Chapter 5
A couple of days later, Mia sat at the table, picking at her food whilst trying to look interested in the story Nico was telling her. She thought she was nodding and smiling at the appropriate time.
“Mia, have you been listening to a word I’ve been saying?”
“What? Uh, yes, sorry, Nico. Yes, I uh, agree about um…” She flushed, obvious to the fact that she really didn’t have a clue about what Nico was talking about. “Sorry. I guess I haven’t been listening.” She placed her fork down and pushed her plate forward.
“What’s going on, Mia?” Nico took a sip of his sparkling water, glaring at her. “I’ve barely heard from you all week. I’ve asked Amber, but she tells me it’s your story to tell. You look thinner and you just don’t seem your usual self. So spill.”
“Nico, it’s nothing…” She trailed off, unsure how to tell Nico.
“Camilla. You’re my baby sister. I can see you’re hurting.” He reached across the table to pat her hand. “I’m not stupid.” He paused. “I know something’s going on with you and Gino.” His voice was low and dominant, demanding her reply.
Mia considered her answer carefully. She wasn’t sure how much Gino had already told him but she took a guess. “I take it you know about Gino?”
Nico was quiet for a moment, using the napkin to dab the corners of his mouth. “If you’re referring to his situation with that woman, then, yes. I know.”
She nodded silently, looking down at her folded hands on her lap.
“But what’s going on with you two?” He took another sip of his drink, carefully considering his words. “I’ve never seen Gino so… broken. Same with you.”
Mia snapped her eyes to his. “It’s a long story, Nico.”
“So, try me.” He smiled, looking at his watch. “I’ve got another two hours before my next meeting.”
Mia chewed her lip. She decided it was no use to tell him anything but the truth for he knew her too well. “Gino and I have had feelings for each other for a long time.” She spoke softly. “At mamma’s party, he was trying to tell me that he wanted us to start dating.”
Nico nodded, silently waiting for her to continue. “After the party, he went home, but overheard his father discussing a business deal which wasn’t totally legit.”
Nico raised his eyebrow. “Hmmmm, doesn’t surprise me, unfortunately.”
“So afterwards, Gino had a change of heart and decided that he didn’t want me to be associated with him in that way — with the Rossi name. He implied that he was doing it for my own good.”
“I see.” Nico exhaled and sat back in his chair, thinking it over. “And I take it, this woman was a rebound effect?”
“Yes…so he says.” Mia’s voice cracked and she felt the sting of tears at the back of her eyes. “It’s not fair, Nico.”
Nico’s face softened in sympathy as he looked at his younger sister. “If I’m really honest, Mia, I guess I’ve known it for some time too. It’s so obvious now when I look back. Hell, he’s been looking out for you since you were a kid. He’s always kept an eye out for you. I was stupid not to make the connection.”
Mia brushed away a few tears that escaped and ran down her cheeks. “Si. Yes, he has. But it’s too late now, Nico. It’s over before it ever began.”
“I’m so sorry, Mia. This has all come as a bit of a shock to everyone.” He shook his head, angry at the hand of fate drawn to them.
“It’s okay, Nico. I just have to try and move on.”
“Does he love you?”
She nodded and she heard him swear under his breath. “I guess I don’t need to ask you the same question.”
Mia felt the heat spread across her cheeks, which was answer enough for him. They drank their water in silence and later after Nico finished dessert, Mia tried to change the topic to lighter subjects.
“So, Amber says she’s going to set me up on a blind date.”
“She said that?” Nico smiled and then started laughing.
“What’s so funny?”
“Just the idea of you on a blind date. I don’t think I’ve ever been on one myself.”
“I know…me neither. But Amber swears he’s eye-candy and hot.”
Nico raised his hands. “Enough. I’m not sure I like the idea of my soon-to-be fiancé talking about another man like that.”
“Oh Nico, relax. You two are crazy about each other.” She smiled, content and happy that her brother had found his true love. “So, is everything still going ahead for the Christmas proposal?”
“Yes.” He scowled. “This had better be my third time lucky.”
Mia laughed. “She’s certainly keeps you on your toes, Nico. But I think she’ll agree this time — I swear she looks at you like you’re her entire world.”
Nico smirked, but she could tell he was pleased at the compliment. “She and the bambino are my entire world too.” His voice was filled with pride and love.
She pushed back her chair and excused herself to visit the bathroom where she critically examined her face in the mirror. She normally held her light tan throughout the Winter season, but her reflection said otherwise. Looking pale and drawn, she quickly reapplied her make-up, adding blush to her cheeks to give her some much-needed colour. Next, she ran a brush through her long hair and, somewhat satisfied with the improvement, she adjusted her cream blouse and then headed back to the table.
She halted. Shocked, she felt the hairs rising on the back of her neck. Green clashed with grey as her eyes locked with Gino. Blinking a few times, she composed herself and drew a deep breath to even her pounding heart whilst slowly walking in his direction. He was standing and talking with Nico and she noted an anxious expression on his face as his eyes darted nervously to the entrance.
Nico stood up as she approached and immediately took her elbow, leading her away. “Nico! What are you doing?” She shrugged her arm out of his grip as she looked at both of them in confusion.
“Let’s go, Mia.”
“I’ll go when I’m ready, thank you.” She forced her lips to curve in a stiff smile. “Hi, Gino.”
“Hey, Mia.” His grey eyes were flat and, with the dark circles surrounding them, it implied that was also suffering from lack of sleep. He ran his hands through his hair and looked away.
The waiter approached their table at that same moment. Walking alongside him was a smiling tall blonde woman, who at first glance looked to be around the same age as Gino.
