Page 79 of Lodged

The house has five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and a studio—not to mention a three-season porch, along with a spacious living room and dining room. By the time we add the finishing touches, it’s the evening, and we all are exhausted.

“I apologize it took us so long to get this place ready. Are you all okay staying for dinner?” Gio asks as we all crash in the living room.

“Oh, are you going to cook for us?” Rain says, her gray eyes sparkling.

“Yes, I would like to prepare one of my family recipes if that’s okay with you all.” He looks around, and my siblings nod, excited to try something from Gio’s culture.

“I can bring Mama and Granny, if that’s okay?” River asks as he stands.

“That would be great, thanks, River.” He leaves, and we all get up to help with cooking, but Gio carries me back to the sofa.

“You need to rest your foot, sweetheart.” He kisses me on the forehead, helping me lie down and propping my foot up with several pillows. “I’ll handle dinner with Rain and Miles.”

I give him a grateful smile. I’m glad that the living room is close to the kitchen. Since it’s an open-concept plan, I can still join their conversation.

“Are you sure you don’t want to rest with your sister, Rain? Miles and I can make quick work of the dinner if you want to rest,” Gio offers Rain, and I fall for him a little more for being so considerate of not only me but my family as well.

“And miss using this state-of-the-art kitchen? No way.” Gio chuckles as he starts taking the ingredients out.

“Okay, I’ll make the pasta. If you guys can prepare a salad that would be great,” Gio asks them.

“I’ll make the salad,” Rain peeps. “Miles, see if you can find ingredients for a drink. We need to make a special toast to Gio’s new place.”

“Oh yeah, let me see if Gio has the ingredients for a Moscow Mule. Otherwise, I can run real fast to the local mart. I think it’d be great for this time of the year.”

My heart swells with happiness at the scene—my boyfriend and my siblings enjoying each other’s company while working together. I can’t help but hope we have many more days like this. Days when Gio and I host my family for Sunday dinners, and hopefully, one day, his family will be able to join us, too.

Chapter 35

Gio Bianchi

The Apple Festival is just a few weeks away, and everything is going as planned. Miles has been working hard to get all the rides in place, even hiring a larger company from Charlotte. But I’m happy everything is moving toward having the fairgrounds ready for the festival.

It was one of the things Ruin paid the most attention to while coming up with our bucket list. Even though I know there’s nocertainty, I hope this will help trigger her memories. I know she’s been having more and more vivid dreams lately.

Right now, I’m working on another item on our bucket list; I can’t wait to surprise her. This one is one I’m particularly excited about.

“Hey, Penny. How’s it going?” I ask my friend as her image comes up on my phone.

“Gio!” she shouts, way too excited for so early in the morning. But she looks like she’s on her exercise bike.

“I see you’re busy, so I won’t take too much of your time. I just wanted to confirm that everything is set as we discussed?” She gives me a pointed look, and I wince. Sometimes I forget how dedicated Penny is to her job, whether it is growing my fortune or helping me surprise Ruin.

“Yes, boss. Everything is good to go. I hope you have an unforgettable night with your girl.” Penny winks at me as she disconnects the call, and I smile, heading off to get everything for my date with Ruin today.

“Hey there, Gio,” Ruin’s mom says as she opens the door for me.

“Hello, Ms. MacAllister.”

She hugs me as I step inside. She pats me on my chest. “Please, call me Jossie.”

I nod and smile as I look around to see if Granny is up so I can also say hello.

“Ruin will be out in a minute; she’s still deciding what to wear for your date today.” Jossie chuckles. I can hear Ruin shushing her mom from her room, and I chuckle. Does Ruin have bionic hearing?

“Hi, Gio. I’m sorry I made you wait.” Ruin comes out wearing a dark pair of yoga pants, a dark green Henley, and a pair of tennis shoes. She looks comfortable and beautiful.

“It’s no bother, I was just making small chat with your mom.” I grin, and Ruin rolls her eyes playfully.

---