over I placed the phone on speaker. "GG's on the phone, buddy."
He perked up, smiling brightly. "Hi, GG!"
She chuckled softly. "Hi, little handsome. I'm so sorry I didn't call you. GG was just…really tired. Are you all ready for school?"
"Unh-huh." He nodded fast. "Daddy said you're coming over this weekend. Can we make French toast?"
I heard her breath sharpen. "We can make whatever you want, sweetheart," she said. "Melo—I love you, okay? You're the best, most handsome, smartest boy I know."
Something about the way she said it made me pause.
But Melo giggled. "I love you too, GG. Thank you!"
"Finish your breakfast. Bye, sweetie. Have a wonderful day at school."
"Bye, GG!" He waved to the phone happily.
I took the phone off speaker and placed it back to my ear. "You still at the hotel, right? Can I come see you before I head to the restaurant? I just wanna give you a hug."
"Yeah," she replied quietly. "You can."
"Alright. I'll be there in a bit. You need me to bring you some food?"
"No. I'm okay."
