Page 69 of Giovanni
I assume this thoughtful gesture must be from my work colleagues. However, inspecting the accompanying card nestled among the blooms, I discover it’s from Giovanni. His sentiments flow across the card, each word imbued with emotion.
“My Dearest Kacie, I know this is a temporary setback in your health, but you’re on the right track and should be proud of what you have already achieved. I’m holding onto the hope that you’ll give me the chance to make things right. Please know that I’m with you every step of this journey. Together, we’ll overcome this health scare and the issue between us to come out stronger. I’mhere for you, now and always, waiting for the moment we can be together again. Yours, O.G.”
I press the card gently against my chest as I recline back, my gaze fixed on the ceiling. Lost in thought, I reflect on Giovanni, his heartfelt words echoing in my mind. Despite the turmoil, the sincerity in his words is undeniable. His beautiful flowers, balloons, and words are considerate and characteristic of him. He’s always been caring and thoughtful, more gentlemanly than any other man I’ve dated, and far more romantic. The number of surprises this week alone speaks to it.
It’s not what you think.
Giovanni’s words resonated with a hint of desperation. This realization sparks a thought – perhaps I can do some investigative work right from my hospital bed. With this in mind, I pick up my phone, silently praying its battery lasts long enough for the crucial call I need to make.
I scroll through my contacts to find her number, sitting through a few rings before she answers.
“Bex.”
The word is a bark over the music blaring in the background.
“Hey, Bex, it’s Kacie from the gym.”
I try to sound casual despite the urgency bubbling inside me. I sit up in bed, trying to feel more confident about this discussion.
“Oh, hey, Kacie. What’s up?”
Bex’s voice is loud against the backdrop of thumping beats.
“Hang on a sec, let me turn this down.”
The music gets louder until it’s suddenly silent.
“If I’m interrupting you, I can ca?—”
“Nah, I’m just working, and the music helps with my flow. Get’s me in the mood. Today is graffiti art. It goes best with heavy metal music. It’s all about synergy, am I right?”
I’m unsure I fully understand her meaning, but I get that music sets the mood. It reminds me of the various types of music Giovanni played at his place when I was over.
“Yes, synergy.”
A needling discomfort stabs my stomach while I beat around the bush instead of coming right out with it.
“I was just thinking about the gym the other day. You seem to have the inside scoop on what’s happening there.”
Bex laughs, the music dipping back in as she seems to move to a louder spot.
“Sorry, I’m with other artists, so I can’t turn down their music. But yeah, I guess. I spend a lot of time there. Always something going on.”
“Speaking of which.”
I try to sound nonchalant, using the finesse I use on cases when necessary.
“You sent me a picture the other day. Of Giovanni and Jenna?”
“Oh, that.”
Bex’s tone changes slightly.
“Yeah, that caught me by surprise. Ya know, I wasn’t sure if I should send it without knowing the full story. But I thought you could sort all that out with him rather than me.”
She’s partially correct. I could sort it out with him, but would I get the truth? Deciding to continue my line of questioning, I chose my words carefully.
“What exactly did you see? Before you took the picture, I mean.”
