8. Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Isabella Bianchi

A fter visiting so many stores that I lost count, I'm back at Gabo's place. My room is a mess, with everything I bought today spread across the floor. Driving my Bug around this afternoon definitely helped my mood. Aldo and Rocco followed me in the SUV and kept a respectful distance at all times. They're not so bad when they're not crowding my space.

After making a smoothie, I take a quick shower and throw on a tracksuit to get my brother from the airport. As I walk outside the building, my phone vibrates with a text. When I look at the screen, a small smile forms on my lips.

Giacomo : Ciao , Isabella. I was wondering if you would like to hang out with me tonight? I'm going to a bar with a couple of friends.

This guy is cute, but I'm actually looking forward to spending some time with my brother. I hope he doesn't give up on asking me out because, at some point, I'm going to say yes.

Isabella : Hi Giacomo, I can't make it tonight, but I'll be sure to try my best to make it next time. Have fun!

Giacomo : Thank you. Maybe you want to have coffee with me on Monday after class?

Isabella : That could actually work. See you later.

Once my phone is back in my bag, I look around, and my Bug is nowhere to be seen. A cold chill rises through me, and a wave of panic invades me. Did I park in a prohibited zone?

"Miss Bianchi, we put your car in the garage. We can take you to pick up your brother, or you can take a bigger car from Mr. Godoy's garage," Rocco informs me, and I just nod at him. Although they are overstepping yet again, I'm not going to sweat the small things anymore. I can show Gio my car tomorrow.

"Is Aldo here, or are you driving?"

Rocco smiles, and I think it's the first time I've seen his pearly whites.

"Aldo is bringing the car around," Rocco says, and the next thing I know, Aldo is in front of us. I quickly get in the backseat, and Aldo starts driving.

"I'd like to apologize to both of you for my behavior today. I acted like a spoiled little brat, and that couldn't be further from the truth. You were only doing your job, and I overreacted," I tell them honestly.

They both look at each other, a silent conversation passing between them, but now that they're not wearing their sunglasses, I can see their eyes. They're full of mirth.

"It's okay, Miss Bianchi. This lifestyle can be overwhelming at first, but rest assured, we'll do a better job not being seen while still keeping you safe," Rocco states, and Aldo nods.

We make it to the airport in no time, and by the time I get out of the car, Gio is walking toward Gabo's hangar.

" Hermanito ," I shout as I run toward my brother, who hugs me.

" Hola, linda . ? Cómo estás ?" (Hey, gorgeous. How are you?) Gio asks, looking at me with those kind eyes, and I simply smile at him. I know how hard it is for him to leave his place these days.

"I'm good. Had a fantastic day today, and now I hope to have a great couple of days with you," I tell him, and he ruffles my hair as he chuckles at my excitement.

"But tell me, how are you?" I ask him, hoping to hear some good news on his end.

"Same old, same old. But this weekend is not about me; it's about my amazing sister and all the plans she has for her future." I know he won't share any details with me, so I decide not to press and instead enjoy his company.

"Are you hungry? Gabo owns an amazing restaurant downtown. I'm sure he could hook us up if you want to go there," I ask, and my brother nods at me.

I shoot Gabo a quick text asking him to see if he could make a reservation for us, and he replies immediately.

Gabo : Of course, just tell Aldo to drive you there. The table is already waiting for you. Maybe next week you'd like to go to another restaurant with me? I promise it's just as good, if not better, than this one.

Isabella : Sure, we'll talk next week.

I reply with something short and simple since I don't really have time to think about his change of heart. He couldn't get away fast enough, and now he wants to take me out? This is exactly why I don't do relationships.

My brother is looking at me with a kind smile on his face.

"What?" I ask with a chuckle. Sadly, I'm not used to spending time with my older brother anymore.

"Nothing. I'm just here thinking when did you become an adult? I still remember helping you with your homework in middle school." He chuckles, but I can tell his eyes are full of unshed tears.

"I know, right? Sometimes I can't believe it myself. Life goes by way too fast."

"Isn't that the truth? Sometimes I wish we could stop time and live in a beautiful moment for a while, you know?"

He doesn't need to say it; I know he's thinking about her: Ruin. The only girl he has ever loved and who vanished without a trace. I wonder if Gio will ever recover from his heartbreak.

We make it to the restaurant in a flash, and sure enough, as Gabo said, the moment we step foot inside, there's a server waiting for us.

