Rushing out of the elevator, I almost sprint towards the meeting room. I notice Tristan among the seated attendees and sigh in relief at the absence of father. Tristan tilts his head to the seat beside him and I take the seat. The moment my ass hits the chair, dad breezes into the room with his associates.
"You barely made it." Tristan whispers against my ear.
I whisper a 'sorry' back as all of us stand up till they take their seats. Dad surprisingly has a very pleasant smile on his face as he addresses everyone, "I know this was sudden but before we go further, I will like to confirm that we do not have a bad news, in fact it is a very good news."
Relieved sighs and happy murmurs fill the room which quietens when dad continues, "Our strategies played out perfectly and we have consistently grown for the past two months. We are way ahead of our competitors. Congratulations!"
All of us give a round of applause and some cheer excitedly. Even though the words haven't spoken aloud, I am certain that the competition we are addressing are the Romano's. My thoughts drift to the earlier conversation with Jace and how we were sarcastically making fun of this whole fiasco between our companies. It is exactly opposite here; everyone is always so animated when this comes up.
I wonder how it is at their company, is it the same hatred or do they laugh at this like Jace did earlier. I mean it probably isn't as deep for him, as it must be for the family considering he is just an employee. Although, five years is a long time, one's bound to attach themselves to the situation.
"So, we have to look out for that. Anyway, good job and keep working hard." I catch the last of his words and realise I missed most of it. Everyone starts vacating the room, congratulating dad on the way out. Tristan pulls me towards them and grab his attention.
He is standing beside our Uncle Nathaniel, who smiles wide on seeing me. "Hello, Gianna darling! Look at you." We share a quick hug, "How have you been?"
I smile, "Pretty good. Learning, trying to catch up and all that."
He nods sternly, "Oh I know you will, you are a very bright kid. I have trust in you. Right Michael?"
Dad nods back, "Sure, she will."
My heart swells at the faith he puts in me. I have wanted nothing in my life more than making dad feel proud. And even more since what happened with Lilah. Tristan, Dad and uncle engage in a conversation that I keenly observe. Uncle Nate, is the son of my dad's step uncle, which makes him my step-step-uncle but it doesn't matter. He is just our uncle, he has been with my dad for every step of his way, helping and motivating. Just like his dad with my grandfather.
There has never been a moment where this relationship hasn't felt blood related, we have love that goes beyond everything and I couldn't be prouder of my family. Grandpa Mateo, uncle Nate's dad has been severely sick for the past three years and I know it crushes him. And dad understands him the most as he lost grandpa at a very young age.
"He is currently being very difficult but I have it under control." He sighs tiredly.
"If you want, I can talk to Hunter. He is young, maybe he needs someone closer to his age to talk about his problems." Tristan expresses his concern.
Hunter, uncle Nate's son, hasn't been the same since he lost his mom at the age of seventeen. Even though all of us have tried to be there for him, he has consistently refused to accept anything. He isolates himself and barely keeps contact with any of us siblings. It worries uncle, even he dealt with the grief but it was different, he had to be strong for Hunter and he still does. Hopefully, Hunter gets better at least for his father.
"You could try. But do not let him disrespect you, I won't tolerate that." Uncle states sternly looking at him. He replies him with an assuring nod.
After chatting a bit more Tristan and I retreat back towards our cabins, He nudges me while we walk alongside each other, "So, what had you busy outside of office? Last time I checked You had no friends."
I gasp and slap his arm, "How rude of you!? I was out with someone."
He raises his eyebrows, "Someone?"
I nod and do not say anything further. He nudges me again but this time a lot harder, "Ow! Jeez, I was just talking to this guy I met recently."
He frowns, "Already!? You have only been back for a week?"
"So?" I ask perplexed.
He rolls, "Okay. Who is he?"
I shake my head, "I am not telling you now, not so soon."
"I need to know who my sister is dating! For safety reasons." He says getting offended.
