Giovanni POV
Looking over at Alesha who was so drawn in about going into the city when I agreed to give the school cash I never thought I would have seen her again which I was thankful for after she had explained how obnoxious the food was I knew I had to do something to me money wasn't an issue.
I had the opportunity to spend at least couple minutes with her I was grateful that she trusted me but knowing her I can tell by her body language she wasn't one hundred percent comfortable around me I wasn't surprised when she spoke her mind about what I'm capable of doing if she knows half of the stories no doubt about her running for the hills.
We pulled up in front of the five-star Artemis in my reserve parking space looking over at Alesha her eyes seeping up the scenery this is one of my popular restaurants in the city best known for its lively atmosphere and top-notch service.
Maro unlocks the passenger door getting out I held my hand out wanting Alesha to take it which she does "do you think this is a good idea" she said just above whisper "what's wrong" I questioned stopping at the car.
"Look at my clothes you look amazing while I look like something that came out of thrift store" she grumbled while she tugs on the hem of her blouse "don't think that you look amazing you don't need to dress in fancy dress to go to a restaurant" I assure her.
People need to get rid of the stigma that only expensive suits and fancy dresses are required to enter a restaurant as if jeans or casual comfy clothes are forbidden I could care less I'm only here for the food.
Anyone who sees Alesha can see how stunning she was "ok" she said timidly stepping on the red velvet carpet I could see the wheels in her head spinning as she takes in her surroundings the dining area was a sight expensive designs walking up to the front desk.
"Oh hello, Mr. D'Errico what a pleasant surprise to see you here" Rosaline one of my Maître her action didn't go unnoticed when she tried to pull down her already tight white top and the flirty twirling shit girls always do with their hair.
"What can I do for you Gio," Rosaline asked sweetly biting her lip with googling eyes "you can help me first by picking up the little dignity you have left and stop embarrassing yourself furthermore it's Mr. D'Errico don't you ever address me as Gio you're not my equal," I said with a straight face by her flushed cheek she was embarrassed "now that's settled I need a private table for two" I told her.
The restaurant has different sections private setting mostly used by big shot people, locals for those who stopped for just a fine dining experience, another area for a romantic atmosphere etc.
"Of course right this way Mr. D'Errico" she said in a more professional tone walking over to Alesha who looked totally out of place she looked up when she saw me "you don't look too comfortable" I said "is it that obvious" she answered lowly nodding my head following behind Rosaline leading down a private room seeing the beautiful view of the waterfall that embedded in the wall shimmering which flows dramatically from the ceiling cleverly allowing guests to enjoy the ambiance and buzz of the restaurant whilst being nearly screened from view.
"I'll have a waiter be with you shortly" Rosaline informed me as she walked away.
"Thank you" Alesha acknowledge when I pulled out her chair sitting down in front of her "relax" I said in a comforting tone when she kept awkwardly moving around in her chair "sorry am just never been to a restaurant that to a flipping five star" she beamed I chuckle.
"So tell me about yourself" I wanted to know more about her "well for starters you already know about my school job where I live so pretty much nothing important about little old me" Alesha answered while scanning the menu "just the minor things what about favorite colors parents stuff like that" I mention.
"Uh I like bright colors live with my mom my dad well he went MIA" she replied with a lopsided smile I was about to say something but stop when I see the waiter coming "hello I'm Thomas I'll be your waiter ready to order," he asked.
"The lady will order first," I said "hmm I'll have the french toast pie casserole with apple filling and caramel sauce, egg and cheese omelet sandwiches and chocolate coconut banana cookies" she paused looking over at me "is that all," I asked her "yes that would be all" Alesha conclude.
"Aren't you forgetting something?" I said "oh yes and a glass of chocolate milkshake please," Alesha told the guy as he writes it down.
"What about your fruits" I remind her "no it's fine I don't want it" Alesha dismissed it "add a fruit bowl" I ordered she looked up at me "but I don't want to" she mumbled "Alesha" I said in a warning tone she pouts her lips challenging me in a staring contest I smirk leading back in my chair "bacon egg and cheese casserole, ham and swiss omelet, cinnamon rolls with a cup of black coffee" I ordered not taking my eyes off her.