"Before we talk about anything else, I want to tell you why I decided to come here this weekend," Gio says in his big brother tone.

I take a deep breath, preparing for whatever he says.

"I feel like you've been trying to figure out who you are now that you're done with college, and maybe you've been struggling a little bit?"

I know he's not judging me; he's just trying to figure out how to say it nicely. I smile at him, encouraging him to continue. What on earth is he talking about, me struggling? I thought I was very clear about my plan for the gallery, but maybe my brothers think I'm not good enough.

"The thing is, you're experiencing many big changes in a short time. I need you to know it's okay not to have everything figured out at once. Luca and I didn't give you the money to add more to your plate. We just felt you were ready to know the amount of money you can count on to start any venture you might have in mind. We know you and trust you not to blow all your money in the first month." Gio looks directly into my eyes, and I can't help but chuckle. "But in all honesty, all we want you to do this summer is have fun, learn a few things here and there, and maybe start scouting artists for your gallery. But under no circumstances are we expecting you to have your gallery up and running by the end of the year."

My eyes grow big. I know my brothers are amazing, but I always thought they were expecting big things from me. They are both so successful in their fields that it only felt fitting that I become the next big thing in my field, too.

"Let's be honest, Luca found his calling when he went to Chile after Karina and never looked back. I've always known that I was going to be a scientist. But you? Isa, you have the time and the resources to make the best choices. There's no rush. And remember, we'll always have your back. I'll always have your back."

Tears run down my face, and I don't care if people see—I seriously have the best brothers in the world.

"Thank you, Gio. Thank you for trusting me and giving me the tools to be who I want to be," I say as I hug him.

"We only provided the funds, Isa. All those amazing ideas came from you. And you know it's okay if, at the end of the day, the gallery doesn't come to life, right? Dreams can change."

"You guys provided more than money, and you know it. You both took care of me after Mom and Dad decided to spend their money and live life without us. You guys kept me safe, gave me a home, and filled my heart with love," I tell him honestly.

"And we'd do it again and again. Love you, little sis."

"Love you, too, big bro," I say as I hug him again. I send a little thank you prayer to my guardian angels for giving me the best brothers in the world.

As the night goes on, Gio and I feast and toast to a great weekend, enjoying every single moment we have together.

Once we get back to the car, Gio asks Aldo to drive us to The Majestic.

"Oh, I thought you were staying with me at Gabo's place?" I ask, confusion evident on my face.

"I want to stay with you, but I'd rather stay at a hotel. I already told Gabo. He said he's cool with you losing your security team for the weekend." My brother's voice is hesitant, and I hate that the confident man I used to know is now buried under so much pain.

"Of course, I'd love to stay with you. Let me go to Gabo's place and get clothes. We can do a Lost marathon and eat gelato all night." This brings a huge smile to my brother's face.

"Like old times," he says, and I nod at him as I look at Rocco, who motions for Aldo to start driving.

When Gio opens the elevator for me at the hotel, I gasp. This damn thing is made of gold. Or painted in gold or something. But it's so ostentatious, I'm in awe. We make it all the way to the top—my brother got the presidential suite, of course. Each of us has a room, and the living space is so decadent and gorgeous. I might not want to leave this place.

"I'm going to call room service to order gelato and other necessities. Anything you want in particular?" my brother asks from his room.

I take a moment to think about this. God knows when I will see him again; I better make the most of the time with him. "Yeah. See if they have fries, a cheeseburger, and a chocolate milkshake."

He doesn't say anything, so I assume that he's calling room service. When I turn around to leave my room, Gio is gaping at me from my bedroom door.

"Isa, I thought we had a delightful dinner. I cannot believe you're still hungry."

I smack his chest and tell him, "Hey, I'm still growing. Okay? I need sustenance. And if you think I can watch Lost without eating my weight in food, you're dead wrong."

Gio's eyebrows rise almost comically, and I can't help but laugh.

"You're so full of shit, little sis. But yeah, I remember those days. Let's order everything they have on the menu," Gio says, a huge grin on his face. I fist-pump the air, excited to see my brother's old demeanor peeking out from the shell he has become.

I change into my comfiest pajamas, Gio does the same, and once the food arrives—mind you, in four carts—we sit down on the couches in the living room, and the marathon starts. The burger is delicious, and I have no guilt for eating more than I should; I can walk it off tomorrow. I can't wait to show Gio around the university. His little nerd heart will be so happy.

