“I think she’s open to it if her words are true,” Alex said as he remembered her words on the boat. “Something definitely happened that night. And the night we danced at the Aura event.”
Adrian put his hand on Alex’s shoulder and said, “Then Enzo is right. Tell her how you’re feeling, or at least make it clear that there’s no one else but her.”
“Yeah, I’m not missing my chance again.”
“You’ve got ‘til tomorrow to prep. But now, we expend some anxiety,” Enzo said, already gathering equipment they’d need.
A few hours later, Alex felt a release from the built-up anxiety as he boxed with Enzo and worked out on the strength machines with Adrian, punishing his body to the point of exhaustion. The three friends made plans to see each other again before Adrian’s upcoming departure.
Chapter Thirty-Five
“Aria,thanks for having dinner with me,” Gio said, standing as she approached the table.
They had agreed to meet at a Moroccan restaurant for dinner. Their conversation was tense at first but soon they were laughing like they did before things became awkward. Aria felt a little of the tension she’d been feeling all day ease away.
“Honestly, I wasn’t up for going out tonight, but I’m actually glad we decided to do this,” Aria said.
Gio waited until their dinner order was placed to continue.
“I know you’ve said you don’t need a man to save you. But as your friend, I hate to see you hurting. And if Alex Rossi is the reason, then just know that I’ll do everything I can to make sure you’re safe.”
Looking into Gio's eyes, which were filled with sincerity, Aria answered. “You don’t need to worry about me. It’s incredibly sweet of you to want to stand up for me. Alex wants the chance to explain what I deeply hope was a misunderstanding. And I want to give him that chance.”
“Alright then. Alex may be able to thrash me, but not until I make sure he knows what an incredible woman you are and how lucky he would be to have you in his life,” Gio responded with a smile.
After their meal, Aria stood up and hugged Gio when he rose to walk her to her car. She felt very hopeful that they could salvage their friendship.
When Aria got home later that night, she called Corinna on a video call as she got ready for bed. She told her about her dinner with Gio before revealing the bigger news.
“Well, there’s more. Alex came by the office this morning,” she said with a frown.
She was sitting on her bed, her legs crossed in front of her, her hair now up in a messy bun.
“Oh, wow. What did the jerk have to say for himself?” Corinna asked. “You know, I still haven't gotten the chance to warn him about kicking his butt if he hurts you.”
Aria chuckled, knowing her friend wasn't kidding.
“He asked me to come over for dinner so he could explain. He said Bella is an ex-girlfriend. I don’t know. I want to believe him. He wanted me to come tonight, but I told him I had a date.”
“Good for you, girl.”
“You know I don't like to play games, but I was still so mad about this Bella woman. I wanted to give him something to think about. I feel petty, but I don’t care.”
Aria stretched her legs out and leaned against her cushioned headboard, a pronounced frown on her face.
“So, you’ll give him a chance to explain?” Corinna asked.
Huffing out loudly through her mouth, Aria answered, “Yeah, guess I will.”
“I think it's a good idea, but I still may kick his butt,” Corinna added.
“Oh, and I wanted you to know something kinda big. I, I’ve started writing again.”
“Aria, that’s wonderful. I know how important this step is for your healing. I’m so proud of you. I have to ask, though. Does Alex have something to do with that?”
“I don’t know, maybe? Listen, I’m exhausted. I’ll let you know how dinner goes tomorrow.”
“I’m glad things are working themselves out for you and Gio, too.”
