Aria shifted in her seat and answered. “I’m fine. No beating necessary. But thanks.”
Gio got up to leave but turned back. “Are you up for some company tonight? Friends can have dinner together, can’t they?”
She really wasn’t interested in anything other than a night in, but she wanted to prove to him that they had moved on from the awkwardness.
“Sure. I can’t promise what kind of company I’ll be, but I’m free,” Aria replied, hoping this would be the beginning of a mended friendship.
Reaching into her bag and pulling out the granola bar, Aria opened her laptop, desperate for work to keep her busy.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Alex pulledinto a parking space near Aria’s office, turning off the car and rehearsing what he would say if she let him talk to her.
Easing himself out of the car, he headed to the front entrance, let the attendant know where he was going, and entered the cramped elevator.
When he stood in front of Libri Stellari’s office door, he took a deep breath and pushed it open.
“Good morning. Welcome back, Mr. Rossi. Are you here to see Aria?” the receptionist asked.
“Yes, is she here?”
“She is, just a minute,” she said as she craned her head toward Aria’s office. “I don’t see her, but she’s around her somewhere if you’d like to wait a minute.”
Just then, they both turned when voices were heard coming down the hallway to their left.
“I need you to call Michael and let him know that the editing—” Aria said, stopping mid-sentence as her gaze met Alex's.
Alex fought the urge to run to her, gather her in his arms and explain about Bella.
Uncomfortable, Luna cleared her throat as she walked to her desk.
“Good morning, Aria. I know you're busy, but I was hoping just to get a minute of your time,” Alex said quietly. When she didn't answer he added,“Please.”
Aria nodded her head and held her hand out in front of her in the direction of her office, nodding at Luna when they passed her desk.
Luna nodded back. Alex hung his head, grateful she hadn't kicked him out.
Aria walked into the office first, her face expressionless, with Alex following close behind her. He stepped inside and out of the way so she could close her door.
Alex reached for her hand as soon as it was, but she pulled back. He felt like he was losing ground rapidly.
“Sit down, Alex. I only have a minute. What can I help you with?” Aria said soberly, trying not to make eye contact.
She stood on the side of her desk, her body language stiff and uneasy. He turned the chair sitting in front of her desk to face her and sat down.
“I’ve tried to call you, texted you dozens of times, but you wouldn’t answer any of them. I went to your house that night and again yesterday morning. I’m just asking for a chance to explain. I know this isn’t the place, but I didn’t know what else to do,” Alex pleaded as he sat at the edge of the chair, trying to get as close to her as possible without touching.
“I don't know whatto think, but you’re right. This is not the time nor the place.”
“I know. But before you kick me out, I just need you to understand. Bella is my ex-girlfriend. If you’ll let me later on, I’ll explain everything, but I can’t leave here with you not understanding that. We broke up right as I was leaving for this lastproject and I haven’t seen or heard from her since. I had no idea she would show up there. I’ll explain that to you too when you have more time.”
Aria crossed her arms over her chest and shifted on her feet.
“Alex, thank you for coming in and explaining that. I really need to get back to work now.”
“Aria,”Alex whispered. “Please, I know we can’t talk here, but I want to tell you everything. You and I were just getting to know one another. I didn’t have any reason to bring up Bella. Please come over tonight and let me cook dinner for you?”
“Alright, Alex. I'll come to dinner, but it can’t be tonight. I have a date.”
