Reputation's Play (Book 1)

Ch.32 There or Here

Chapter 32

Spring was never Gia's favorite season. The allergies in the trees bothered her and the constant rain was dreadful. At least in California she didn't really have to worry about all that so much. Strapping Theo into his stroller, Gia pulled on her sneakers and grabbed her phone and her purse. She had plans to visit the new vegan market and see if she could get some fresh strawberries for Theo to put on his cake. Daisy hated the fruits bakeries put on pastries. She preferred to buy them herself.

"Why is mama so picky?" Gia looked at Theo in the stroller and asked. "Which one?"

Theo raised his hands towards both the strawberry boxes. His pacifier fell out of his mouth as he fussed for the red berries. Aaron, Gia's security and bodyguard, laughed as he picked up the pacifier and tossed it into the basket under the stroller.

"Little man's hungry," he said.

"His teeth are coming in," Gia frowned. "He wants to chew on everything."

Theo shrieked as he grew impatient for his strawberries. His cheeks turned red and his shoes were about to fall off from how hard he kicked the stroller.

"Just a second," Gia said as she approached the lady at the register behind the metal cash box. "You act like we don't feed you at home."

Quickie grabbing some cash from her bag, Gia paid for the two boxes of strawberries and looked around the small farm stand for where she could wash them. Theo was beginning to fuss more and more.

"Just a second, my love," Gia said. She dug through the small diaper bag and pulled out the bottle of water. Spotting a picnic table under a large oak tree, Gia pushed the stroller over to the shade and while Aaron quickly washed one of the big juicy strawberries.

"Alright, alright," Gia unbuckled Theo from the stroller and placed him on her hips. "Here you go, you big baby!"

Theo grabbed the strawberry with both hands and shoved it into his mouth.

"Theo, no," Gia clicked her tongue. "You're going to choke."

She stuck her finger inside his mouth and scooped out some of the big chunks. Aaron watched her from the side while still keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings.

"My kid used to do that when he was younger," he said.

"Yeah?" Gia laughed. "How old is Blake now?"

"He's seven," Aaron said proudly. "He a big man now. Taking care of his mama and his little sister."

"When are you visiting him?"

"Probably after your semester ends," Aaron shrugged. "Your brother said you'll be home."

"Oh I guess Luca already made summer plans for me," Gia rolled her eyes. "But I am happy for you, Aaron. I hope you have fun seeing your kids."

"Thank you."

"Where do they live in Florida?" Before Aaron could answer, Gia's phone began to ring in her pocket. "I'm so sorry."

"No worries," Aaron stepped back.

Recognizing Carla's number on her phone, Gia accepted the call and brought the phone to her ear, "Hello?"

"Hey," Carla's voice was crisp and clear. "I've been trying to get in touch with you guys but no one is picking up. Where's Luca?"

"He's in a meeting," Gia said. "Is everything okay?"

"No," Carla paused. "I just got a call from mom a few minutes ago."

"Grandma?" Gia felt her heart sink with worry. "Why did she call..."