love struck

Chapter 1

Rio: Hey sis I need a favor.

Rio was not one to bring strangers around family but his family is non stop asking about future plans like settling down and maybe having another kid. Rio laughs at the thought of another kid. All he really needs is his little man that's it.

Gabriella: Yeah what's up?

Rio: I need a date to the Marco's wedding.

Gabriella: A what?

Rio rolled his eyes and decided to call her.

"So you need a date to our cousins wedding huh?", She asked curiosity overflowing.

Rio rolled his eyes and shook his head."Yeah I wouldn't be calling if I didn't would I?".

Gabriella laughed. "Listen I would love to help you out but I don't know anyone free next weekend".

"Ah don't give me that come on you have to know someone", Rio said as he could already hear all the questions about being single.

"I'm sorry but I really don't. Maybe try asking one of your colleagues or whatever you call them", Gabriella said as Rio sighed.

"Yeah right. Well thanks for the help I really appreciate it".

"Anytime brotha".

Rio couldn't just ditch the wedding but it's becoming more clear that to avoid all these unnecessary questions and comments that's the best option.

                        ::::::::::::::::::

Marcus sat on the floor playing with his race car track as Rio was on the other side watching him. He wondered how Marcus felt about him. Was he a good dad? Was he present enough for him? The last thing he wanted was to be like his father.

Rio stood up and clapped his hands in the process. "Alight little man I think it's time for bed".

"Do I have to?", Marcus whined.

Rio wouldn't call himself a strict parent but he liked things in order so when he says its bed time it's bed time. "Yeah come on go brush your teeth".

"Okay" Marcus said as he jumped around to the bathroom. Marcus came back jumped into his bed and Rio pulled the covers over his son.

"See you tomorrow papa", Marcus said yawning.

"Goodnight little man I'll see you tomorrow", Rio said turning off the lights in his son's room and heading into the living room.

"I'll be here same time tomorrow", Rio said giving his ex a slight smile. Never gets easier seeing her but things don't always go the way anyone plans huh.

"Alright", Valerie said shutting the door closed not giving him a single glance.

                  :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Rio wouldn't say he got excited everytime he met with Elizabeth by herself but it definitely did cheer him up. He might even say a bit happy but that doesn't matter when it comes down to business.

"Is this all if it?", Rio asked opening the black bag to count the money.

"Well most of it", Beth said nervously scratching the back of her neck.

"You know I don't like people messing with my money. How much is missing?

"About three thousand", Beth was going to start explaining why they were short but she knew better.

"What I say about delivering huh? You can't be in this business and decided your only going to pay half of what's due. You don't do that with bills do you?", Rio said irritated.