Page 84 of Lodged

“You did this?” He just grins, his eyes searching for clues to what I might be thinking. “I’m absolutely in love with this. It’s the most amazing fairgrounds I’ve ever seen.” I cross my arms around his neck, and he lifts me as he turns us around. I giggle, feeling all the love this man has for me pouring out of his chest and seeping into me.

“And I would spend every single penny I own to see that smile on your face, every single day of our lives.” This man says the most romantic things. He lowers me to the ground and gives me a quick kiss.

“Ruination, I wasn’t sure that was you,” Steve chirps, and I feel Gio tense up, his grip tightening on my waist.

“Oh, I’m sorry—we haven’t been introduced,” Steve says when he realizes Gio is the man holding me. “Ruin, why don’t you introduce me to this fine gentleman here. He’s the only thing people have been talking about lately,” Steve adds mockingly, and I hear Gio murmuring in Spanish. I don’t think I’ve ever heard him speak Spanish before. He must be really pissed.

“I’m Gio Bianchi, Ruin’s boyfriend.” Gio shakes Steve’s hand firmly, and I notice how he squeezes hard, while Steve struggles not to squirm. “She doesn’t owe you anything. And she’s no ‘ruination.’ She’s the best person you’ve ever had the pleasure to meet. So, next time you need to speak to her, I suggest you treat her with the respect she deserves.” Gio pauses, and right now, he looks every bit the powerful man that he is. “Otherwise, I can foresee very unpleasant times ahead of you.”

Gio gives Steve one last glare, and the moment he releases his hand, Steve winces, shaking his hand in pain.

“Ready, sweetheart?” I’m sure I have googly eyes shooting hearts at Gio; my heart has never felt so full.

“No one has ever stood up for me like this before. Thank you.” He smiles, gently holding my chin with his thumb and forefinger, then kisses me softly.

“I’ve got you. Always.” I lean in for one more quick peck, and we make our way to my family’s booth. But Steve wasn’t kidding when he said Gio is the talk of the town—everyone wants to shake his hand and get a picture with him, thanking him for funding the renovation of our fairgrounds. Gio smiles, but I can tell he’s out of his element. My man doesn’t like being in the spotlight. I think he’d have been happier if no one knew he was behind this amazing transformation. But it’s a small town, and the grannies have a well-oiled grapevine.

“Mr. Bianchi, hi.” Dorothy, the owner of the town’s apothecary, approaches us, and Gio gives her a polite smile.

“I wanted to apologize,” she continues, and I frown.

“I assure you, there’s nothing to apologize for. Enjoy the festival, and have a good day,” Gio hurries to say, and we keep walking, but I’m really confused as to why Dorothy would have to apologize to Gio.

“What was that about?” I finally ask as we approach my family’s booth.

“I have no idea. I’m sure it’s nothing.” He’s being weird, and I want to ask what’s going on, but by the time I get my thoughts in order, we’ve reached the booth, and I see they are nearly sold out. Rain lifts her chin in greeting to Gio, then comes over and gives me a quick hug.

“You get a pass today for not helping out in the booth since you’re with Azalea Creek’s most beloved resident, but next year I expect my twin to give me a hand,” Rain says in a playful tone, and I nod at her. She spanks my bum as she goes back to her job, and I jump in surprise, feeling the heat immediately rising through my neck. Gio tries to stifle his laugh, but it’s impossible, which only makes me blush harder.

“Hey, you two lovebirds. Why don’t you come for a reading?” Granny asks, and Gio smiles but looks at me to see what I want to do. I nod, and we walk to stand at Granny’s table.

“Ah, there you are. I didn’t want to read the tarot to you today; I just wanted to say how immensely happy it makes me to see two souls who have suffered so much finally find each other.” My eyes mist at Granny’s words, and when I glance at Gio, his eyes mirror mine.

“Thank you, Granny,” Gio tells her in a deep voice thick with emotion, and I launch myself to hug her.

“Okay, okay. Today is not a day to be sad. Today we’re celebrating life, family, and love. Come on, Ruin. It’s almost timeto sing,” Granny says as she puts her cards and trinkets away in her little rolling cart.

Gio and I walk hand in hand toward the stage, where my siblings are already setting up their instruments.

“I can’t wait to see you perform with your family.” His eyes are shining with something like pride. “And maybe afterward, we can ride the Ferris wheel,” he adds, giving me a gentle kiss. I head to the stage, glancing back at him the entire way.

When I spot Merlin tuning his violin, I run toward him, so happy he could make it.

“You came,” I shout as I hug him, and he chuckles, hugging me back. “Wait, did you grow while you were away? Is this muscle that I feel here?” I say, checking out his biceps.

“Stop it, Ru. You’re embarrassing me.” I giggle but glance around, wondering who might be here for Merlin to feel embarrassed. Sure enough, Meadow is standing near Gio.

“I see little has changed in the crush department,” I say with a knowing smirk, and Merlin looks at me confused. Why does he think his crush on Meadow is a secret?

“Wait, how do you know I have a crush on her?” he whisper-shouts, and I think my little brother’s young love is adorable.

“What do you mean? You’ve had this crush for a while now.” His eyes widen, and I’m starting to get frustrated. Why does he think this is a big deal?

“Ruin, the crush only started a couple of years ago.” His words sink in, and my eyes grow big at the implication.

“I’m starting to get my memories back!” I shout, hugging Merlin as my other siblings surround us a second later.

“Fuck, yes!” Miles shouts as we all melt into a huge group hug.

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