I GET THROUGH MY DAY by focusing on my date with Gio later. When it’s finally time to wrap, I check my phone and smile when I see her text.
“You seeing that girl again tonight?” Dan asks from behind me.
“That girl? You mean Giovanna?”
“Yeah. Giovanna.”
“I am. Taking her out to eat.”
“So, what’s your game plan?”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s obvious you’re into her. To all of us. You’re a completely different man since you met her.”
“I like her.”
Dan laughs. “Like her? Come on, man. I’ve known you your entire career. I see you go through women like the days of the week. She’s different. I can tell.” He nudges my arm. “Or are you just going through the motions until you can get her in bed?”
“It’s not like that.”
“Yeah, I know. Admit it. You’re falling for her, aren’t you?”
“No.”
“You sure about that? Cuz where I’m standing, it sure looks like it.”
I shake my head. “I just like spending time with her.”
“Uh huh, and so what are you gonna do when we’re done here?”
“I haven’t figured that out yet.”
“Well you should work on that. It’s almost over. My advice, even though you didn’t ask for it, is that you try to find someone in the same business. They’re the only people that understand what life in this industry is like.”
“That’s not true. Many successful Hollywood marriages are between a celebrity and a civilian.”
“Marriage? Are you actually thinking about?”
“No, Jesus. No.” I shake my head. “I’m just saying, it’s not true that it can’t work with someone who’s not in this business.”
He pats my shoulder. “Maybe you’re right. What do I know about marriage? I’m on my third already. I hope it works out for you. It’s obvious she makes you happy.”
“She does.”
“Just watch out for the viper. Yasmin is all worked up. She talks about you and Giovanna all the time.”
“Really?”
“Oh yeah. She’s obsessed.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m so fucking tired of dealing with her shit.”
“I’m getting there myself, brother.”
“I’m gonna head out for the night.”
“Yeah. Have fun.”
“Bye.” I walk past Yasmin, ignoring her questioning gaze. I really am sick of her.
Back at the hotel, I shower and change clothes, and then grab my jacket before heading over to Giovanna’s. I walk down the sidewalk, smiling and waving at locals. I feel comfortable, like I belong, even though I know I don’t.
I knock on Giovanna’s door and wait for her to open it. When she does, her smile fills her face.
“Hey, Gorgeous,” I say.
“Hey.”
“Ready? Mamma Rosa’s awaits.”
She laughs. “I’m ready.”
AFTER DINNER, WE STEP OUTSIDE and stand on the sidewalk for a moment. I grab her hand and hold it as we stride through the park.
“Do you want to go golfing?” I ask.
“No.”
“What do you want to do?”
She smiles. “Walk through this park holding your hand.”
“We can do that.”
As we walk, several people stop and chat with us, complimenting me on the movie and smiling knowingly at Giovanna. We walk on a bit more, stopping in the center where a small band is setting up.
“What’s this?” I ask.
“Oh, they do this once a month.”
“Cool.”
“It is.”
The band starts playing some really nice jazz music. I can’t help myself and pull Giovanna into my arms, swaying to the music.
She laughs as she wraps her arms around my neck. “We’re dancing?”
“We are.”
She glances past me. “They’re taking pictures of us.”
“Good.” I lean forward and kiss her softly. “I can’t hide how I feel about you anymore. I don’t want to. Even Dan noticed.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah, he said it was obvious I was falling for you.” I feel her body tense. “Don’t shut down, Gio. Don’t close yourself off from me. Just let it happen. We’ll figure this out, babe. I promise.”
She nods, and I feel her relax against me. “I’m having the time of my life with you. I never want it to end.”
I kiss her lips. “Stop there. Let’s just enjoy it.”
She smiles and lays her head against my chest.