Gio (5th Street)

  Bianca covered her face with her hands. “I didn’t plan it. I swear.” She turned back to Toni and spoke rapidly, hoping she’d understand. “I mean, it’s insane, Toni. I don’t even know how to explain it but with Gio I just think differently. I do things I would’ve never done in a million years. I did hope to get a moment alone with him tonight, but the whole van idea didn’t come to me until Felix kissed me right in front of Gio and I saw that crazed look in Gio’s eye.

  “I just kept thinking of how I would feel if it were the other way around. I probably would’ve been in tears and I’d seen the way he was looking at me earlier. I knew he was questioning my behavior with Felix.” She shook her head, glancing out at the falling snow. It reminded her that she’d left her coat at the resort. “Since all his friends were there tonight, I didn’t want to be so blatant about continually rejecting Felix’s putting his hands on me. So I was a little more accommodating with the holding hands and allowing his embraces and I was dead right, Gio did think something had changed.”

  Her phone beeped in her hand making her flinch. It was a text from Gio. She glanced at Toni and couldn’t help but smile. “It’s him.” It amazed her that the world could be falling apart around her and just knowing she was about to read his words made everything better. She clicked on the envelope.

  Where are you? Are you okay?

  She texted back quickly, her insides warming at his obvious concern.

  I’m fine. I’m with Toni. She’s taking me home. I’m not going back to Felix’s cabin anymore. I can’t.

  She sent it and turned back to Toni. “So what now?” Toni asked.

  “I don’t know. But after tonight I just can’t go back there.”

  “You shouldn’t,” Toni agreed immediately. “But maybe you and Gio should cool it just a little until all this blows over. No telling what kind of stuff will be all over the TV and internet by tonight.”

  Bianca thought about that, chewing the corner of her lip for a second. The thought of being separated from Gio, even for a short period, was one she didn’t want to entertain.

  Her phone beeped again. His message made her gasp and she was instantly near tears.

  I’m not either. Well I will tonight only because he’s already passed out and Noah and the guys are insisting I do, but I’m going back to LA first thing tomorrow morning. Hopefully before he even wakes.

  Obviously noticing her sudden change in mood, Toni asked if something was wrong.

  “Yes,” was all she managed to whisper as she rushed to text Gio back. She’d long ago decided she wouldn’t hold anything back. She always said what she wanted and asked what she needed with Gio and she wasn’t holding back now that it mattered most. So she sent her text, needy as it might sound.

  Why? What about us? When will I see you again?

  Bianca knew the answer to her first question. She’d just hoped maybe he stick around a little longer. She wasn’t ready for him to be gone so soon.

  I promise you. There is more of an us now than ever before. But I can’t be there anymore. It was wrong from the moment I realized I was falling for you but it was worth the guilt to be around you. After tonight I just can’t justify it without feeling like a total dick even if you’re not there anymore.

  The second she read it she began responding, feeling an enormous relief.

  Okay but you didn’t answer my third question. When will I see you again?

  His responses came as fast as hers did and she was eternally grateful for that because her heart was still at her throat. Even though he was promising everything would be okay between them she had no idea when she’d see him again—be in his arms—feel his lips on hers again.

  Bianca was no longer embarrassed to admit she felt addicted to him. Forget the embarrassment, this scared her. She clicked on his text the moment it came through.

  Soon. I promise. I miss you already. We just got to his cabin. I’ll call you tomorrow.

  That calmed her a little and she glanced up realizing Toni had been watching her and waiting patiently. “I’m sorry, Toni. I didn’t mean to ignore you but he’s telling me he’s going back to LA tomorrow and it just freaked me out a little.”

  She texted back. Her final text mimicked what he’d once texted her:

  I miss you, too. SO MUCH.

  She began telling Toni about what Gio had said when another text came through and she stopped to read it.

  Love you! Goodnight.

