Chapter Four

Emma

I stood in front of the mirror in my small apartment, adjusting the neckline of my favorite blue dress. It hugged my curves in just the right way, making me feel confident, yet it was still classy enough for a first date. I smoothed the fabric down one last time, admiring the way it shimmered under the soft glow of my bedroom light.

Tonight was special. My first date with Leo Giordano. My heart raced at the thought of him, and a cocktail of nerves and eagerness churned in my stomach. It had been a long time since I'd felt this excited about anyone, and the anticipation was nearly overwhelming.

After our unexpected encounter at the bar, Leo and I had texted back and forth throughout the week, and each conversation left me smiling. It wasn't just that he was charming or that he made me laugh out loud; it was how genuinely interested he seemed in my life. He had asked about my work, my hobbies, and my dreams. I remembered telling him about my latest project at the preschool—teaching the kids about the solar system. Their little faces had lit up with wonder as I read stories to them and we crafted paper planets, glittering stars, and even a big, bright sun that now hung proudly in the classroom. I shared with Leo how astronomy had fascinated me since childhood. Stargazing had always filled me with a sense of wonder and hope, a reminder that there was so much more beyond our everyday lives. I loved the vastness of space, the mystery of the stars, and how it made me feel connected to something greater.

When Leo told me he felt that way too when he looked up at the night sky and suggested a date that included dinner followed by a visit to the planetarium, my heart had melted. It was such a thoughtful gesture, combining our shared interest in astronomy with a romantic evening. I'd readily accepted his invitation, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness about what lay ahead.

Now, as I applied the final touches to my makeup, I replayed our conversations in my mind. His messages had ranged from playful and flirtatious to deeply thoughtful, and each one was better than the last. I found myself looking forward to each new text, each new interaction, feeling a growing connection between us.

Just as I finished applying a coat of lip gloss, the doorbell rang. My heart skipped a beat, and I hurried to the door, expecting to see Leo. But when I opened it, I was met with the sight of my brother, Sawyer, standing in the hallway. His expression was a mix of concern and curiosity, and my stomach tightened.

"Hey, Em," Sawyer greeted, his eyes scanning my outfit. "You look nice. Got plans tonight?"

I forced a smile, trying to keep my tone light despite the anxiety bubbling inside me. "Hey, Sawyer. Yes, I do. I have a date."

Sawyer's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "A date? With whom?"

I hesitated, knowing this wouldn't go over well. "Leo Giordano," I finally admitted. "We've been texting since we met at the bar last weekend, and he asked me out."

Sawyer's expression darkened and he shook his head. "Emma, you can't go out with him," he said firmly. "He's just using you to get to me, you know."

I felt my irritation flare. "That's not fair, Sawyer. Leo's been really sweet. He's interested in me, and it's not because of you."

Sawyer crossed his arms, his jaw set in that stubborn way that I remembered all too well from our childhood. "You don't know him like I do. He's playing you, Emma. He wants to get back at me, and you're the easiest way for him to do it."

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my frustration in check. "You're treating me like a child! I'm not fourteen anymore. I can make my own decisions. I thought things would be different now that we're both adults, but you're acting the same way you did back then."

Sawyer's expression softened slightly, but he didn't back down. "I'm just trying to protect you," he said, his voice quieter. "I don't want you to get hurt."

I met his gaze, feeling a mix of anger and resolve. "I can take care of myself, Sawyer. I like Leo, and I think he likes me too. This isn't about you for once, it's about me and what I want."

Sawyer sighed, looking resigned but still concerned. "Fine," he said, his voice filled with reluctance. "But don't come crying to me when he proves me right."

He turned to leave, his shoulders tense, and I watched him walk back towards the foyer. I had hoped our relationship would evolve now that we were adults, but some things seemed hard to change. Maybe time would help.

I went back to my room to retrieve my purse, taking a moment to breathe deeply and center myself. Tonight was about Leo and me, not about old family dynamics or past grievances. I couldn't let my brother's overprotectiveness ruin what promised to be a wonderful night.

As I headed back to the living room, the bell rang again. My heart leapt, and I hurried around Sawyer to answer it. When I opened the door, there was Leo, looking even more handsome than I remembered in a well-fitted shirt and dark jeans. His eyes lit up when he saw me, and his smile made my heart flutter.

"You look amazing," he said, his voice warm and appreciative.

"Thank you," I replied, feeling a blush rise to my cheeks. "You look pretty great yourself."

Before we could say more, Leo's eyes drifted past me and connected with Sawyer's. The atmosphere immediately shifted, and I held my breath with the tension.

Sawyer's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at Leo and he stepped forward, leaning in close, his voice low but menacing. "If you hurt my sister," he growled, "last year's accident will look like child's play compared to what I'll do to you."

Leo's expression remained calm, though I saw a flicker of something in his eyes. "I have no intention of hurting her," he replied evenly. "But I appreciate the warning."

Sawyer gave him one last hard look before brushing past us and leaving. I stood frozen in the doorway, a knot of anxiety tightening in my stomach. Sawyer's mollycoddling had been annoying, but his confrontation with Leo felt like a step too far. I wanted to believe that my brother meant well, but his behavior was only making things harder.

Leo turned to me, his concern evident. "Are you okay?" he asked gently. "I understand if things are too complicated for us to date. I don't want to cause any trouble for you."

My frustration with my brother flared again, but I also felt a warm sense of appreciation for Leo's sensitivity. He seemed genuinely worried about my well-being, not just what he wanted. "I'm fine," I said, forcing a smile. "My brother can be a bit overprotective, but he's not part of our relationship. This is about you and me. I'm looking forward to tonight and getting to know you better."

