Page 59 of The Wrong Move

“I am excited to see you,stellina.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing you, too, Isabella.” It is an odd feeling not seeing her most days anymore. I do miss her vibrant personality. “Bye.”

My thoughts are all over the place. What do I say to Byron? If he cares for me, he’ll be equally excited. I need to see him. At least he is easy to track down. I never knew where Dante could be or with whom. Byron’s second home is on a basketball court, and I’m happy to sit in the stands and watch him train. Whowouldn’t when his muscles glisten with sweat, contracting with every movement.

I shower, then call a ride, deciding not to take one of Byron’s cars. As soon as I’m home, I race inside to find my parents at the dining table.

“I have wonderful news.” I sit beside Mom and pour iced tea from the jug filled with ice on the kitchen table. “I might have a new contract with an Italian company for my designs to be on their kitchen appliances.” Mom’s eyebrows pinch as though she is trying to imagine it. It’s far different from the chrome appliances in our kitchen. “And Isabella wants me to return to Italy this weekend.”

“Why are you so calm, Gigi?” Mom places her hand over mine. “You should be shouting from the rooftops.”

I laugh, and my smile broadens. “I am, though I’m hesitant about something she said. Dante is excited to see me. Apparently, he misses me.”

Mom shakes her head as though she is processing. She understands he hurt me, but she has also always believed in second chances. “Do you still love him?”

I take a sip of iced tea. “I don’t think I was everin lovewith him. I loved feeling wanted and being treated special. Being Isabella’s nephew had contacts in high places, and we experienced fun times on yachts and cruises and were often treated like royalty.”

“Are you scared to see him? Afraid you might want to go back when you are building a new life at home, a place where you feel safe?”

My mother can always see through me. “Maybe.”

“Nowhere is safe when it comes to having your heart broken, my darling.”

I take another sip of my tea. “While he hurt me, I didn’t upset Isabella or any of her family or business contacts. If Ihurt him by rejection, I hope it doesn’t influence my business relationships.”

“It sounds like it’s not Dante that scares you but your relationship with Isabella, both personal and professional.”

“Yes.” I gulp more tea. “I’m happy being with Byron and want to try again. I also want to be here for Dad and you.”

Mom pats my hand before pulling it away. “Never put us before your career. It will work out. I need you to do what is best for you.”

“I agree with your mother. We’ll be here for you, Gigi. Always.”

I swallow hard, knowing that might not be true.

“Your father is right. When the time comes, you need to make the decision that is best for you at that particular time.”

I let out a long breath. “I will.”

Mom pats my arm. “Are you heading out today?”

“I’m going to watch Byron at his practice session and then tell him my news.”

Mom’s eyes widen. “You’ll sit in the stands, alone?”

My lips quirk into a grin. Mom knows I was never into sports.

“I guess that’s what girlfriends do.”

And just like that, I decide what’s right for me at this particular time.

14

GIANA

The arena is not asbusy as last night. In the entrance hall, I walk up to the reception desk and talk to the security guard on duty. I recognize him from when we were here watching the game. He points to Kirsten as soon as she finishes taking a call.

“Hi, Kirsten, I’m looking for Charlotte. Well, Byron, actually. Are they around?”

---