  Toni laughed as Bianca quickly responded saying she loved him too. That made Bianca look away from the text and at her friend; just then realizing she was smiling hugely. “What?” She hit send feeling all fuzzy inside.

  “Girl, I’ve never seen such a display of emotions like the one you just put on for me. In a matter of what? Five minutes? You went from mortified, to excited. Then giddy, then suddenly panicked and teary-eyed to giddy all over again.” She shook her head. “You weren’t kidding when you said this guy has you all tied up in knots.”

  Now Bianca was a little embarrassed but she wouldn’t deny it. “I don’t know what it is, Toni.” She glanced out the window at the falling snow, remembering the first day he kissed her. “I’m beginning to wonder if maybe I should be a little worried about how addictive this feels. Just like what we did tonight, I feel like I’d do anything, take any risk.” She glanced back at Toni knowing she’d be looking at her disapprovingly like she had earlier that day when Bianca had said something similar. “Within reason, of course. I wouldn’t risk my life for him or anything like that.” She didn’t feel entirely sure about the sincerity of that last statement but she’d leave it at that.

  “You may not believe this but you already have.” Toni started up the car. “That boy back there was furious. And he doesn’t even know the half of it. Things happen in the heat of passion all the time, Bianca. All I’m gonna say is I’m so glad you’re not going back.”

  Bianca thought about that. Until tonight Felix had never even raised his voice at her and she admitted he had spooked her a little when she thought for a moment that he knew she’d just had sex with his friend out in the parking lot. She was thinking earlier when she decided she wouldn’t be going back to his cabin that she’d finally come clean with Nana and her mother about what was going on. Maybe now she’d keep it to herself and just tell them it didn’t work out.

  CHAPTER 22

  Gio walked out of the bathroom fully dressed. The room was still dark. He’d set his alarm so he could get out of there early. Knowing Felix he’d be feeling like shit about what happened last night. His suspicions about Bianca had nothing to do with Gio—yet.

  If Gio didn’t hurry to miss him this morning Felix would probably be all apologetic about his behavior last night. Although it hadn’t happened in a long time, this wouldn’t be the first time one of them got drunk and stupid and had to be held back or dragged out of a party or club. Whoever it was always felt stupid the next day. Gio wasn’t about to stick around and have Felix apologize to him.

  Sure, Gio had swung at him and landed a good one but it was justified. All the other guys agreed. Although they all might’ve just given Felix a good shove in the chest to shut him up and maybe told him to have some respect. Felix’s anger and unreasonable fit of jealousy seemed to stem from him overdoing the shots and nothing more, so his calling Bianca a whore was seen as way out of line by everyone. That meant Gio’s infuriated punch didn’t raise any eyebrows, except Noah’s, of course.

  He’d packed his bag the night before and wrote Felix a short note thanking him for everything and telling him he’d call to explain why he had to leave. That wasn’t something he wanted to cowardly write in a note or a text. Besides everyone was here to witness what would probably get very ugly. Most importantly, Gio had done enough damage. He didn’t want to embarrass Felix in front of all their friends. As angry and betrayed as he’d probably feel, his ego and pride would likely be taking a hit. Gio wanted to spare him any possible humiliation and do it in private.

/>   Noah rushed in the room. “Hurry up, let’s get you out of here.”

  “What?” Gio was surprised Noah was even up. Abel had agreed to get up early and take him home but Gio didn’t know anyone else was leaving so early. “You don’t have to leave so early, Noah. And why you rushing?”

  “I’m not leaving but you’re dumb ass needs to get out of here now.” Noah grabbed Gio’s bags and started shoving Gio toward the door.

  Gio tried taking the bags from him. “Give me those. I can carry them.”

  Noah gave him one but kept the other. “Just hurry, will you?”

  Not wanting to argue, Gio hurried out of the bedroom. A very concerned looking Roni was already in the kitchen as he walked by. “What’s going on?” he asked, glancing back at Noah.