"I really love this campus, Isa. It's like something out of a movie," Gio says as he takes his phone out to snap pictures.

"What are you doing? You need to do the background justice. Let me use my Polaroid to take a couple of pictures of you."

My brother chuckles at my request but doesn't deny me. I take out my camera and start instructing him on a few poses. He's so patient, and even though I get a couple of eye rolls, he does everything I ask, and we snap one last picture together.

"Isa, these are really good," Gio says as I pass him the pictures. "Maybe you should also include a photography section in your gallery."

I beam at my brother's praise. The man has a Ph.D., is a well-known researcher, and used to be one of the best teachers in the world.

"Thank you. Yeah, that could definitely work, as well. It'd also help more artists all-around," I reply as we make our way back to the car Gio rented: A red Alpha Romeo 4C Spider—this car is so much fun. When Gio removed the top of the car, I decided to wear a handkerchief on my hair—I feel like Sofia Loren in those classic movies. The breeze hits my face, and the sun warms my skin. What is this life? I've always had a good life, but I feel this time in Italy will be one to remember.

"Okay, Isa. Where to next?" Gio asks as he drives leisurely around Bologna.

"You know what? Let's do something crazy. Let's go to the beach," I tell him, barely able to contain my excitement.

"Let's go," Gio says as he looks for directions on his phone. I'm so glad to see my brother taking life as it comes—no plans, just doing whatever the moment brings.

We made it to Rimini in no time, and since Gio was driving, I was in charge of the music. To my brother's dismay, I had my summer mix on. A bunch of my favorite songs to dance to were on full blast the entire drive. Believe it or not, he's more of a country music fan.

The moment I see the ocean, a huge grin appears on my face. There's no way I'll ever be close to the water and unhappy. For some reason, the ocean has always brought me peace.

I remember summers in Mar del Plata. Mom would pack the car with food and tons of beach gear—towels, coolers, umbrellas, sunscreen, toys, you name it. Then Dad would drive, and Mom would be the DJ, with Gio, Luca, and me in the backseat singing our lungs out. We would always stay at the same beach house. The boys and I would get bikes and ride to the ice cream shop a few blocks away. We would park the bikes and walk to the beach, eating our ice cream in silence, people-watching, and watching the seagulls fly over the ocean. It was peaceful and one of my happiest memories.

Gio finds a place to park, and the moment I get out of the car, I think my brain is playing tricks on me. Gabo is walking toward us, and he's looking like a snack, wearing low-hanging linen pants and a half-buttoned shirt.

"I thought you were in Ibiza," I say in shock when he's a foot away from me.

"Yeah, well. Vicente had to go back to London, so I decided to spend the rest of my weekend at my beach house," he says as he leans down and kisses me on both cheeks. When I get a whiff of his cologne, my knees go weak. Damn, this man is just delicious.

"Hey, man. So glad I was able to catch you before I have to head back," Gio says as he and Gabo share a bro hug.

"Same, man. I didn't know you guys were coming here, but I'm glad everything worked out," Gabo replies as we fall in step with each other and start walking toward the beach.

"So you guys didn't plan this?" I ask, confused. This is way too coincidental. They both shake their heads, and I frown.

"Me being here and you guys coming my way was just kismet, Bella. No need to overthink it," Gabo says nonchalantly, even though something inside me says there's no way. I have no proof otherwise. My suspicions deepen when I catch a sly look between Gio and Gabo, but they won't say a thing, so I just let it slide.

"So, what were you guys thinking of doing?" Gabo asks, and Gio looks at me.

"It was my idea to come. I just thought we would walk around the wharf and maybe find a shop to get swimsuits and spend the day on the beach." I shrug, suddenly feeling my plan is lame, but the smile that appears on Gabo's face is anything but.

"I know you guys are spending quality sibling time, but maybe we can walk to one of my favorite restaurants in town. Then we can get some gelato as we go shopping, and we can spend the afternoon at my beach house. The views are unbeatable from there."

Gio looks at me, waiting for me to decide. Even though I wasn't counting on spending more time than necessary with Gabo, I can't help but agree with his plan. The man has charm. Not going to lie.

"Sounds like fun," I tell them, and Gio nods in agreement.

