Reputation's Play (Book 1)

Ch.36 Dirty Play

Chapter 36

I would have never carried your baby.

Gia stared at the red wine in her glass as the corner of her mouth curved up ever so slightly. Her words spun around in her head along with the memories of watching Daniel's heart crack like a mirror. She wished she had stuck around to see how extensive the damage was. But denying him her presence made her feel even better.

Finally, after two years of wondering if the ache in her chest will ever stop, Gia found a remedy. She had tried everything anyone had suggested to mend her heart. But nothing had worked quite like seeing Daniel in pain. The panic and desperation in his eyes soothed her. It made the pain stop. But only momentarily. It was as if she could take all her sorrows for just a few minutes and throw them onto him.

"You're in a good mood," Luca observed as he sat down at the dinner table.

"I am," Gia smiled as she sipped her wine. Daisy smiled as she too sipped her wine.

"How was your lunch date with Isabella?" Luca asked the blonde.

"It was great," Daisy cleared her throat. "Super fun time explaining how we ended up married and with a baby."

Luca nodded, "Where's Maria and Carla?"

"Maria is at some game night in town with the other ladies and Carla went out to see some old friends," Daisy said.

"I sent my resume to Don Simpson," Gia suddenly announced.

"Don?" Luca arched his brow. "My attorney Don?"

"Yes," Gia sat forward and folded her hands in front of her on the table. "I'm applying for their fall fellowship."

"It's in Ne-"

"It's in New York, yes, we know," Daisy rolled her eyes.

There was a slight pause as Luca looked from one girl to the other. His eyes narrowed before he asked, "What are you two up to?"

"Nothing," Daisy shrugged. "She's just telling you that she's thinking of returning to New York for the fall."

"And what about dad?" Luca looked at Gia.

"You said the doctors are keeping him on bedrest," Gia said. "And Daisy said he seemed calmer at the hospital. You even see the difference yourself. Otherwise you would have never told Aaron to take the weekend off."

"Don't underestimate a wounded lion," Luca shook his head, his eyes filling with concern and worry.

"I don't even know if I'm going to get the fellowship yet," Gia sighed. "I just thought I should apply. Aren't you happy for me?"

"I am but there are a lot of moving parts to going back to New York," Luca argued.

"Besides dad, what else is there?" Gia asked. "And don't say Daniel because I can handle him."

"You haven't told me about today yet," Luca reminded her. "Did he say something to you?"

Gia shrugged, "Just the usual."

"Gia," Daisy reached for her friend's hand across the table dramatically. "Forgive me! I was a fool! Don't leave me!"

"You're such a bitch," Gia laughed, bringing her wine to her lips again.

"Is that what he really said?" Luca asked.

"Something like that," Gia took a long sip.

"What did you say?"