Page 16 of Amadeo
“Deo?”
I had real trouble looking away from her, so I didn’t do that. Instead, I replied to the person who'd been the one to catch me as I kept my eyes trained on her, “Yes, Luca?”
“You’re thinking about hooking up with the doctor?
Now I looked over at him to reply, “Maybe.”
He shook his head. “I advise against it.”
I scoffed. “Youadvise?”
“Yes. You will not get a happy ever after with her.”
I now glared at him and asked, “What?”
“You really should not get involved with her.” He crossed his arms over his chest.
I crossed my arms over my chest too and said, “And you really should mind your own business.”
“Her family is a mess.”
I blinked rapidly at him. “Oh and ours is so awesomely put together, right?” I rolled my eyes at him. Then turned and got ready to pull a chair out for her.
“I suppose everyone needs to learn shit for themselves,” he added, then turned and headed away.
I flinched a bit while having no idea what the fuck he was talking about. I smiled at Gia as she came closer.
She actually smiled back.
Oh, wow. Seeing her smile at me felt like a shot of adrenaline. “Hey,” I greeted her.
“Hey,” she shot back.
“I gotta say you are one beautiful doctor.”
She giggled.
I froze at the sound. I’d never heard this coming from her before. It actually made me want to grab her hand, take her to the hall and kiss her until she gave in. As in, togive inand agree to date me at the very least. My hands itched again to touch her, but I knew I couldn’t do that. Damn, I was in deep trouble here. I gave her a nod as she sat down in the offered chair. I scooted it in and pulled mine out to sit next to her. Finally, we were sitting next to each other. I looked over at her. “I managed to get an iced tea and ice water for you. Same for me.”
“Thank you.” She nodded and reached for the tea. “I love Zia’s tea. It's Southern sweet tea but not as sweet as most.”
“That’s because she is Southern Italian tea.” I took a sip of mine.
Gia turned her head to look at me. “Is that a joke or is she really from Southern Italy?”
“If you could call it southern?” I nodded. “Yeah, I think it is on the southern side? She’s from the same place as my father is. But I kinda like saying that it is Southern Italian tea.”
“It is.”
We looked over.
Zia herself stood there as she set a huge platter down onto the table. Smiling, she greeted the doctor, “I pride myself on the distinction. It is Italian tea. How are you, Dr. Ribisi?”
“Call me Gia,” she replied.
“And you can call me Zia.” My aunt nodded at her. Then she looked over at me. “Deo, it is so good to have you at home again.”
I nodded. “I missed your cooking, Zia. I mean fast food pizza is no replacement.”