“Gino! There you are, honey. Sorry, I had to take that call. Mother is in full wedding planning mode.” She grinned at him, as she slid her arm possessively into his, whilst checking out Mia.
Mia felt the bile rise up in the back of her throat. She quickly looked at Gino for his reaction and saw his face darken with anger. Pursing his lips, he glowered at her, speaking through gritted teeth. “We haven’t even set a date yet.”
“Oh, I know, sweetie.” She laughed and waved her hand dismissively at him. “She’s just so excited for the baby.” She glanced at Nico and Mia. “Oh, are these your friends?” Before either could answer, she stuck out her hand. “Hi, I’m Louise.”
Recovering first, Nico politely shook her hand. “Nico, and this is my sister, Camilla.”
Mia plastered a smile on her face. She noted the way Louise was holding on tightly to Gino’s arm as she quickly scanned her outfit, consisting of jeans, which appeared to be a size too small and an equally tightly fitted mohair jumper. She had finished off her ensemble with towering heels so that she almost came up to Gino’s chin. Mia wondered how the foetus could even breathe in there. Her floral scent was overpowering which added to Mia’s nausea.
“Nice to see you both. If you’ll excuse us, we were just leaving.” Nico nodded slightly at Gino.
“Oh darling, that’s a shame.” She pouted as she turned to Gino. “I’d love to spend time with your friends and get to know everyone.” She flashed them a smile. “He’s so secretive, you know.”
“Sure, we’ll get together sometime.” Nico placed his hand on Mia’s back, leading her away from the table. “Gino, we’ll speak later, I’m sure. Good to meet you, Louise.” He smiled politely, giving Mia a slight nudge to get her moving.
“Bye. Enjoy your lunch.” She surprised herself with how clear and neutral her voice sounded. She could feel Gino’s eyes burning into her, but she held her head high and walked around them, refusing any eye contact with him.
“Okay, toodles!” Louise gave a little wave. “We’ll try to arrange dinner or something soon.”
Mia and Nico walked out onto the street and she finally took a deep breath, fanning herself at the same time. She closed her eyes and swallowed a few times to get rid of the undertones of bile at the back of her throat.
“I’m sorry you had to see that. Are you okay?”
“I’m okay now, Nico. It was inevitable that I’d see them together sooner or later.” She hugged her brother. “Don’t worry about me. I’m a big girl.” She smiled. “I can take care of myself.”
“You’ll always be my baby sis.” He looked at her tenderly. “Want me to ride back to your studio with you?”
“No, I’m fine. Honestly.” She smiled. Keep telling yourself that, she thought, hoping that if she said it often enough, it would be self-fulfilling. They turned to go their separate ways, but Nico had barely made it a few feet away when she called out to him.
“Nico!”
He immediately stopped and walked back in her direction. “What’s wrong, Mia?” He searched her eyes.
“It’s nothing. Sorry.”
Nico closed the gap and used his finger to gently lift her chin until she made eye contact. “What’s wrong?”
“Why is he taking her to lunch? At our favourite restaurant?” She spoke in almost a whisper, unable to keep the hurt out of her voice.
Nico frowned. “Gino was telling me when you were in the bathroom that he must have mentioned to her at some stage that this is one of our collective and preferred restaurants. Apparently, she insisted on coming here.”
Mia snorted as her eyes stung. “Today of all days. Well, it’s tarnished now. She’s ruined it.”
“Mia—“
She held her hand up, giving him a watery smile. “Bye big bro. Talk later. Love you.” She gave him a quick peck on both cheeks and then hailed a passing cab.
* * *
Mia spent a few hours working at the studio on Beth’s dress. Her fabric had arrived and she was looking forward to throwing herself into work. Thankfully, her mind was occupied for most of the time, but every now and then the dark thoughts of Gino and Louise would fill her mind and she would have to stop work and compose herself.
* * *
She bought a bottle of wine on the way home and as soon as she was back, she popped the cork and drank a glass straight down. One glass turned into two, then into three by which time she was feeling really light headed. She poured her fourth glass and lifted an imaginary toast to Gino and Louise, bursting out laughing. Pulling out her phone and through her blurry vision, she signalled Amber.
“Hey Mia. How are you?” Amber’s voice filled the phone and Mia blinked a couple of times, trying to gain some focus.
“Amb! Oh Amb, am I gla…glad I dialled you instead of the sperm donor.” She burst out laughing at her joke, slightly swaying against the counter top.
“Mia? Are you okay? You sound drunk?”
Mia giggled into the phone. “You know what, Amb? I met the biatch today…she’s totally got her claws into my Gino. And she said toodles. What the hell is toodles?” She burst out laughing again.
There was silence on the other end. “Abs, Ambs, are you there?” Mia pulled her phone away from her ear, squinting her eyes as she checked the display.
“I’m here, Mia.” She spoke softly. “I’m sorry you had to meet her that way. Nico told me earlier what happened…”
All of a sudden, Mia felt her throat constrict. Her eyes filled up with tears and a gut-wrenching sob escaped her mouth.
“Mia! Mia! Talk to me!”
She grabbed a tissue and dabbed her eyes. “I’m okay, I’m okay. I promise…I need your help though.” She took a few deep breaths to get her breathing under control.
“Anything, Mia. What can I do?”
“The date?” Mia slurred her words.
“What, date, hun?”
“That guy at work. Please, get me that date. I need to move on from Gino.”
“Oh, you mean, Jonathan? The one I told you was hot eye-candy?”
“Yes.”
“It will be my pleasure, Mia. When I’m back in on Monday, I’ll set it up. I promise you, you’ll have a great time with him.”
A few minutes later, they hung up. Mia drunkenly made her way to her bedroom and, slipping off her shoes, she collapsed onto the bed. For once, sleep came easily.