Reputation's Play (Book 1)

Ch.43 Even Poison

Chapter 43

Standing in front of the Dimaggio's house made Gia's insides disappear. She looked over her shoulder at her own home where the doors were tightly shut and the iron gates locked. Even in the warm summer sunlight, Gia shivered looking back at the home she wouldn't be going back to for a while. Daniel walked around to stand beside her as the gates closed.

"Ready?" He asked.

Gia nodded.

She took a deep breath and stepped forward. The last time she was in the house, Daniel was kissing Gabriella and punching Dino for talking to Gia. It had been a happy occasion or at least that's what Gia had thought it was. But knowing Luca was only marrying Stella because she forced him too suddenly changed everything.

"Nonna is excited to see you," Daniel said, as he slowly walked Gia inside. "She doesn't really know what's going on....dad told her we ran away and got married...."

Gia didn't respond. She stepped into the large home and looked around. Daniel's eyes watched her as if she would run out screaming any second.

"We can stay as long as you want," he said.

"If I have to spend another hour with you in that hotel room, I will scream," Gia said.

"Noted," Daniel nodded. "This way."

Gia followed him down the hall to the right and into the open kitchen that transitioned into the backyard patio and pool. She was amazed to see just how much the place had changed since the engagement party. Teresa looked up as the pair entered and her face immediately soured.

"Good morning," Daniel approached his mother with caution as he kissed her cheeks. Gia hung back awkwardly holding her purse in front of her.

"Good morning," Teresa smiled at Daniel. "I have Dr. Rossie coming in a few minutes to take a look at you."

"I'm fine," Daniel dismissed her worries as he moved over to the small little woman by the stove. "Good morning, Nonna."

"She's upset with you," Teresa said. "You didn't tell her you were getting married."

"Nonna, I'm so sorry," Daniel apologized. "But I brought her home."

Viola, Daniel's grandmother, slowly turned to face her grandson. She moved one step at a time with snow white hair and deep folds on her face that softened her eyes. She raised her hand and placed it on Daniel's arm.

"I want to see your wife first," Viola said. "Then I decided if I want to talk to you."

Gia held her breath as Daniel smiled and walked his grandmother over to where she stood. Teresa pretended to ignore them as she chopped up the fruits at the counter.

"Nonna, this is my wife, Gia," Daniel introduced as he lightly placed a hand on Gia's back, making her grow still. "Gia, you remember my nonna, right?"

Gia nodded and cleared her throat, "Y-yes."

"Ah....Gia," Viola smiled from ear to ear. She let go of Daniel's arm and took Gia's hands. "My pretty girl...."

"Hello," Gia couldn't help but smile at the sweet old woman who used to give her orange hard candies at church when she was younger.

"I always knew he would marry you," Viola nodded her head as if everything made sense to her. "I heard him tell Stella."

Gia's eyes flickered up towards Daniel.

"Will someone please help me here?" Teresa snapped, dropping the knife with a loud bang against the cutting board.