Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
As I stepped out of the car, the warmth of the late afternoon sun wrapped around me, but I felt a chill deep inside. My heart raced, a mix of excitement and dread swirling together like a storm.
I had just spent a lovely day with Mom’s girlfriend, Nicki, shopping and laughing, but beneath the surface, a dark cloud loomed— Shay’s haunting presence.
I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the memories of the mall, the confrontation… the embarrassment.
Gio's photoshoot location buzzed with energy, the air thick with anticipation and creativity. I could see her in the distance, surrounded by a flurry of photographers, lights, and props, her nonchalant demeanor making it seem effortless.
The sight of her brought a smile to my face, but it was a bittersweet one. She needed to see me happy, not burdened by the past. As I approached, Gio looked up, her eyes lighting up like the sun breaking through clouds.
“Hey, pretty!” she called out, her voice warm and inviting.
She stepped away from the chaos, her arms wrapping around me, pulling me in for a few soft kisses that made the world around us fade away.
I melted into her embrace, savoring the feeling of safety I always found in her arms. “I brought you something,” I said, trying to maintain my upbeat tone as I handed her a freshly made sandwich and a smoothie.
“Thought you might be hungry.” “Ooh mama, I think I might be in love with you,” she teased, a playful glint in her eye.
I forced a bright smile, hoping it would mask the heaviness still lingering from earlier. Gio opened the sandwich, taking a big bite, but her playful facade faded as she noticed something was off.
She gazed at me, a knowing look crossing her face. “What’s wrong, babe?” “Nothing,” I brushed it off, waving my hand dismissively, but the way she side-eyed me told me she wasn’t buying it.
“Claudia,” she said softly, “I know you too well. That’s not true.” I ignored her probing, transitioning the conversation to lighter topics.
“So, I had a great day with Nicki and Savanni! We went to that new mall downtown and spent way too much time in the shoe store.”
“Sounds like you had a great time” Gio said, her smile brightening again. “did you get anything mama? ” “Just a pair of sandals,” I said, feeling the tension in my body ease slightly as I described my day.
Gio listened intently, her expression a mix of admiration and delight. It was beautiful how she could switch from professional mode to completely engaged in my life within moments.
“Here, try this smoothie,” she offered, holding out the cup. I took a sip, feeling the cold liquid soothe my throat, the sweetness momentarily distracting me from my thoughts.
“You look so pretty today,” she complimented, her eyes sparkling with admiration. “We should go out later, just the two of us.”
Before I could respond, a woman from the photoshoot walked by, her eyes settling on me with a flicker of pity. I instinctively put on a small smile, expecting her to ask for a photo or compliment.
Instead, she hesitated before speaking, “Excuse me… I just wanted to say, I’m really sorry about what happened at the mall.” My heart sank. I froze, the blood draining from my face.
Gio set her drink down, her interest piqued, the warmth in her gaze sharpening into something more protective. “Wait, what happened?” Gio demanded, her voice low and fierce.
The woman took a step back, realizing she had crossed a line. “Um, I just… I wish Shay would leave you alone. It’s making her look bad, you know?”
If you knew what you were saying was something not to be said why are you still talking lady?
Gio's glare was now directed at me, her concern palpable. I felt my shoulders stiffen, my head dropping into my hands as the weight of the confrontation crashed over me.
Memories of Shay’s hurtful words and the ensuing chaos at the food court flooded my mind.
“Claudia,” Gio said softly but firmly, “I’m gonna wrap up early. We need to talk.”
“No, Gio, please. It’s fine, really! You don’t have to—” I pleaded, but she shook her head, silencing my protest with a loving gaze that seemed to be holding back a fire she was trying not to let out.
“It’s not fine. I want to know what happened,” she insisted, her voice steady. She leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead, a silent promise of support.
“I’m not leaving you to deal with this alone.” Then, with a determined look, she turned and walked back towards the photographer, her presence commanding the attention of everyone around. I watched her, my heart still beating out of my chest.
