Reputation's Play (Book 1)

Ch.45 Paci

Chapter 45

"Was there anything you wanted to do tonight?" Daniel asked as they pulled into the hotel parking lot.

"No," Gia said, unbuckling her seatbelt.

"I made dinner reservations for us."

"I'm getting room service," Gia didn't wait around for Daniel to open her door. She stepped out of the car and quickly made her way to the lobby.

"Alright, I guess we're staying in then," Daniel said, catching up with her. "What if I cook for you?"

"No, thank you," Gia headed into the elevator and pressed her key card against the scanner.

"Come on," Daniel nudged. "I can go down and get everything and then I can make dinner for us. We have a full kitchen."

"Daniel," Gia sighed. "Do whatever you want but count me out of your plans. I don't want to be near you."

The playful light in those brown eyes dimmed a bit as Gia stared at Daniel. She felt a drop of guilt inside of her chest as he slowly nodded and took a small step back. For the remainder of the elevator ride, Daniel didn't say anything as he followed Gia into the suit and then disappeared into his room.

Gia was grateful to have the evening to herself. She locked herself in her room and soaked in the tub until her fingers grew wrinkly and all the bubbles drowned. The wine in the mini fridge was terrible but Gia still sipped it occasionally to keep her lips wet. A few times she heard Daniel coming in and out of his room but he never bothered her. Gia was curious about what he was doing. She wanted to peek her head out the door and see. But she was afraid he would see her and not leave her alone anymore.

After the city had gone dark and the lights began to twinkle, Gia found herself sitting on her bed in her pajamas with a half empty wine bottle. She swirled the liquid around inside a few times before setting it aside on the nightstand table and then picking up her cell phone. Her fingers hovered over Daisy's number for a few seconds before she eventually hit the call button and held her breath.

What was she going to say? She could ask about Luca and Theo. But then what? Why was it suddenly so awkward to talk to her best friend?

"Hello?" Daisy picked up right as Gia's nerves were kicking in.

"H-hi..." Gia held her breath. "It's me."

"Hey..." There was a pause. "What's up?"

"Nothing," Gia felt her throat tighten. "I was just calling to check in on Luca."

"He's okay," Daisy said. "He was conscious for a few minutes yesterday. He asked about you."

"He did?" Gia's eyes watered.

"Yeah..." Daisy cleared her throat. "We told him you were at home with Theo."

"How's Theo?"

"He's fine."

Gia bit down on her bottom lip to keep herself from sobbing. She didn't know what else to say as they both stayed silent on the line. Her heart ached thinking about how things would have been different if they were having the same phone call just a few days ago. So much had changed in so little time. It made Gia feel lost and hopeless as she struggled to speak up.

"What about you..." Daisy asked after a long stretch of silence. "How are you?"

"I'm...." Gia took a deep breath. "I'm okay....We're in Florence."

"On a honeymoon?"

"No," Gia chuckled. "No. Not at all."

"You're okay, right?"