𝐺𝐼𝑆𝐸𝐿𝐿𝐸

5 | 𝑅 𝑂 𝑇 𝐴

CHAPTER 5

"i think i like you best when you're just with me and no one else."

<3

My father laughed as I placed the beret on top of his head. It was cliche but it made him laugh when he saw himself in the mirror. I passed him the rest of the things I bought for him including an eiffel tower paper weight, a few books, a new tie, and a real leather jacket.

"Giselle," he said, after the laughter had died down, "Why did Giovanni De Luca give you a ride home?"

"He just happened to be there," I said truthfully. "He was just being nice."

My father still looked uneasy.

"I'm over it," I reassured his unspoken doubts, "I promise."

He let out a deep breath, "If you say so."

I smiled at him before looking back to my bag to unpack. At the bottom of my bag, neatly rolled and covered by a garment cover was the only dress I owned appropriate enough for the party I had been invited to. The party was always black tie and this dress, only worn once, would have to be cut it.

The last time I wore it was a few weeks ago for a party held by the pastry school I attended to congratulate us for graduating. I pulled the lump of cloth out.

"Giovanni invited me to the party tonight," I stated, "and I'm going."

My father stopped placing my books back on my shelf and looked at me incredulously.

"Selley..." he trailed.

"I already said yes, I can't back out." I defended myself.

"Dad please? You know how badly I've wanted to go to one." I begged.

It was unheard off in this level of society, inviting one of the staff to actually attend the party. But none of the people there knew who I was except the De Luca's and I doubted I would run into Mrs. De Luca as she was typically always inside, entertaining and hosting her closest friends.

My father sighed, "I can't stop you," he looked at me with a concerned look in his eyes, "You're all grown up now. But please be careful."

I smiled, "I will dad."

A light knock at the door brought our attention to Louisa, Joe, and George who walked into the room without waiting for a reply. I laughed at the huge smile on Louisa's face as she held out her arms open wide for me to walk into. I hugged her, "I missed you guys so much,"

My eyes widened when I suddenly remembered all the gifts I had bought each of them. I pulled away from Louisa's motherly embrace and shuffled through my belongings before I found the three wrapped packages.