  “You fucked up. That’s what,” Noah said, picking up his pace as they walked to the front door. Noah turned to him just as they walked out the front door, his voice lower now. “Really, dude? In a fucking van? On a night when he took us all out? ” Noah shook his head, hurrying down the stairs toward a very sleepy looking Abel, leaning against his car with the trunk open. “You couldn’t wait?”

  Hector was already in the car. Jack would be driving back with Noah later. Both brothers seemed unaware of the news that Noah had obviously gotten so early in the morning.

  “It’s all over the Internet, G,” Noah said as he slammed the suitcase in the trunk.

  Gio lifted the other suitcase in as well. “I didn’t plan for that to happen.” But he wasn’t about to throw Bianca under the bus either. “It just happened.”

  “Leaving so early?”

  Both Gio and Noah turned at the sound of Felix’s voice. He stood at the front door still in yesterday’s jeans and a t-shirt but wearing snow boots. Obviously, he planned to come all the way out and confront him. He held up his cell phone as he walked down the stairs “Or do you wanna stick around and explain to me about all these pictures everyone is sending me? My agent, my publicist, even my mother. Photos of you and my fucking girlfriend.

  “Get in the car,” Noah said, coming around and standing in front of Gio.

  “No,” Gio said, moving over and standing next to Noah.

  Gio knew what Noah was thinking. Felix was the welterweight champion of the world for good reason. His fists were lethal. But last night he’d taken a punch from Gio and hadn’t swung back—didn’t because he knew he deserved it. Now Gio, too, would stand here and take like a man whatever he had coming to him.

  “I’m sorry, Felix. You didn’t deserve this but—”

  “Did you fuck her in my house, too, asshole?” Felix spat the words loudly as he stalked toward Gio.

  “No. I never touched her in your house. I swear. And I didn’t fuck her, okay. I love her.”

  Gio saw it coming but, unlike in the ring, he didn’t attempt to dodge or even block it. Felix landed a solid hook right on Gio’s eye knocking Gio on his ass. Abel and Noah were immediately on Felix and Hector jumped out of the car. “What the hell?”

  Gio’s hand was on his eye, shaking his head to rid him of the stars he was now seeing. Ever grateful for his friends or Felix might’ve beat the shit out of him and Gio would’ve let him. Doing what he had with Bianca, wrong as it may’ve been, was totally worth the well-deserved ass kicking.

  He grabbed a handful of snow and brought it to his already swelling eye. Felix sure as hell could pack a punch. Gio would probably be sporting a shiner for at least a week, maybe longer. Of course Felix’s fat lip would probably be around for just as long. Gio was surprised he hadn’t knocked a tooth out with as much force as he’d hit him last night.

  “You’re fucked up, Gio!” Felix yelled, still being held back by Abel and Noah. “To come here to my place and fucking do this. I’d never do something like this to you.”

  “I know you think you wouldn’t. I didn’t think I ever would either.” Gio frowned as Hector helped him up, still feeling a little woozy. He spoke again, hoping somehow they all could understand. “I didn’t do this to you, man. It just happened.”

  “Fuck you!” Felix pushed Abel and Noah away, looking completely disgusted. “Did you guys know about this?”

  “No!” Gio yelled before Noah dared implicate himself. “Nobody knew.”

  Felix stared at him, still utterly disgusted. “Get this piece of shit off my property.” He turned back to Gio just before heading back up the stairs. “Don’t ever call or even text me again. You hear me? You’re dead to me now.” He stopped and turned to face him again. “And tell that whore there are plenty more boxers at 5th Street. She can work her way down the line.”

  Gio jumped, ready to go at him but Hector stopped him. Abel and Noah readied themselves to stop Felix if they had to. Gio pointed at him infuriated. “Say whatever you want about me, dude, but leave her out of this.”

  Felix scoffed. “Yeah, I have so much respect for that bitch now. I wouldn’t dare say shit about her.” He threw his hand in the air. “Get the fuck outta here!”