"It's good for you," I told her after Thomas walked away "I don't like fruits but you didn't order any" she states "that's because am the adult here" I answered "how old are you anyways" she inquired "twenty one" I reply "really not bad" she said surprisingly.
"So tell me about yourself," Alesha asked popping her elbow on the table resting her head in her palm eyes on me.
"This is one of my restaurants I have clubs, restaurants, malls I have so many chains of businesses bunching off in different countries" I told her proudly "wow you've achieved so much at such a young age" Alesha commend "it wasn't easy" I told her thinking about how far I've come "am half Italian and french moms from France and dad's Italian" I added she smile our food came shortly after.
"What's your plan after school," I asked taking a bite of my omelet she swallowed what was in her mouth "am not sure where ever the wind blows thinking about being a phone sex operator I heard they make tons of" she cut herself off when I start choking on my coffee.
Alesha started laughing "gosh should have seen your face it was hilarious" she grinned sending her a look wiping my mouth "that wasn't funny," I told her "you're right it's not funny it's hysterical" Alesha bliss biting her lips to control her laugh.
Pointing my fork at her untouched fruits "drop it eat your fruit" I ordered when she was gonna take up the cookie "don't give me that look Alesha eat up" I order giving me her puppy eyes as she look between the cookie and me I sound like a dad scolding my child to eat she huffed out pulling the bowl in front of her which she had pushed further away from her earlier.
Watching her lazily putting a piece of pineapple in her mouth munching on it her face has distaste written all over it after lunch we talked a little until I dropped her at her apartment.
The couple hours we spent was enjoyable just letting my guard down and have fun for once laughing at her lame attempt at jokes but her laughter was just too contagious pulling away when she walked in it was after twelve, we lost track of time not like either of us had anything else to do.
Alesha POV
"Sup Nico," I said cheerfully "someone's in a happy mood" he answered looking up from the newspaper "what do you mean am always happy" I respond after Gio dropped me off I just couldn't get this rid stupid smile off my face "that look on your face you only show that look especially when you see food" he pointed out.
"That's not true" I told him throwing my bag down on the steps "oh really then why does your face look much lighter and your eyes glistening" Nico mention tilting his mop head as the black hair fall over his green eyes with a shade of hazel and jade beautiful shade if you ask me "and why are you home so early young lady" he finishes the memories of what happened hours ago came rushing back.
"Well I met someone today" I paused he stared at me "he's more like an acquaintance and today when I got called into the principal office and there he was in all his glory" I informed him being a little extra making the awww sound with my hands in the air.
So I filled him in on what happened from the tour to the restaurant "so you're telling me you went with someone you only met like two times" Nico said in a serious tone causing me to frown why does everyone keep scolding me first it was Gio to eat those fruits even though I know they're good for me but who won't want sweets over fruits and now Nico.
"I'm not stupid Nico it's not like am crazy to make bad decisions" I defend myself "am not saying you are I just want you to be careful" Nico justifies "do you like him," he asked after a while "god no seriously I barely talked to the guy today was the longest" I answer shaking my head even though Gio's like capital A in attractive I can't see myself with someone like that especially the fact that I barely know him.
My phone started ringing taking it out of my bag to see Kelsey's pic "I have to take this see you around" I said getting up sliding the scan putting it to my ear locking the door.
"Rumors have it that you were seen going into a car with a sex on leg guy" Kelsey shouted I have to pull the phone away from my ear rolling my eyes of course gossips spread faster than wildfire "where did you go why were you in the car second what did the principal want" Kelsey throw questions not giving me time to answer.
"Shut up and give me time to explain" I yelled removing my clothes leaving me in my undergarments jumping on the bed "you lucky lucky bitch I fucking envy you," Kelsey said excitingly "we only had brunch so nothing interested happened," I told her "are you kidding me of course it's interesting when have you ever been in the presence of a drop dead sexy guy" she counters as she continued "now tell me, tell me oh gosh how did he smell? Let me guess does he smell like expensive cologne and a dash of heaven" Kelsey questioned.
"Bitch how the hell should I know what heaven smells like" I shout she scoffed "that's not the point" she retort "no fucking way can't believe you were in his presence and he talk to you" Kelsey screamed in delight she's clearly overthinking everything "what was he like how does he smell how was his voice tell me tell me tell me" she babbled on still wanting to know every bit.
