53. Gianni
Chapter fifty-three
Gianni
Friday, May 16, 2025
I ’m seated at the end of the long dinner table, waiting for Dante to bring out the birthday cake for Dad.
As he enters the room, Ale turns down the lights, and we all start singing, “Tanti Auguri a Te. ”
Even in the dim light, I can see Dad’s cheeks turning pink. We do this every year, and yet, he still seems embarrassed by something as simple as his family singing “Happy Birthday” to him.
He’s the epitome of not wanting to be the center of attention, and I guess that’s one of many reasons he and Mom are so good together. They share the same values, but their personalities contrast in ways that just seem to work.
Much like Lark and me.
Where I like to remain inside, watching reruns and doing something low-key, she likes to be out and about, exploring the world and just enjoying all that life has to offer. Knowing that I play some part in helping her slow down, relax, and enjoy what can be found in moments of stillness has warmth flowing freely through me. In contrast, she makes me feel alive and encourages me to enjoy adventure, even if I’m uncomfortable at first.
Dad leans over to Mom’s chair, planting a kiss on her cheek and whispering in her ear before turning his attention back to the rest of us. “Thank you, everyone,” he says sheepishly.
***
When the kids are all tucked into bed, having their weekly sleepover a couple of days early, we’re all seated in the living room.
Mom turns her attention to me, and a wary feeling creeps in at the look of mischief playing across her face.
“Alright, sweet boy. Go ahead and tell us about your plans to make things with Lark official.” As she says this, my gaze catches on my dad’s. He shoots me a sly smirk, sinking back into his armchair with his arms crossed over his stomach. He’s looking entirely too damn happy that the attention is no longer on him.
Unfortunately, I don’t share the sentiment.
Everyone is watching me and waiting excitedly.
I shift uncomfortably in my seat. “I don’t know what you want me to say,” I tell them, my breath accelerating, and it feels difficult to sit still.
“We want you to own up to the fact that you fucking love her, you doofus, and then tell her that so we can all stop talking about you in the group chat,” Luca informs me.
My eyes shoot up to his. “What the hell do you mean? I’m in the damn group chat.” I grunt. Hell, I wish I weren’t though. With the way my family talks all damn day, you’d think we never saw each other.
“Not this one,” he says and smirks.
“What is going on?” I groan, wanting to get this sorted so I can go home with Pickles.
“You’re clearly in love with her, and frankly, we’ve never seen you so happy, Gi.” Kat fills me in, her expression soft.
“All we want is for you to be happy, and clearly, you are with Lark. We don’t want you to wait so long to tell her that you waste precious time with her,” Charlie explains.
I nod, slowly taking in what they’re trying to get across. “I want to tell her, but it’s only been a few months since we met, and I don’t want to scare her off.”
Being this vulnerable about my feelings is extremely new to me, but I’m sure Dr. Fasano will be proud as hell when I tell him during next week's appointment.
“No offense, but you’d have to be blind not to see the way that woman looks at you. She feels the same as you do; I’m absolutely certain of it,” Ale says. His words fill me with a kind of hope that I can’t help but fear because when there’s hope, it’s that much easier to be crushed if the outcome isn’t what you want.
I avert my gaze, not wanting to look at any of them, as I mutter, “I’ll tell her soon. I just need a little more time to convince myself she isn’t going to run for the hills.”
** *
I can’t sleep as I lie in bed, my family’s words flitting through my mind.
What if she doesn’t feel the same? The thought sinks to the pit of my stomach, but a new one quickly follows it.
But what if she does?
That’s all it takes for me to decide. I’m going to tell her how I feel, and soon.