Page 20 of (UN)Bounded

“The thing is, you’re experiencing many big changes in a short time. I need you to know it’s okay not to have everything figured out at once. Luca and I didn’t give you the money to add more to your plate. We just felt you were ready to know the amount of money you can count on to start any venture you might have in mind. We know you and trust you not to blow all your money in the first month.” Gio looks directly into my eyes, and I can’t help but chuckle. “But in all honesty, all we want you to do this summer is have fun, learn a few things here and there, and maybe start scouting artists for your gallery. But under no circumstances are we expecting you to have your gallery up and running by the end of the year.”

My eyes grow big. I know my brothers are amazing, but I always thought they were expecting big things from me. They are both so successful in their fields that it only felt fitting that I become the next big thing in my field, too.

“Let’s be honest, Luca found his calling when he went to Chile after Karina and never looked back. I’ve always known that I was going to be a scientist. But you? Isa, you have the time and the resources to make the best choices. There’s no rush. And remember, we’ll always have your back. I’ll always have your back.”

Tears run down my face, and I don’t care if people see—I seriously have the best brothers in the world.

“Thank you, Gio. Thank you for trusting me and giving me the tools to be who I want to be,” I say as I hug him.

“We only provided the funds, Isa. All those amazing ideas came from you. And you know it’s okay if, at the end of the day, the gallery doesn’t come to life, right? Dreams can change.”

“You guys provided more than money, and you know it. You both took care of me after Mom and Dad decided to spend their money and live life without us. You guys kept me safe, gave me a home, and filled my heart with love,” I tell him honestly.

“And we’d do it again and again. Love you, little sis.”

“Love you, too, big bro,” I say as I hug him again. I send a little thank you prayer to my guardian angels for giving me the best brothers in the world.

As the night goes on, Gio and I feast and toast to a great weekend, enjoying every single moment we have together.

Once we get back to the car, Gio asks Aldo to drive us to The Majestic.

“Oh, I thought you were staying with me at Gabo’s place?” I ask, confusion evident on my face.

“I want to stay with you, but I’d rather stay at a hotel. I already told Gabo. He said he’s cool with you losing your security team for the weekend.” My brother’s voice is hesitant, and I hate that the confident man I used to know is now buried under so much pain.

“Of course, I’d love to stay with you. Let me go to Gabo’s place and get clothes. We can do a Lost marathon and eat gelato all night.” This brings a huge smile to my brother’s face.

“Like old times,” he says, and I nod at him as I look at Rocco, who motions for Aldo to start driving.

When Gio opens the elevator for me at the hotel, I gasp. This damn thing is made of gold. Or painted in gold or something. But it’s so ostentatious, I’m in awe. We make it all the way to the top—my brother got the presidential suite, of course. Each of us has a room, and the living space is so decadent and gorgeous. I might not want to leave this place.

“I’m going to call room service to order gelato and other necessities. Anything you want in particular?” my brother asks from his room.

I take a moment to think about this. God knows when I will see him again; I better make the most of the time with him. “Yeah. See if they have fries, a cheeseburger, and a chocolate milkshake.”

He doesn’t say anything, so I assume that he’s calling room service. When I turn around to leave my room, Gio is gaping at me from my bedroom door.

“Isa, I thought we had a delightful dinner. I cannot believe you’re still hungry.”

I smack his chest and tell him, “Hey, I’m still growing. Okay? I need sustenance. And if you think I can watch Lost without eating my weight in food, you’re dead wrong.”

Gio’s eyebrows rise almost comically, and I can’t help but laugh.

“You’re so full of shit, little sis. But yeah, I remember those days. Let’s order everything they have on the menu,” Gio says, a huge grin on his face. I fist-pump the air, excited to see my brother’s old demeanor peeking out from the shell he has become.

I change into my comfiest pajamas, Gio does the same, and once the food arrives—mind you, in four carts—we sit down on the couches in the living room, and the marathon starts. The burger is delicious, and I have no guilt for eating more than I should; I can walk it off tomorrow. I can’t wait to show Gio around the university. His little nerd heart will be so happy.

“I really love this campus, Isa. It’s like something out of a movie,” Gio says as he takes his phone out to snap pictures.

“What are you doing? You need to do the background justice. Let me use my Polaroid to take a couple of pictures of you.”

My brother chuckles at my request but doesn’t deny me. I take out my camera and start instructing him on a few poses. He’s so patient, and even though I get a couple of eye rolls, he does everything I ask, and we snap one last picture together.

“Isa, these are really good,” Gio says as I pass him the pictures. “Maybe you should also include a photography section in your gallery.”

I beam at my brother’s praise. The man has a Ph.D., is a well-known researcher, and used to be one of the best teachers in the world.

“Thank you. Yeah, that could definitely work, as well. It’d also help more artists all-around,” I reply as we make our way back to the car Gio rented: A red Alpha Romeo 4C Spider—this car is so much fun. When Gio removed the top of the car, I decided to wear a handkerchief on my hair—I feel like Sofia Loren in those classic movies. The breeze hits my face, and the sun warms my skin. What is this life? I’ve always had a good life, but I feel this time in Italy will be one to remember.

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