Ciara Mendes
"I forgive them Eve, well more so of letting what happen go." The model pause putting on her false lashes to look at me.
I lay on my bed talking to my best friend on a video call as she did her makeup for some kind of function she was attending.
"What are you talking about?" We were previously talking about our halcyon days when I decided to drop the bomb on her. I wasn't sure what she would say which cause apprehension and hesitation on my part.
"Fisher and Bridget." I must admit that I was hesitating about making this decision. Bridget wasn't the best big sister. She stole my fiancé for gods sake but still thinking back I couldn't imagine a happy life with Fisher, he was just too different, too controlling and there was noâ love. I'm sure of it now; both on his and my side.
"Are you serious?" I nod and she surprisingly grin. "You know what this means right?"
She didn't wait for me to answer. "You can finally move on with your life, you have laid those bitches to rest hon and now that you did you can finally have the tranquility you deserve."
I smile at her. "Now that you've mention it I do feel a bit more calm."
"I've been telling you Ciara, now you can move on with your life and the Universe works wonders because you have already been awarded."
"Awarded?" I ask the woman who had already gone back to doing her makeup.
"Yes. It's been a couple days and you've mentioned Giovanni for what felt like a thousand times in the past thirty minutes. Which simply means that you like him." She sings the last part.
"I'm scared Eve, I felt like we moved too fast."
"Fast is good Ciara it doesn't make you over think things. Think of it like this; if you were still moving at snail pace you'd probably lose your chances with him are perhaps he'd still be there waiting patiently until you moved at his speed. You already crossed one bridge and he's still interested which means he's not with you just for the sex, and a guy like that is so damn hard to find nowadays."
"Just go with the flow, and if you're still having doubtsâ" She pout. "This was suppose to be a surprise but I'll be back in L.A for a couple of days! I'll talk to him, find out what his intentions are with my best friend."
I was excited to see her again. "What would I ever do without you."
She sprayed setting spray over her face before looking at me on her tablet screen. "Oh honey you know the answer to that. You'd live in miserly and confusion for the rest of your life."
I playfully roll my eyes at her; deep very deep down knowing that she was probably right.
Giovanni Haynes
"My name is Luca, how do you know my daddy?"
I stare at the little boy who sat in the hospital chair, kicking his feet back and forth as his blue eyes stare at me with curiosity. His nanny brought him here to visit his father, even though Stefano was dying and strung up to machines it was only right to see his family before he dies. I couldn't fight the tears that threaten to fall, though I had to at least try for the sake of the little guy in front of me. Jasmine wasn't the best mother, Stefano had been the only stable parent he had and now he was dying.
During my time catching up with Stefano he mention that instead of going to court, him and Jasmine decided to have shared custody of Luca but Jasmine would not pick him up when it was her turn and when she did, she would return sooner than the time she was given to keep him. He also said she didn't even remember his last two birthdays. Poor kid didn't deserve a shitty mother like that bitch.
"I'm your cousin, my name is Giovanni."
He gasp and I couldn't help but smile. "You're Gvanni too?" I laugh at his words.
"Gio-vanni, kid." I pat his head. "But don't worry you'll learn to pronounce it soon enough."
"Uncle Gâ" I watch as Ashira cover the kids mouth trying to prevent them from screaming in the hospital.
I stare both horrified and excited as I watch them hurry towards me. As they came closer I pick them up causing them to squeal a little, "How are my little monsters doing?"
"I'm doing great Uncle although I'm sad for Uncle Stefano. Mommy says he's really sick." Six year old Haylie says while playing with the collar of my shirt.
Rayan who is two years younger seem to be reminded by his sisters' words and became sad too as he lean his head on my shoulder.
Ashira came forward and kiss my cheek. "Hey Gio. It's good to see you, It's a shame that it's situations like this that bring family together."
"It is." I say before glancing at Luca who was now playing with his fingers while looking straight ahead at nothing in particular.
"Luca honey come say hi to Aunty A." Ashira says holding out her arms as the small boy move from his seat and walk over to Ashira giving her a hug. I must say he's the most quiet kid I've ever met and that made me wonder if he'd be as diabolical as these two if he was in a different situation. I don't know what would happen to him after the unfortunate happen but what I know is that I won't turn my back on him.
Family is family.
"I fucking miss you."
I sat around the kitchen counter at my parents house. The kids were all over the place playing with Mateo. He would be a good father to Donaté if his mother, Tara Wilson, hadn't prevented him from seeing him. It's something Mateo is working on, though I doubt when he gets the chance to see his son he'll know what to say to the five year old.
A melodic laughter was followed by words I was very much grateful to hear.
"I miss you too Giovanni. How is your uncle, any better?" Ciara ask leaning back on the many pillows she had on her bed. An emotion filled me and I realize it was jealousy. I shake my head in amusement, I must be going insane, getting jealous of fucking pillows that she cuddle with instead of me.
"Giovanni why are you smiling?" She ask in a serious tone.
Fuck. "Sorry buttercup just a silly thought. Unfortunately he doesn't have much time left. The kids went to see him today as instructed by his doctor."
"It's so sad that people have to die." She sighs. "If there's anything you want Giovanni just know that I'm here for you."
Before I had the chance to answer the three kids come running in the room followed by Mateo who stood leaning against the doorframe. They came straight towards me; a series of Uncle and cousin were being screamed as they grab hold of my arm and shirt.
"Save us Uncle Gio, Uncle Mat is out to get us." Haylie says.
Ciara's laughter caught my attention, "Uncle Gio? How cute."
I smile at her and pull the three children closer. "Why don't you quiet down there's someone I want you little devils to meet."
The children stare at the laptop screen. "Ciara this is Luca, Haylie and Rayan. Devils this is Ciaâ"
"Is she your girlfriend, Uncle." Haylie interrupts while practically taking the spot light. "She's so pretty."
Ciara giggles, "Thanks Haylie. You know what?" Ciara asks.
Haylie shakes her head 'no'. "You're gorgeous." Ciara whispers as if it was their secret.
Haylie looks at me with a wide grin. "I love her already Uncle."
Soon the three surrounded the laptop. The only thing I could do was stand aside and observe. The three of them sat on stools so that they could all see properly as Rayan tells Ciara about a pet lizard he had. He tells her that it ran away and I tried my best not to laugh. The truth was Ashira had threaten to divorce Bent if he didn't get rid of it since she found the overall appearance of that thing creepy.
She even seem to won over little Luca's heart who wasn't as talkative as the other kids. Haylie and Rayan were trying to talk at once, when she interrupt.
"Haylie if it's okay with your mom I'll buy you some of what I use to make my hair so 'shiny' and Rayan I don't think a snake is going to be the best pet. Think about a puppy instead." Ciara says amused. "Now tell me Luca sweetie do you like pets?"
Luca shakes his head 'no'. "I like fast cars." If this little man hadn't won me over when we first met, he would have definitely won me over now.
I continue to watch as they interact. Ciara was good with them. I remember telling Stefano that I want to marry her one day, if she allows me to be a major part in her life, would she want kids?
"You're so fucking whipped cousin and it is not even fully two months yet." Mateo pats my back. "Bentley will eat his words. L.A here I come!"