Page 59 of Georgia On My Mind (Southern Promises)

“Yes, you do. I’m hiring you on the spot.” Her eyes sparkled with love.

Hart closed his eyes and smiled with relief. Leaving his job might have been the best idea, after all, leaving him open to pursue something else. Real estate jobs were in every city in the country. He didn’t have to sweat it out in Atlanta, being black-balled by Stephen Kaufman. He’d wait to see where Gia landed, and they could both begin their new life together; a fresh start for both of them. The broken pieces were coming together.

“Got any plans for the next hour? Your cabana boy would like to service you.”

Gia stifled a smile, her hand sliding in between his thighs and stroking his growing bulge. “That would be wonderful.”

Four months later

Hart sipped on an iced-latte as he peered out the window of the corner coffeehouse, the yellow taxis and throngs of people keeping his mind off his eagerness to see Gia. She was late, which was a good sign, attending a final callback for the Radio City Rockettes. They had arrived in the Big Apple several months ago and took their time getting their bearings. Hart had found an affordable loft apartment for them on the East side, and the two of them settled into their new home with excitement. Gia spent most days pounding the pavement, querying agents and auditioning. In between her appointments and auditions, she found time to attend dance classes, perfecting her craft and staying on top of her physical health.

They had an understanding—Hart would take care of everything financially while Gia concentrated on her dance career. It didn’t take Hart long to land, scoring a brokerage position in a relatively new property management firm in Manhattan. His new boss had never even heard of Stephen Kaufman, only looking at the bottom line of Hart’s impressive portfolio. It was an exciting time for the happy couple, their days filled with career goals and their nights consumed with passion. Hart was the ultimate cabana boy and knew without a doubt, Gia was the one. He felt whole now—complete. Gia Bates was his entire world, and he was finally at peace.

Earlier in the week, she had gone to the cattle-call audition for the Radio City Rockettes, describing the scene to him later that night while she stretched her weary limbs in a hot bath.

“You could tell all the young dancers had big dreams in their hearts by the wonderment in their expressions,” she said as he sat on the edge of the tub, keeping her company. “Knowing I could be a part of a sisterhood like that is so exciting and romantic. Thank God I got a callback!”

She had been gone the entire day, waiting patiently in a long line to sign in. Once inside, she was escorted with other girls into a large studio and taught a combination. There was a quick elimination based on height, weight, look, dance ability and retention. Gia was blessed with long legs, standing tall at 5’8” and made the first cut.

“You can’t go in and ‘wow’ the judges. They don’t want you to stand out. You had to have the exact look and position as the girl right next to you. No extra personality at all. It’s a lot harder than it looks.”

Hart couldn’t help but smile as he reminisced about the previous evening, Gia’s excitement and enthusiasm contagious. Taking a sip of his coffee, he caught a glimpse of her prancing across the crosswalk, her extraordinary legs going on for days beneath the short skirt she wore. Her blue eyes hid behind large-framed sunglasses, the summer sun shimmering off her dark hair that grazed her shoulders. He stood next to the table, ready to greet her. If the news was good, he knew she’d just smile and nod her head. If the news were bad, she’d start rambling about where she went wrong and how she was going to improve for the next time. He loved that about her—how she never gave up or felt sorry for herself. Gia always found a way to see the rainbow in the storm.

Holding his breath, he watched her enter the shop and look around for him. When she spotted him, her smile was slow as it blossomed across her face. She took the sunglasses off and started toward him.

“Well?” He couldn’t take it any longer. All the days of endless auditions and callbacks finally landing a chance to be a Rockette came down to this moment. Something she had dreamed of since she was a child could finally be a possibility. He wanted it for her so badly.

She began to nod her head, the infectious grin on her face making his heart palpitate. “I made it,” she whispered excitedly. “I’m going to be a Radio City Rockette!”

“Oh my god!” Hart lunged at her, swinging her around the tiny space. As he set her down, he held her face in his palms, smashing his lips against hers. “I’m so proud of you, Gia. You did it!”

“We did it! I can’t believe it—I don’t think it’s sunk in yet.” She was looking up at him with big blue eyes, her face flushed with surprise. “They also chose me to be a media representative.”

“A media representative? What’s that?”

She tucked her hair behind her ear as her eyes shone with eagerness. “It’s a speaking position for televised events where we perform for publicity, public appearances, and signings. I’ll have to go through professional media training for it. And it brings in lots of extra income as well as recognition.”

“That’s incredible, baby! You’re going to be so good at this.”

“Hart, this is a huge feather in my dancer’s hat. I’m going to be a part of a historical sisterhood.” She lunged, hugging him tightly.

“This is cause for a celebration. Come on.” Grabbing her by the hand, the two of them exited the coffeehouse and walked briskly toward the subway entrance. Hart couldn’t help the perpetual grin plastered on his face as they were transported twenty blocks to their neighborhood, Gia eagerly chatting away, giving him every minute detail about her audition. When they were finally at the door to their apartment, Hart turned to her with a request.

“Close your eyes.”

Her smile caused his breath to hitch. “Okay. If you say so.” Covering her eyes with her hands, he led her through the doorway into their home. She started sniffing the air. “What is that wonderful smell? Did you clean or use a new air freshener?” she asked.

Hart chuckled and flicked on the lights. Pleased with what he had prepared earlier, he gripped her shoulders and leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Open your eyes.”

Gia brought her hands down to her sides, her eyes fluttering open. An audible gasp came from her lips. While she had been away on one of the most important days of her life, he had orchestrated a slew of florists delivering several bouquets of flowers. White lilies, red, pink and white roses, purple lilacs and an assortment of colorful hydrangea spread out over the entire great room of their loft, the aroma of the flowers sweet and fragrant.

“Hart…” she started to say. “When did you…? How did you…?”

He put his hands on her shoulders and turned her to face him. “I wanted today to be special. You’ve worked so hard for so long. I want this to be a day you will never, ever forget.”

She looked up at him with big eyes, the surprised look on her face evident. “But…”

“But what, sweetheart?”

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