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“Of course!! Gio called me last night! And listen to this, he even said I could go to the art exhibition with only two undercover soldiers! Did he have a brain transplant or something?”
Walking over to my bedroom window, I smiled as I looked out over the immaculate lawns. “Let’s just say, I think we will be seeing much more of the old Gio from now on.”
There was a slight pause at Elle’s end. “Mamma...” her tone was accusing, which made me grin even wider. “What have you done?”
“Nothing. I haven’t done anything, my love.”
“This doesn’t have anything to do with Liv, does it?”
When I didn't respond, I heard her sigh loudly. “Mamma, are you sure about this? She doesn’t even know who we really are! What do you think is going to happen when she finds out? And this is just an infatuation for Gio. He will drop her once she no longer interests him, and I feel bad for the girl. She doesn’t deserve that. I really like her.”
“My love. Please, I know what I am doing and trust me, Gio is different with her. She is the one with all the power and he doesn’t even realise it. She will bring him back to us, Elle. I know it.”
I could feel her doubt through the phone. “Mamma, have you taken your meds today?”
My smile fell and I immediately felt aggravated. “Yes,” I replied curtly.
“It’s just you seem a little...manic,” she said carefully, and I rolled my eyes even though she couldn’t see.
“Can’t I just be happy and hopeful about the future without everyone thinking I am having an episode?” My tone was sharp, and I heard Elle take a breath in.
“Sorry mamma. I just worry about you. But if you say this is good for Gio, then I trust you. Just try to be gentle with Liv. I know she seems strong but there is more going on with her beneath it all. I would hate to see her get hurt.”
“I am looking out for her. Don’t you worry.”
“Ok. Well, I won’t be arriving until Sunday so I will see you then!” Her voice was back to its natural jolly tone, and I smiled again.
“Ciao darling. I love you.”
“Love you mamma.”
I hung up the phone, as there was a knock on my door and I turned to see Giovanni leaning against the door frame, looking devilishly handsome.
“Are you ready, mamma? I have the cars waiting out front?” His face was blank, but his beautiful brown eyes danced with excitement. I walked towards him, lifting my hands to cup his face and pulled him to my lips, giving him a big kiss. When I released him, he was looking a little confused but smiling. “What was that for?”
“For this trip. You have no idea how much it means to me. To all of us, Gio.”
“It will be fun,” he smiled down at me. “But if it is too much... being there again. Will you tell me?” His face creased with concern, and I stroked his cheek.
“I will be fine, my love. It is time. But yes. I will tell you.”
He nodded once, happy with my response. “Well, let's move then. Do you know what time Olivia is expecting us to get her?”
“Oh, she’s not. She said she would meet us at the airport. She didn't want to be a burden.”
His gorgeous features scrunched up and his eyebrows furrowed as he stood taller. “I will go and get her and meet you all at the airport.”
I kept my face neutral and nodded as he walked away from my bedroom. As soon as he was out of sight, I smiled widely and flipped open the Cartier ring box. Yes. She was the one for sure.
∞∞∞
Olivia
“Gigi, I can’t take all this stuff! I am going for four days!” I stared down at my little suitcase that was full of Gigi’s outfits that she insisted I cram in just in case. “I am not going to need bikinis for a start. We are skiing!!”
“Haven’t you seen all those women skiing in bikinis in the snow on Instagram?” She sat on top of my suitcase with a grin. My face dropped and I must have looked mortified because she burst out laughing.
“I am only joking! But I bet they will have a hot tub or pool at the resort. Like I said, it is better to be prepared! Now help me zip it up.”
