The Secret Life of Blythe

17. Leo

Gia's sidled up next to me in the deep booth of this old world restaurant near fifth avenue.  It screams old money, i like it. 
We order drinks and discuss a potential case coming up on the horizon.  Something she feels she can handle herself.  The more confident she gets the less that will be expected of me so I'm all for her getting stuck in. 

Remi arrives on time and I introduce him to Gia.  We have an early brunch and the conversation quickly turns to business.  I can see the wheels turning in Gia's mind wondering why her father hasn't told her about this new alliance.  I feel guilty about keeping Mattia's secrets from her.  She's shat on him more times than I can count over the years.  Her relationship with him is nearly non existent so I can't blame him for what comes next.  She'll always come out smelling of roses though, it's just how it's always been for her.  Mattia will make her work for a living now, there won't be any more hand outs for her, that's for sure.  She's watched their father beat Mattia black and blue before because of her lies, all with a big smirk on her face.  She isn't the brightest tool in the shed, she knew one day he'd take over the Emelio empire.  She should have kept him close, her life's about to change for the worse in her eyes and Mattia's for the better.  I'm pleased for him, he's had a shit life up until now.

I look at my watch realising we need to be back at the mansion soon.  Remi acknowledges my gesture and looks over the contract one final time before signing and shaking my hand.  We share a glass of Macalan and Gia a glass of champagne and toast to future alliances.  I hope that Mattia and Remi will become good friends.  I like the guy, he's good people.  Their situations, very similar, i don't think Remi had a particularly good upbringing either. 

Whilst Gia uses the powder room, I pass him a message from Mattia.  He toasts me once again, seemingly delighted with the turn of events and before long I'm ushering Gia out of the restaurant and in the town car.  I call Mattia to tell him we're leaving and the alliance is signed.  I can hear the relief in his voice as the ball is set rolling.  What comes next will be the final act before his new life starts.  Gia sits opposite me in the car smiling, blissfully unaware that her life is about to take a sudden turn. 
"I think I'm going to like my career choice" she tells me.
"You're good at it" I say honestly
"I'm surprised you're coming back to the mansion? You normally avoid it like the plague!" she says sarcastically.
"Wanted to say goodbye to Mattia, I'm not sure when I'll be needed again" I say honestly"
She sighs "I'm going to miss you Leo"
"Me too" I say sadly, referring to my best friend, but not this city Gia, I've had enough of the bright lights, I prefer the sun and laid back lifestyle these days"
"I get it" she says, giving me another sad smile.

As we're pulling on to the mansion's avenue Mattia's car pulls out in front of us.
"Euh, there's my imbecile of a brother" Gia snarks as I shake my head.  She needs to change her tune and quick.  We follow his car down to the electric gates and make our way up the mile long driveway.  When both cars pull up in the turning circle, Mattia's first out, followed closely by Tom as they both spark up cigarette's and joke about something.
"Come on then, I wanna get a flight back tonight so I need to pack my shit up at the penthouse!" I tell her whilst patting her legs so she gets out of the car.
"I was hoping we could spend one more night together? I thought you were going back in the morning?"
"We'll see" I tell her cringing at the fact she may very well need me tonight, fuck knows why I care enough but that's the difference between me and her, I care about people and she doesn't.
We get out and I join Mattia and Tom, fanning my hands to move the smoke Mattia blows in my face. 
"That's fucking nasty" I say coughing my guts up.  Gia rolls her eyes and stomps off inside the house. 
"Game faces on boys, won't be too long now" Mattia smirks. 
A couple of minutes later we hear the first of Gia's screams.  Mattia and Tom smile as they flick their cigarettes in the bush and we walk toward the entrance, climbing the stone steps that lead to the foyer.  When we look up, Gia is sitting on her knees at the top of the staircase, her father's lifeless body swaying from the chandelier.  He's ended his own life. 
"Oh shit" Mattia fakes his own shock.
"Oh god" me and Tom voice at the same time and Gia sobs loudly in to her hands. 
A while later the police arrive and cordon off the house.  Investigators do their jobs as the body is taken away and condolences given.  It will be big news that there's a new head of the Emelio crime family.  Mattia's gonna need all the help he can get in the coming months, he'll find out who's with him and who needs ratting out that's for sure.