Secrets & Lies

Chapter Thirty-One

The whole house was soon awake and Gia went to see what she could do to help Astrid.  She was busy in the kitchen on the phone talking incredibly fast in Danish while cooking eggs and toast for her  children.  Gia offered to help but Astrid waved her off and told her it wasn't necessary.  The kids talked quietly with each other while they ate, not even noticing the adults moving around.  Since Gia couldn't be of any use in the kitchen she headed back to the bedroom.

"Gia the assistants will be here at eleven to meet with us if that's good for you?" Astrid said before she made it halfway down the hall to the stairs.

"That's fine I'll let Alex know." Gia said with the nod of her head.

"Oh he's not coming.  It will be just us." She said turning back toward the kitchen.  Gia walked into the bedroom where Alex was finishing getting dressed.  He was freshly shaved which was a rare thing, but made him look even more handsome.

"Where are you going looking so incredibly sexy?" Gia asked with a smile.

"I have a photo shoot today." He answered patting down his golden blond hair while looking at himself in the mirror.

"When will you be done?" Gia asked.

"Not sure. It depends on the photographer and how long it takes him to get "the shot." He answered rolling his eyes.

"I'm going to be with your family all day by myself!" Gia said horrified by the thought.

"Momma is making plans for the wedding right? Ingrid and Kalle are coming and they need you to approve their ideas.  Don't worry about being here without me you will be just fine." He said stepping up to Gia and kissing her gently yet quickly on the forehead.

"Alexander, Alexander, Alexander..." Lena burst into the room and grabbed onto one of his long legs.

"What is it Lena?" He said prying her off his pristine black slacks and holding her in his arms.

"No dress!" Lena said in English.

"Why no dress?" Alex asked confused.

"No, no, no!" She said.

"Lena right now! Get dressed!" Astrid yelled coming down the hallway, "Alexander make her get dressed please." Astrid pleaded.

"Come on Lena show me what you want to wear today." Alex said, "Gia why don't you come and help."

    Gia followed them into the pink room Lena shared with Kaysa.  It had a few toys, mostly dolls, on the floor but in general it was very tidy.  Alex carried her to the wardrobe and she picked out a green dress with yellow flowers all over it.  Then they picked out some thick yellow tights that almost matched.  Lena was very excited and brought it over to Gia.

"Hjælp!" She demanded.

"You want me to help?" Gia asked making sure she understood Lena's Danish.

"Ja!" She said emphatically nodding her head rapidly.

"Gia I've got to run, I'll be back as soon as I'm done.  You will be fine today, just relax and have fun." Alex said bending down to Gia and Lena on the floor.  He kissed Gia and then Lena and was out the door before either had time to complain.  Gia heard him say something to his mother in Danish but Gia had no idea what.

"Hår." Lena was saying to Gia.

"I'm sorry I don't know..."

"Hår!" Lena said again pulling Gia up and over to the dresser and grabbing a brush.

"You want me to brush your hair?" Gia asked still confused.  Lena handed her the brush so Gia began to brush it gently.  Lena had beautiful golden tresses the same exact shade as Alex's.  Gia brushed it smooth and pulled it into a pony tail and tied it with a yellow ribbon.  Lena seemed pleased because she gave Gia a quick hug and ran from the room.