A smile spread across Leo's face. "I'm glad to hear that," he said, his voice warm. He gestured towards the door. "Shall we?"

I nodded, eager to leave the ugly scene that had just occurred behind us. As we stepped out of my apartment and into the cool evening air, I felt a thrill of anticipation. The sky above us was clear, the first stars beginning to glimmer in the darkening expanse. I felt a sense of connection to Leo, a budding bond that filled me with hope for what lay ahead. Tonight felt like a new beginning, a chance to explore something special, and I couldn't wait to see where it would lead.

Leo led me to his car, a black Escalade, and opened the passenger door with a chivalrous flourish. I slid into the seat feeling as if a swarm of butterflies had invaded my insides. He rounded the front of the car and settled into the driver"s seat, glancing over at me with a warm smile.

"I hope you like Italian food," he said as he started the engine.

"I love it," I replied, smiling back. "It's one of my favorites."

"Great," Leo said, his eyes twinkling. "Because I know the best place in town."

The car ride was filled with easy conversation, and I found myself relaxing more with each passing moment. Leo asked me more about my job, genuinely interested in hearing about my day-to-day experiences with the preschoolers.

Leo listened intently as I described how much the kids loved when I read them the book, Goodnight Moon.

"I think I've probably memorized most of it by now," I laughed, reciting a few lines.

Leo chuckled. "That's great," he said. "You have a beautiful voice. It's no wonder the kids love listening to you read to them."

"Thank you," I replied, heat rushing through my body at his compliment. "Sometimes I think they teach me just as much as I teach them."

"I can imagine," Leo nodded. "I'm the fifth of seven siblings, and I love being around all my nieces and nephews. I can hardly keep track of how many there are, because it seems like one of my brothers or sisters is always having another baby. Children have a way of reminding us of the simple joys in life."

"Wow," I breathed. "How wonderful to have a big family! I have to admit I'm a little jealous."

He shrugged. "Like everything, it comes with both the good and the bad. My parents didn't have me until they were in their forties. My dad passed last year, and my mother isn't in good health."

"Oh, no," I said, placing my hand on his forearm. "I'm sorry."

He offered me a sad smile. "It's all right. I just wish that my dad could have lived to see me return to the ice."

Tears filled my eyes. I didn't blame him if he still felt bitter about what happened. Maybe being angry about the accident was easier than grieving the loss of his father.

The conversation shifted to a different, lighter topic, and I listened as Leo told me stories about his childhood and how he had spent countless nights with his father's old telescope, exploring the moon's craters and trying to spot the rings of Saturn. His passion for outer space matched mine, and with each story he told, I felt a deeper connection forming between us.

Before long, we arrived at the restaurant, a cozy red brick building tucked away on a quiet street corner. The exterior was adorned with strings of twinkling lights, giving it a warm and inviting atmosphere. As Leo parked the car, I couldn't help but notice the sign above the entrance—"Giordano's Trattoria."

A spark of realization ignited within me. Giordano. Leo Giordano. The pieces clicked into place, and I turned to Leo with wide eyes. "Is this...your family's restaurant?" I asked, unable to hide my surprise.

Leo smiled warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Yes, it is," he admitted. "Welcome to my home away from home."

I couldn't contain my curiosity. "How long has your family owned this place?" I inquired, feeling a rush of excitement.

"My grandparents were the original owners, and then my dad took over until his passing. My oldest brother, Tony, runs the joint now. I worked here myself once I was old enough to reach the countertops."

"That's incredible," I said, genuinely impressed. "It must be so special to have such deep roots here."

"It is," Leo agreed, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "This place holds so many memories for me."

I smiled, feeling a newfound appreciation for Leo's connection to his family and their restaurant. It spoke volumes about his values and the importance he placed on tradition and history. As we exited the car and walked towards the restaurant entrance, Leo held the door open for me with a gallant gesture that made my heart flip-flop.

Inside, Giordano's was bustling with a warm, inviting ambiance. The scent of garlic and tomatoes filled the air, mingling with the chatter of diners and the soft music playing in the background. Leo guided us to a booth tucked away in a corner, away from the main hustle and bustle.

As we settled into our seats, Leo handed me a menu with a grin. "Feel free to choose whatever you like," he said. "My family's recipes are all here."

I scanned the menu, touched that Leo had wanted to bring me here. He watched me with a smile, his eyes warm and encouraging. We ordered our meals from a young waitress who turned out to be one of Leo's nieces. She grinned at me and gave Leo a playful punch in the arm before returning to the kitchen.

Before long, our dishes arrived, and we dug into the delicious food before us. The flavors were exquisite, and I couldn't help but moan with pleasure. Leo watched me as I savored the flavors, and a warm glow of happiness at sharing this experience with him settled over me.

As we finished our meals, Leo suggested dessert, and I happily agreed. He ordered us a slice of tiramisu to share, a gesture that made my heart skip a beat. We continued to talk and laugh, sharing stories and discovering more about each other with each passing moment.

After dessert, Leo glanced at his watch and suggested we head to the planetarium. "I know you love stargazing," he said, "and I thought it would be the perfect way to end the evening."

"I can't imagine anything better," I replied sincerely.

Leo paid the bill, and we left Giordano's hand in hand, the night air cool and refreshing against my skin. As we walked towards his car, I couldn't shake the feeling of contentment that filled me. Tonight had already surpassed all my expectations, and I looked forward to learning what else the rest of the evening held in store.