Page 80 of Giovanni
“Bruno, here, is my greatest rival in the courtroom.”
Releasing my hold on his waist, I step back slightly to see his face more clearly, observing the array of emotions flickering across it.
“Friend, now. Kacie thought it would be good for us to meet. It seems we have a lot in common, especially our goals. I’ve been dreaming of opening my own gym for years,” Bruno explains, his enthusiasm evident.
“It’s going to be tailored specifically for bodybuilders. We’ll have advanced machines designed for heavy lifting and targeted muscle development—something beyond the usual gym equipment. We’ll also have specialized areas for compound movements and isolation exercises, ensuring a full range of training options.”
He gestures with his hands to emphasize his points.
“And it’s not just about the weights. The gym will have spaces for posing practice, with full-length mirrors and proper lighting—crucial for preparing for competitions. There’ll also be a focus on recovery, with state-of-the-art facilities like cryotherapy chambers, hydrotherapy pools, and saunas to aid muscle recovery and enhance overall well-being.”
Bruno’s animated demeanor is the opposite of his fierce, no-holds-bar approach in court. I might not ever view him in the same intimidating light again.
“And we can’t forget about nutrition—that’s key. The gym will have an in-house nutritionist for personalized meal plans and a cafe serving meals that align with our dietary needs.It’s about creating a comprehensive environment that supports every aspect of bodybuilding, from training to recovery to nutrition. A place where we can train, recover, and grow in the most effective way possible.”
Listening intently, Giovanni is momentarily rendered speechless. His eyes widen in awe at Bruno’s detailed vision. With a confident nod, Bruno adds a pivotal piece to his proposal.
“I’m prepared to finance this project, but I need someone who understands the sport to set it up, run and manage it. Someone who knows exactly what a bodybuilder needs from a gym.”
He pauses, looking directly at Giovanni.
“That’s where you come in. I’ve seen your dedication, both in and out of the gym. You have the knowledge, the experience, and the passion for this.”
Giovanni appears taken aback, his gaze shifting from me to Bruno’s smiling face, then upwards to the ceiling. It’s a familiar expression he often adopts when working to keep his emotions in check. As Giovanni struggles to hold back his tears, Bruno continues the conversation.
“Partners is what I’m proposing. I’ll handle the financial side. You’ll bring this vision to life, overseeing the general contractor, sourcing the equipment, creating and building the team, and making it a reality.”
In shock over the scope of the offer, Giovanni seems to search for words. The opportunity to create and run his own gym is part of the business plan he proposed to his father. Where one man denies his dream, another steps up, sharing and enhancing the original concept of Giovanni’s idea.
This moment is a turning point from the disheartening news his family was all too eager to deliver, assured it would force him into medicine and mostly estranging the brothers. Now,I’m witnessing the transformation of his life, and it’s more wonderful than I could have imagined.
“I . . . this is incredible,” Giovanni finally rasps, the emotion evident in his voice. “I’m reeling . . . I’ve been dreaming of this too, and after a recent setback, I didn’t see how it could possibly happen.”
Bruno extends his hand once more, seeking confirmation.
“So, is that a yes?”
Giovanni grasps his hand firmly, a clear signal of his commitment.
“Absolutely, yes.”
With their handshake solidifying their new endeavor, Bruno pulls Giovanni into a side embrace for a quick moment before slipping him his business card.
“Give me a call when you’re back in town. Kacie, I’ll see you on Monday morning. And don’t think I’ll take it easy on you. My client is innocent.”
The intimidating defense attorney mask slides over his face, which I’ve stared at, debated with, and both lost and won against. He points a finger at me as he steps back from Giovanni, and then, just as quickly, his features soften into a friendly smile.
“Aren’t they all innocent until proven guilty in a court of law?” I shoot back, slipping into my lawyer mode, drawing a curious glance from Giovanni, who’s still fiddling with the business card. Bruno pauses, then breaks into a hearty laugh.
“Good one, Kacie. Make sure you guys get home safely. We’ll be in touch soon.” He’s still chuckling as he walks away.
Our eyes follow him, waving at someone in the distance and pausing to join another conversation with a group of people. Giovanni’s joy is uncontainable as he lifts me off my feet in a whirlwind embrace, spinning me around until the world blurs into a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds. As my feet touch theground again, he pulls me close for a kiss that’s deep, emotional, and filled with the intensity of the moment.
It stirs a desire to follow his original request of abandoning our friends, going back to the hotel, and celebrating privately. With a sparkle in his eyes and a voice choked with emotion, Giovanni pulls back slightly, still holding me close.
“This is it, Kac.” Tears glisten at the corners of his eyes as the business card trembles in his hand. “My own gym, can you believe it?”
Wrapped in his arms, my hands rest on his chest, feeling the rapid beating of his heart. I tilt my head to meet his gaze, my face shining with happiness.
