Page 12 of Game On

Chapter 9

Gaia

“Ineed to show yousomething before I go, Gaia. Can you come with me?” Luca asks politely, but it’s more like abig brother order.

“Sure, let me dry my hands.” I reply back, trying to stall a little, so I can, at least, say goodbye to Blaze in private. No such luck, though. Luca remains firmly in his spot by the door, waiting for me.

As soon as I’m in the hall, Luca yanks me over to the laundry room, one door down from the kitchen.

“What the hell, Gaia? Don’t think I didn’t see you guys looking at each other during lunch. Who knows what I just walked in on back there!”

I dramatically roll my eyes, and the movement makes me feel like I’m a little girl being annoyed by her big brother all over again. “I don’t know what you are talking about. Blaze offered to help with the dishes because your lazy ass was discussing pie.”

“Whatever. All I’m saying is that you don’t need to even think about starting anything up with Blaze. You know his schedule is as crazy as mine, and he doesn’t have time to have a proper relationship with anyone, let alone my sister. I know he’s a great guy, but you deserve more. You deserve someone who has time for you, and who ishere, withyou.” He finishes off his unwelcomed speech with an awkward, “I love you, though. See you soon,” before hugging me quickly. Then, he’s gone.

Damn him. I knew something like this would happen. I knew if Luca found out Blaze and I spent the whole day and night together yesterday; Luca would probably kill him. I am certain Luca will be giving Blaze thedon’t-even-think-about-itspill all the way to Milan. That’s not going to be a fun ride home.

***

Never before in mylife on this island, have I felt like a fish trapped in a bowl and wanted so badly to escape. I love my city, my home, my family and my store, but for the first time ever, I have begun to think about the possibilities on the mainland that I may be missing. After Blaze and I kissed in Milan and I got back to my little place, I dreamed of what being with him might be like. Now, after we’ve spent the night, and a holiday together with my family, Iknownow what it would be like, and I miss him immensely. As everything happened so fast, we didn't even think to exchange phone numbers, and I sure as hell can’t text Luca and ask him for anything.Add that to the fact that my shop is closed until after the new year, and I have all this time to do nothing but keep thinking. I am going stir-crazy because I want to run to Blaze.

***

Five days post-Blaze, I’m still completely miserable. Over these past lonely moments of time, in addition to a lot of contemplating, I’ve done some soul searching. I have realized that a difficult, long-distance relationship, and having to deal with Luca’s outrage, is worth seeing where Blaze and I could take this thing we have between us. If that’s what he wants, if he wants me.

With my decision made, I pull up Blaze’s schedule to find when his team plays a home game again. I need to see him; I need to talk to him. I am confident I can take a stand outside of my comfort zone and be spontaneous.

It turns out that the next home game is New Year’s Eve. I call up my parents and see if they want to go with me. Yes, my confidence is up, but tackling the crowd at San Siro Stadium on my own is still overwhelming. My parents excitedly agree to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Milan, and the plans are set.

With little time to spare, we jump on the train and head to Milan. When my parents call my brother to tell him we are coming, Luca’s phone goes straight to voicemail. I’m sure he’s already at the stadium getting ready. Thank God. I don’t want him to know this trip was my idea. That way it won’t mess with his head during the game, and I can talk to him afterwards, in person. The trip flies by with all the excitement of seeing Blaze again. Before I know it, we are there, in the stadium, in our seats, with the game about to start. Thankfully, the crowd is not as crazy as it was during the last soccer game I attended, but it’s still a very packed, loud stadium. As each minute on the scoreboard ticks off, my confidence falters slightly. This damn game needs to hurry up, so I can talk to Blaze.

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