Page 89 of Lodged

“I honestly don’t know yet. I know studying and living in Raleigh was a big dream of mine, but now…” I trail off as I look into Gio’s eyes and get lost in the vastness of his love.

“There’s no rush for you, sweetheart. You don’t need to figure out your life after less than twenty-four hours of getting your memories back,” Gio says, giving a pointed look to River. I cover my mouth with my napkin to keep River from seeing the grin on my face. I don’t think anyone has ever spoken to River like that.

“What I would suggest—if you’re okay with it, of course—is to start easing you back into your life.”

I frown at Gio’s words, and he smiles.

“Well, for starters, I think we need to get you a phone ASAP. That way you won’t be jealous of your sister texting me.” The table explodes in laughter, and I smack Gio’s arm with the back of my hand. I can feel the heat rising through my neck.

“Aww, Ruru. Were you jealous this morning? I’m sorry, but your boyfriend is right. If you had a phone, I’d have texted you instead. As nice as Gio is, he’s not my type.” Rain shrugs, and I smile, joining in the lightness of the moment.

“I’m sorry, Ruin. I was the one who said it was best not to let you have a phone. I guess I took it to heart to shield you from your memories,” River says, not meeting my gaze. An uncomfortable silence falls on the table, and I know I need to help my brother stop blaming himself for everything once and for all.

“River, I know you did it because you thought it was what was best for me. But I’m an adult, remember? If I had really wanted a phone or to go back to Raleigh, I’d have done it. But I decided to follow the doctor’s suggestion, as well, so please don’t blame yourself for this. As much as I understand you shielding me from Gio and everything that he means to me, I’m thankful he came back for me. Honestly, I don’t think I could have forgiven you if I had lost him.” I wait for him to lift his gaze, and when he does, I smile. His smile is crooked, but it’s there.

“Gio, perhaps you have a sibling you can introduce to our Rain?” Granny blurts out of the blue, and everyone cracks up, effectively breaking the heavy moment. Rain groans, and Gio laughs so hard I think his eyes are watering.

“Sadly Granny, my only brother is happily married. But maybe there’s a friend of his who’s still single. I’ll make sure to ask.”

Granny nods as she continues eating, and Gio wipes his eyes with the back of his hand. It looks like Rain wants to protest, but she thinks better of it and goes back to eating as well.

“Wait, what about a sister? Maybe you have a sister you can introduce me to?” Miles asks in a hopeful tone, and Gio turns serious. I know how much he loves Isa.

“Well, it just so happens my sister met the love of her life this summer. So she, too, is off of the market.” Miles shakes his head in defeat, and I go rigid. I hate that I've missed so much.

“She did? Who is he?” I ask, anxious to know everything I’ve missed. Gio smiles brightly before saying, “She went to spend the summer in Italy with Gabo, Karina’s brother, and well, I guess they clicked.”

“Aww, I’m so happy for them. Hopefully, we’ll get to visit them soon.”

Gio nods as he places a kiss on my head. “Yes, he treats her like a princess. They went through a lot this summer, but I think things are looking up for them now. I need to fill you in oneverything that went down. We need to talk to them—my entire family, really. I haven’t had a chance to share the good news yet. I can’t wait for them to meet you as my girlfriend.” I grin from ear to ear at his words.

After coffee and apple pie, we all sit in the living room to chat, and laughter carries us into the night. When Granny gets up and hugs us goodnight, Gio stands up, too, and I immediately miss him. I don’t want to go to bed without him.

“Ready to go, sweetheart?” Gio extends his hand to me, and I grab it happily.

“You’re leaving, dear?” Mama asks in a surprised tone, but when she sees the happiness pouring out of me, her gaze softens, and she comes over to hug us.

“I’m happy you found your way back to each other. But please don’t be strangers. This is your home, too.” I love that my mom included Gio in this hug and her blessing. I’m sure he feels a little lighter about asking me—without asking me—to move in with him.

“I’m going to go pack a few things and get Cobalt. I won’t take long,” I tell Gio as I head to my room to pack as much as I can.

Chapter 39

Gio Bianchi

It’s been two weeks since Ruin moved in with me, and waking up next to her every morning has been pure bliss. When I asked her to come home with me after dinner at her family’s place, I wasn’t sure if she would understand my intentions. I thought maybe she’d think I was inviting her just for the night, but the understanding Ruin and I share should have told me that she would grasp the meaning.

She packed her clothes, we moved things around in the master bedroom to make it ours, and the farmhouse became our home. The next day, she got a phone, and we drove to Raleigh, where she met with her school friends and former housemates. Everyone was shocked to hear her story, but no one batted an eye when they saw us holding hands. I guess we had been less than subtle all along.

I thought it would be hard for her to return to campus, but she was relaxed and happy the entire time we were there. We spent the night at my house in Raleigh, and when I asked her if she wanted to return to Wolfe, she surprised me when she said no.

“I think my priorities and dreams have changed,” she said, causing my heart to sink for a moment.

“After everything I’ve been through, I have developed a deep admiration for people who help others get back on their feet—physically and mentally. I think that’s what I want to do next. I want to help people the way I was helped. I know you were a big part in healing my heart and my soul, but the mountains helped, too,” she said, her eyes shining bright with the light of a new dream.

“Maybe we need to look into opening a safe haven for people who need to find themselves,” I said, knowing in my heart that I’d support her dreams and whatever brought her happiness.

“Would you do that for me?” she asked as she sat on my lap.

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