Bittersweet

~~ Apologies & Invites ~~

Should I give him my number? He was obviously trying to make up for his father's shitty behavior.

It would be rude not to accept—wouldn't it?

And my friends would love a free night out. A perfect way to pay them back for all their support lately. "Sure. That's kind of you, Gabe—but you don't need to supply free drinks."

"Honestly, my pleasure. Perks of owning the place." He smiled, taking half a step back "So... your number?"

"Oh, right? 541 753-0319."

"Done." His eyes returned to mine, his entire face was lit up like I just told him he'd won the lottery. I blushed hard. "I will message you the address and you can let me know a good night for you... and your friends."

I nodded. "Sure and thanks, it's a really gracious gesture." We stood a few more minutes staring. "I'd better get back to J, before she sends out a search party."

He shoved his phones back inside his jacket. "Sure, yeah. And you look great by the way."  He paused as a strange almost frantic look crossed his face "Not that I meant you didn't look good before...you did, you do...you always look great."

Obviously he was being polite. My skirt was two sizes too big, a white blouse that was stretched way to tight across my breasts and my hair was bunched up rather messily on top of my head. My cheeks were about to burst in flame. "Oh thanks, you too." Now he on the other hand—looked mouthwateringly amazing.  In his impeccably tailed suit and the sexy the way he wore his tie, hanging loosely about his neck. 

Sexy?  Honestly, Jenna.  "Bye." I turned, heading inside, yanking at my blouse to release some trapped heat.

The next two hours flew by, ensuring all the guests were happy. My stomach weirdly somersaulted every time I sensed Gabe's eyes on me. On glancing his way, he would smile.

I had to admit; he had a nice smile. In fact, Gabe had a nice everything. Not that I would ever touch a Valentino again...not if they were the last man on earth—even so, I liked his smile.

~ ~

Slumping down on Janell's sofa, I kicked off my shoes. "My feet are killing me."

"Here." She handed me a glass of wine. "You've earned it."

"Thanks." I took the glass and rubbed my sore foot."

"Need I say, I told you so?" She fell next to me, our shoulders touching.

"Thanks, mom."

"Who was with you earlier... I know him from somewhere? He was smokin."

I cringed. "Tony's brother, Gabe."

"Damn, I thought I knew that face. Well, he got the looks and the body...Tony just got all the shite that was left over." She laughed. "And oh boy, does he fill out a suit. He looked damn edible."

I couldn't deny he was a handsome man.

"What did he want?"

"Weirdly, he owns a bar and invited me—me and you, us, my friends for a free night out on him."

Janelle sat up, looking at me directly. "Really, why?"

"God knows. Last time I saw him was the day that Marco questioned Ava's paternity. I literally chewed his ass out. I was a bitch. I'm amazed he talked to me."

She looked thoughtful. "Cool! You know me, always up for free drinks... and you can count on Frank and Adam.

"What about Mark?"

"Nah, bars aren't his style. Anyway, get back to the hot brother, I bet he could show you a good time."

I spat out my drink. "Really, J! The last thing I want is to be shown a good time by a Valentino."

"Okay, don't get your panties in a twist."

I reached for my phone to check for any message from Tony.

Zero.

There was, however, a message from an unknown number. I opened it.

** Hey, Jenna. It was great seeing you today and to see you smile. I hope you take me up on my offer and he is the link to find the bar. Gabe xx

"What are you smiling for?" questioned Janelle.

"Speak of the devil...It's from Gabe."

She grabbed the phone from my hand. "Hey! What you doin'?"

Her fingers busily typed away. "Replying. I know you, Jenna. You'll ignore it."

I tried to snatch it back. "J, hand it over."

"Sent!" A smug look on her face.

I looked at the message.

** Great seeing you too, Gabe. See you Friday. Jenna 😘 **

"Janelle, you sighed it off with a goddamn a kissy heart-face."

"Yeah, well, he started it, look two kisses.  She tapped the screen before shrugging her shoulders.

"And, I think you're forgetting something... or someone. I have Ava."

She shook her head firmly. "No, you're not fooling me. Asshole has her all weekend. You marked it on the calendar. So, no excuses." She bumped my shoulder. "And it's a free night out. Courtesy of a Valentino! About time you got something from them."

"I don't think Gabe's like that."

"Oh, defending him, are we?"

"No. He...seems nice, that's all. Not at all how Tony described him."

"And how did the asshole describe him?"

"Womanizer, I guess. Has children with lots of different women,  a player.  Deadbeat, he called him, and the family were ashamed of him." I'd never heard Vivi mention any other grandchildren, or speak badly of him. 

Had Tony lied?  Wouldn't be the first time.

Janelle scoffed, flicking her hand. "I personally wouldn't listen to a word from that asshole. And this coming Friday works for me. I'll text Frank and Adam too."

"Fine." I retorted. No backing out now. And strange as it was, I felt a slither of something shift inside—obviously nothing to do with Gabe.

Was it? ...Nah, of course not!