"Great! This way." Gabo extends his arm to show us which way to go.

"Is it your first time in Italy, Gio?" Gabo asks, and my brother's face falls.

After a couple of very uncomfortable, quiet minutes, Gio speaks. "Yes, it was Ruin's dream to visit Italy someday. We were planning to come over and do a road trip all over the country but..." My brother shrugs, and I absolutely hate this for him.

"And you still came to see me? I'm so sorry, Gio," I say, giving him a side hug as we continue to walk.

Being the amazing brother he is, he ruffles my hair as he says, "There's nothing I wouldn't do for you, little sis. Plus, it's been four years. It's time I get my life back." Gabo and I stop in our tracks like a hammer or something has hit us.

"Dude, that's great. I mean, it's awful you were never able to find out what happened, but I'm glad to hear you're ready to leave the past behind you. You're a bright scientist, and you deserve to be happy," Gabo says to Gio, and I really, really appreciate him right now. This is what my brother needs: lots of support and understanding from his friends.

"I agree. I'm happy you're finally starting to leave the past behind." I give Gio one more squeeze and let him go to focus on the beautiful view in front of me. There's a Ferris wheel by the pier, people milling around, eating gelato, or with a huge sandwich in hand. Some people are on bikes or skates; others are singing and dancing. The vibe of this city is amazing. The pictures I saw online don't do it justice.

"Gabo Godoy, is that you?" A saccharine voice brings me out of my thoughts. The next thing I know, a woman is hanging on Gabo's arm. When I look at Gio, his face full of amusement says it all.

"Oh, hey, Brenda. Long time no see," Gabo says to the woman while trying to remove the vice grip she has on his arm, but she's not getting the message.

"Well, baby, that's on you. I've been trying to reach out, but you never pick up the phone."

Gabo's nervous chuckle should be all it takes for her to let go, but no. She hasn't even acknowledged our presence.

"Yeah, well, I'm a busy man. What can I say?"

Brenda doesn't have time to answer because Gio starts talking. "Nice to meet you. I'm Gio Bianchi, and this is my sister, Isa."

The woman finally takes her eyes away from Gabo. The moment she looks my brother up and down, her claws release Gabo's arm, and she jumps up and down in excitement as she reaches for Gio's hand.

Gabo stands next to me while we watch the woman trying to charm my brother, but Gio has always been very particular about who he dates, and this woman simply doesn't fit the bill. She's wearing a dress that hugs her curves and leaves nothing to the imagination, her hair is bleached and has lots of damage, and her face can't take any more Botox.

Gio disengages in a way that leaves Brenda shocked. After a handshake, my brother starts walking in our direction. Brenda is left standing alone until she spots another group of handsome men walking by and heads their way.

"Wow, that was an interesting encounter," I say, trying to figure out who that woman is to Gabo, even though I have a hunch.

"I apologize about that. Things you do when you're young sometimes haunt you years later," Gabo says, placing his hand on the small of my back. That zing I felt the first night was back in full force.

Gio notices but doesn't say anything, and I really don't mind it, so I move a little closer to Gabo. The moment I do, his fingers squeeze my waist, and when I look up at him, I see a blinding smile already waiting for me. I don't think Gabo is a relationship kind of guy, but I guess if he's looking for a summer fling, it wouldn't be too bad. I mean, he's ridiculously hot, he's smart, and I'm sure he can show me a good time. I could definitely do worse than a hook-up with Gabo Godoy. Only time will tell.

Last night with Gio at the hotel was fun; we had more gelato, and he reluctantly agreed to watch something else other than Lost . As much as I love my brother, I couldn't take more of that show. We ended up watching funny videos on our phones. It's amazing how much one can laugh at silly stuff.

After taking Gio to the airport, Aldo and Rocco follow me to uni to ensure I arrive safely. After giving myself a quick pep talk, I hop out of my Bug, square my shoulders, and put on my brightest smile.

When I get to the classroom, everyone has the same vibe—happy but a little nervous. I guess the first day of school is the same for everyone; it doesn't matter if you're in your hometown or if you're an international student, first-day nerves are universal.

Giacomo waves at me as he enters the classroom. Once the initial introductions are made, the instructor takes over, and I relax a bit, feeling more in my element as he starts talking about modern art and the biggest Italian artists to date.

I'm lost in note-taking, and before I know it, the bell rings. Armed with my first assignment, I gather my things and head for the museum.