"We only exchange few words and yes he smelt amazing maybe like heaven if I know what that smells like" I paused picturing what heaven would probably smell like "and yes his voice is smooth happy now" I told her "how does it feel to breath in the same air that of a sexy God?" she added in a dreamlike tone knowing Kelsey without a doubt she's probably biting her lip and twirling her hair and picturing the guy yes sadly she's the type of girl who gets turned on easily like a bloody light switch with just the sight of a sexy guy.
"Jeez, don't start getting creepy Kelsey I'll talk to you later" I said trying to end the conversation knowing her she'd want to know down every inch of Gio "oh no you don't missy you owe me that much while you were out having fun I had to pair up with farticus you have no idea how scar I am for life I swear I was gonna suffocate" Kelsey argued Daniel or what everyone called farticus because of his loud farts every minute stink known to man.
I laughed but stopped when she started cussing loudly "have to go lunchtimes up but this isn't over," Kelsey said strictly "yeah, yeah" I muttered hanging up letting out a loud sigh.
*****
He had tousled dark brown hair which was thick and lustrous Gio's eyes were attracting cold steel like blue, his face was strong and defined features molded from granite match his dark brows which were carved downwards in a serious expression.
With a sharp jawline and angular cheekbones, he looked down for a moment pouring himself a drink and bringing the alcohol to his lips the perfect lips ripe for kissing oh my did I just said that.
He looked bored he could have anyone in the club yet he'd rather sit in the corner when he could just have someone entertaining him with a face like that can stop you in your tracks. I guess he must get used to that, the sudden pause, when they pass by or ask for a dance or beg for attention he normally does, is ignored or dismiss them.
I wasn't prepared when he looked up blue meeting my brown eyes my brain was foggy mind baffled biting my lip and look away looking back up I wish I didn't only to see him taking a long stride towards me.
"Oh hey," I said when he sat down my finger drumming on the counter don't judge me he makes me nervous "you look exhausted" Gio respond "tell me about it" I said letting out a yawn it was after two I had to work overtime knowing I have school in the morning I wanted to scream out and tug on my hair from frustration.
"Am just waiting on someone to come and release me" I told him I can't just leave the bar unattended "Alesha" the familiar voice of my friend looking to see Casey walking over as she hands me a tray "what are you still doing here" she inquired I buzzed her in so she can come in "waiting for a release" I answered "fucking asshole" Casey cussed giving her a confused look "Macy was supposed to release you early because you have school in the morning just because she's screwing the boss gives her the right to slack off" Casey snapped.
"Leave I'll take over" she added "thanks," I told her looking over at Gio who was rocking a piss off look with his fist clenched on the countertop "hey can you give me a ride home" I asked him I was too tired to walk home plus it was extremely late I was never out this late and I didn't want to risk my safety.
"Sure go get your stuff" he replied "Alesha," Casey said giving me a confused look while she eyed Gio suspiciously "it's ok he's a friend" I told her, I think it's weird labeling someone I barely know Casey knew I don't talk to anyone so I know she was curious walking away to retrieve my bag.
Letting out a tiring sigh when my butt touches the comfy seat my eyes fighting to stay open as we drive out of the parking lot head leaning on the window slipping in and out of sleep I tried to keep my eyes open, but too drowsy it was so hard, and I was so comfortable the warmth of the heat around me my eyes began to drift closed.
Feeling a slight movement my eyes barely opened to see warm blue eyes staring back he wrapped his arms around me and I let my head rest upon his chest "what are you doing" I mumbled "I was about to wake you to give me directions to your apartment" Gio explained "it's ok thanks I can take it from here" I said trying to get out of his firm grip.
"You can hardly keep your eyes open I'd feel safer to at least bring you to your door," he told me nodding too tired to complain "you'll have to take the stairs and I probably weigh a ton" I muttered "nonsense you're light as a feather" Gio replied putting my hand around his firm neck holding me securely he headed to the stairs with me directing.
"Thanks again" I mention when he put me down "you're welcome" he replied "see you around bye Gio good night" I added smiling "good night Alesha" he waited until I'm inside to leave locking up and head to my room kicking off my shoes and climb in bed pulling the covers over and sleep with the dumb smile on my face.