Paige giggles. “Okay then, let’s drop the bombshell.”
I couldn’t be any happier than I am right now as I pull Paige back through the restaurant and into the private room. Everyone standing stops what they are doing as we walk into the room. Their eyes bounce between Paige and me, then to where our hands are linked. I bring our hands to my mouth and kiss her hand.
“Oh, this just got interesting.” Matteo chuckles.
Might as well drop another bombshell tonight.
“Paige and I are together. We have been for a while now, but we’ve kept it a secret due to my situation. I’m in love with this woman, always have been, since I was sixteen. We would appreciate it if you kept this a secret until I can publicly uncouple myself from the mess I’m currently in. The media will have a field day if they find out, and I can’t do that to her. I promised her all those years ago I wouldn’t let it happen and I’m not breaking that promise now,” I declare to a shocked room.
“I knew it,” Natalia declares as she rushes over to us. “Oh my god, I’m so happy. This is perfect, so fricken perfect. I love you two together,” she says excitedly.
“Welcome to the family.” Lilly grins as she hugs Paige.
“I’m happy for you,” Luca says, shaking my hand.
“My mind keeps getting blown tonight,” Matteo says as he gives me a hug.
“Not the only thing that will be,” Zoe quips as she walks past to talk with Paige, and Matteo playfully slaps her ass.
“I know this seems strange, but you understand why I’ve had to keep everything under wraps,” I say to the boys.
Tomas clutches my shoulder and gives it a squeeze. “You owe us no explanation. As long as you are happy, that’s all that matters.”
“I am, for the second time in my life. The first was when I fell in love with her as a boy.”
“Aw, never thought I would see Gio get mushy. I like it. It looks good on you,” Matteo says, wiggling his brows.
“This is your second chance, then?” Tomas states.
“It is, and I’m determined not to fuck it up.”
“Good, now let’s eat, I’m starving. Unless there are any other bombshells you want to drop tonight,” Matteo asks.
“Nope, that’s it.”
32
GIORGIO
We’re back from Paris and I’ve left Paige in bed, exhausted, as I grab my phone. I press the number and it rings.
“Gio?” Allegra picks up.
“Hey, long time no speak.”
She lets out a heavy sigh. “I know it’s been a while, just … I didn’t know what to say to you.”
“You look like you’re having a great time in Mykonos.”
The line falls silent for a couple of moments. “It’s nice here, I can be myself.”
That’s good.
“Are you and Giada happy?” I ask her.
“Would it be horrible of me to say deliriously?”
This makes me laugh. “No, it wouldn’t. I want you to be happy, Allegra.”