  Gio wanted to yell back that he had a lot of nerve calling anyone a whore—wanted to push Hector aside and charge at Felix for even implying the nasty things he had about Bianca. She may’ve betrayed him but Gio knew she wasn’t that kind of girl. She was as much of that kind of girl as Gio was the kind of guy who would betray a friend like he had Felix. This whole thing was something completely unexpected that had just happened to the both of them. But Gio knew it was pointless. Regardless of why or how it happened Felix had every right to be angry—hurt. He’d trusted them both completely and they’d both stabbed him in the back.

  So, he didn’t spew out all the angry words he had for Felix for disrespecting Bianca even though he’d do anything for her now. He leaned against Abel’s car and said what he really meant from the bottom of his heart. “I’m sorry, Felix. I really am.”

  Felix’s only response, without so much as turning around, before walking back into his cabin was an outstretched arm and his middle finger up in the air.

  Gio exhaled loudly and glanced at Noah who shook his head. “All right, I get why you didn’t block his punch but goddamn, Gio. You better make sure you buy an icepack before you start down the hill. That shit is gonna swell shut before you even make it out this driveway.”

  Noah examined his eye. Both Abel and Hector stared at him like they didn’t know him. Gio could only imagine what they were thinking. He knew he had to explain to them on the way home. He didn’t want them thinking he was just an asshole who’d screwed a friend over—a friend who could’ve just as easily been one of them.

  They drove silently until they reached the drug store where they bought the ice pack and some aspirin . When they got back in the car Gio, who sat shot gun, rested his head back, holding the ice pack to his swollen shut eye.

  “Look guys,” he began. “I know what I did seems despicable but I didn’t just decide to go after his girl. We fell in love. Both of us, not just me. I tried to fight it. I—”

  “You should’ve left,” Abel said staring straight ahead as he drove.

  Gio lifted his head and glanced at Abel’s unsympathetic almost angry, expression. He reclined his head back again and closed his only good eye. “Yeah, I should’ve.” He had no choice but to agree. “I fucked up but it couldn’t be helped.”

  He didn’t expect them to understand because if one them had done what he’d done to one of their closest friends before this ever happened to him, he’d be just as disgusted.

  “So what?” Hector sat up leaning against the back of the front bench seat. “You and her are together now? Isn’t that gonna be weird?”

  Gio shrugged. “It’s not like we’ll ever be around him anymore. You heard him. He never wants to hear from me again.”

  “Yeah, but what about when he comes into 5th Street?”

  Abel turned back to Hector. “He probably won’t anymore.”

  Gio opened his eye. “He wouldn’t do that—block you guys out and Jack—because of me.”

&nbs
p; Abel lifted a shoulder. “He might. Maybe he thinks we were all in on this. We all decided to come up here and enjoy the weekend while you screwed around with his girl.”

  Something tightened in Gio’s stomach and he sat up straight. “We weren’t screwing around.”

  “Call it whatever you want, G. Bottom line is you betrayed your friend for a girl. A friend who was doing you a favor by bringing you up here in the first place.” Abel tightened his jaw. “That’s not cool.”

  Hector sat back now that the conversation had taken a turn for the uncomfortable. Gio laid his head back again. It was beginning to throb and he hoped the aspirins would kick in soon. “I know it isn’t. I don’t know what else to tell you, man. You can’t fight love. Trust me. I tried.”

  Nobody said another word about it the rest of the way home. They stopped and grabbed breakfast sandwiches which they ate in the car but other than that made no stops.

  Gio thanked Abel for dropping him off and went inside, glad no one was home. He wasn’t in the mood to answer all the questions he knew would be coming from his mom and sisters. He was sure by now they’d heard something. He plunked down on the sofa in the front room and did what he’d been thinking about doing since last night—called Bianca.

  “Hey you. Are you home now?”