Page 48 of Giovanni's Obsession

Swinging the door open to the cafe, I walk in, taking a deep breath of the wonderful food smells that permeate the air and make my stomach growl.

The last day or two I’ve felt a little queasy throughout the day suspecting that I’m catching the flu or something.

Taking a seat, I pick up the menu and scan it quickly to make a selection.

“Hey! What brings you into town?” Looking up, I see Bella standing next to my table with a smile.

“Food. I feel like I’m starving today.” I say but before she can say anything back, my stomach growls loudly and she laughs.

Giving her my order, I sit back to wait for my food. Picking up my phone that Giovanni gave to me, I open up our text messages but there’s of course still nothing from him. With a sigh, I slam the phone back down.

“I wonder who’s face you were thinking of just then.” I hear laughter in Fiona’s voice as I look up.

“He sucks at texting back!” I growl as she takes a seat.

“Most men do.” She shrugs. “What did you want to talk about?”

“I think I’m gonna go back to D.C.” I state as Bella arrives with my food.

“Hold that thought.” Fiona holds a finger up to me. “Bells, can you bring me a cup of tea please?”

Bella, taking the hint that even I noticed, nods once and heads back to the kitchen.

“Why the hell do you want to go back there?” She demands.

“I have a job there waiting for me. I liked it there.”

“What about Giovanni?” She looks at me a little confused.

“What about him?” I demand back, taking a big bite of my food that seems to really hit the spot.

Not bothering to look up, I pretty much scarf my food down as if I’ve not eaten in months.

“I think you might want to slow down there before you make yourself sick.” Fiona’s comment has me looking up from my food.

“Sorry. I’ve not been feeling exactly right the last few days.” Grabbing my water, I take a few sips.

As I’m sitting it back down, my stomach seems to swirl and the powerful urge to vomit hits the back of my throat. My eyes catch hold on Fiona who’s own eyes widen. Jumping up from the table, I make a run for the restroom. Making it just in time.

As I’m leaning over the toilet, one hand holding me up, I feel a cool cloth being pushed into my hand.

“Thought you’d need this.” Bella says softly.

Standing back up, I wipe my face with the cloth before turning around to face both Fiona who has her arms crossed and a smile on her face as well as Bella who just looks sympathetic.

“Before running off to D.C., I think a trip to the doctor is in order.” Fiona raises her brows at me and all I can do is close my eyes.

If this winds up being what I suspect, will Giovanni even want it? I wonder to myself.

I don’t even know if he wants me for the long term. We’ve not had time to have those serious conversations.

Looking back at the girls, I ask, “Is it a walk in clinic?”

“Come on. We’ll take you to get this test, then we’ll talk about what to do about my brother in law.” She smiles as we move towards the door.

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