After going to the museum to start our first piece for school, Giacomo stops me on my way out and asks if I want to grab a coffee with him. I'm not going to lie; I was a little hesitant about accepting after Gabo returned unexpectedly from Ibiza. He was fun and carefree, and the electricity between us was palpable. But Giacomo seems like a nice guy. Since there's absolutely nothing going on between me and Gabo, besides maybe a silly summer crush, why not? I want to make the most out of this summer.

"So Isabella, what do you want to drink?" Giacomo asks as he helps me settle into a seat at a little cafe near the museum.

"I'd like a cappuccino and one of those pastries over there," I say as I point to the fluffy pastries on top of the counter in the cafe. They remind me of the medialunas in Argentina, and I'm sure they'll taste just as good.

Giacomo nods with a smile and walks gingerly to the counter to place our order. As I look at him interacting with the barista, a smile forms on my face. He's such a nice guy, always brightening people's days. I wonder what he's telling her to have her blushing so hard.

"Okay, our order will be here soon," he says as he sits next to me. There's a soft breeze, which brings a whiff of his cologne my way, but instead of being pleasant, it's overpowering. I scrunch my nose, and his eyebrows arch in confusion.

"Is everything okay?" he asks, and I chuckle. I really need to work on my poker face, or should I say poker nose?

"Yes, I just thought I smelled something, but it must have been my imagination," I tell him as I fix a piece of my hair behind my ear.

"Is this your first time in Italy?" he asks, sparking conversation, and I'm thankful for the change of subject.

"It actually is. I've traveled to other countries in America, but it's my first time in Europe."

"Oh, that's cool. I've been to almost all the European countries. It's really easy to travel around here." I nod. I've heard about traveling by train and whatnot around Europe.

"Have you ever wanted to travel to other continents?" I ask him.

"Not really. I have everything I want here: plenty of beautiful sights and delicious food," he tells me as his eyes brighten. And mine immediately dim. Traveling is one of the best things in the world—learning about different cultures and seeing different art. Those are experiences I hope to collect in my lifetime. But I don't tell him any of that since he has clearly made up his mind.

Our coffees and pastries arrive. I do a happy dance in my seat, and Giacomo rolls his eyes at me.

"What's wrong?" I ask.

"Nothing. It's just… we're in public, so..." His uncomfortable glance around the room makes it clear he's embarrassed by my enthusiastic response to our food. I just stare at him, and he gives me a blank look.

It takes everything in me not to throw this hot coffee on him, but it's only the first day of uni, and I want to have a great time. Instead, I switch topics, and it doesn't take long for me to realize that we don't have much in common.

"So what did you decide to work on as your project for this week's class?" I ask.

Giacomo goes on and on about how he wants to recreate a painting by Giorgio Morandi, one of the greatest Italian artists of the twentieth century. I should be thrilled to learn more about an artist who's new to me. I should be asking questions about his work and what Giacomo finds so interesting about it, but all I can think about is the note Gabo left me this morning on the kitchen counter.

Buon Giorno, Principessa.

I'm looking forward to having dinner with you tonight. No need to cook; I have it all figured out.

-Gabo

I mean, this man couldn't leave fast enough last week, and now here he is being an outstanding host and letting me know he has dinner covered.

Am I overthinking this? Or is Gabo really putting in an effort to spend time with me?

"Earth to Isabella," Giacomo says as he snaps his fingers in my face. The action startles me, and I jump in my seat, which makes Giacomo laugh.

"Sorry, I was lost in thought. What were you saying?"

"I was telling you how much fun I've had having coffee with you, and I was about to ask if you would like a repeat some time soon." I smile at him. I don't want to make him feel bad; he's a good guy, but I don't feel anything. I enjoy chatting with him, but the spark I feel lighting up my insides every time I'm near Gabo is nowhere to be found.

"Thank you so much for this, but I really need to get going. I'll see you tomorrow at class, yeah? Bye," I say as I stand up and start walking to where Aldo and Rocco are waiting for me, three tables from where I was sitting with Giacomo.

"So is that a yes about the repeat?" Giacomo shouts, and I roll my eyes.

"I'll see you later," I reply without looking at him. Aldo and Rocco fall into step with me. I hope Giacomo takes the hint.

Gabo has taken up residence in my mind, and there doesn't seem to be room for anyone else.