I shove him lightly, "We are not dating yet. When we do, I'll tell you, okay?" Well, we'll be kind of dating if our date goes well but he doesn't have to know that. "Besides, I never ask who you date, do I? Wait, even if you do tell me, I'll lose count, right?"
He shakes his head in annoyance, "Whatever."
I chuckle and continue walking along the hallway. The next hour goes by swiftly and I gather my things to get home. Upon reaching, I greet mom in the living room and go to my room. With some music playing, I freshen up and get ready for dinner. The butterflies in my stomach do not rest and I feel like expressing this to someone. The lack of human interactions leaves with only on option and that is Lilah.
I text her, 'Hey, I wanted to talk. Are you free?'
I wait for her reply and notice that it is time for dinner. While, descending the stairs I receive her text.
'Sure, you want me to call?'
'Having, dinner. Later.' I text back.
'Is something wrong?'
'No. But something definitely wrong with me.' I text jokingly.
'What!? TELL ME, NOW. I cannot wait.' I can imagine her yelling.
Taking my seat at the dinner table I put my phone to the side. The rest of the family is already seated, making me realise I am late. We start eating and a moment later my phone receives a text, and I can guess who it is from.
"Tristan, you have the meeting with the team, right?" Dad breaks the silence.
"Yes dad, we have spoken about the current market and our rivals. Well, the brothers Silas and…." As their attention is elsewhere, I take the opportunity and swipe my phone of the table.
'IF YOU DO NOT TELL ME RIGHT NOW!'
I stop myself from chuckling and decide to give her an idea of what I am talking about.
'Okay, just know that I am going on a date this weekend and I think I have a big crush on him.'
'OMG. MY BABY SISTER HAS A CRUSH! WHO IS HE?'
"Gianna?" I Jerk my head towards my mom.
"Yeah?" I ask with a gulp.
"You will come, right?" I look at her blankly, "To shopping?"
I nod hurriedly, "To shopping? Yes, I will."
She gives me a concerned look but doesn't say much, and continues eating. Tristan hides his smile and shakes his head in fake disappointment. I kick on his foot with mine and he silently winces, making me smile.
After dinner all of us say our good nights and go back to our rooms. I lock my door and go out on the wide balcony, taking a seat on the plush love seat. Putting my phone to my ear I wait for Lilah to pick the call from the other end.
"OH MY GOD, GI! Tell me everything about him. It's been ages since the last time you talked about a potential love interest to me." She screeches from the other side, making me wonder how Kiara is dealing with this.
"Okay, but please stop yelling in my ear." I warn her.
"I'm waiting." She says in urgency.
"Alright, his name is Jace and I met him at a coffee shop. I actually, accidentally spilled coffee on him but that made us start talking and today, he asked me out." I finish smiling t the absurdity of the whole situation.
"Shut up. What in the hollywood is that?! But the whole thing is so cute, it is like you are meant to be." She says excitedly.
I bite my lip and pick at my fingernail, "There's this one thing..."
"What?" She asks with skepticism.
I swallow and continue, "He works at Romano and co."
I hear silence from her end and then a sigh, "Tell me one thing. How serious are you about this? Do you really, really like him?"
I blow out a breath and shuffle on my bed to lie down, "I don't how to say it but he just makes me all jittery and nervous. My heart pounds like crazy and I count down hours to go meet him. I have never felt like this before so maybe yes, I really, really like him."
"That's it then." I can hear the smile in her voice. "It is all that matters, so go for it. Don't hold back, this might never come back to you. So, cherish it and listen to your heart."
It feels nice to share this and get acknowledged that I am not crazy for doing this. It is okay for me to feel the way I am feeling and coming from Lilah my heart seems to rest for the first time since the last few hours. I smile happily with a new found confidence.
I talk for a couple of more minutes, talking about Kiara and how things have been with her. I tell her about work and how much I wish she was here with me. But we both know we could only dream for it to happen. Kiara has sworn to never return to the company and I cannot blame her for that decision. We both say our goodbyes and I get ready for bed. As my head hits the pillow, I fall into abyss with new found peace.