The Plot

Chapter 4

Gabriella grinned, feeling more relaxed that the woman didn't scowl at her then slam the door in her face- That was what Neil's mother did. Gabriella would never forget that day. She pushed those memories to somewhere she'd forget them. "Thank you. It's nice to finally meet you."

Forget Neil and all the troubles Gabriella. That was then. This is now.

Rosaline invited them in. They walked into the living room to find a old man with a full head of grey hair standing in front of the TV watching a movie.

Andrew walked towards the old man. "Grandpa." His grandfather turned then tackled him with a hug when he realized it was his grandson.

"Gio, my boy!" He stepped back to observe the well being of his grandson. It wasn't long before he looked at Gabriella.

She waved, "Hi, I'm Gabriella."

He walked over and gave her a hug. "Hello I'm Marco, Andrew's grandpa."

Gabriella gave Rosaline the cupcakes and she thanked her. "Now, I don't mean to be rude but are you pregnant?" Andrew choked on the water that he was sipping.

"No, I'm not pregnant." Gabriella was sure her face was beetroot red.

"Grandma why would you even ask that?" He asked after getting over his coughing fit.

"Well, it's just that you've never brought anyone home; then suddenly, you start talking about your fiancé! I didn't even know that you had a girlfriend!" She folded her arms and pouted at Andrew.

Andrew chuckled. He went to his grandma's side and slinged his arm over her shoulder. "I'm sorry grandma but I wanted
to keep it private until I felt the time was right."

She sighed, "Well I'm glad that you finally brought her to meet us. Come on let's go meet the others outside. And I'm sorry if that came over rude Gabriella." She looked apologetic.

"It's okay Ms Rosaline." They followed his grandparents into the backyard where a table was being set up near the pool.

"Aunt Maria." Andrew said; the lady stopped what she was doing to look at Andrew. her dark brown shoulder length hair blew in the wind as she ran towards him.

"Baby Gio!" She stretched out to hug him then she ruffled his hair, even though she was shorter than him.

She said as she pointed at Gabriella, "Who is she?"

"This is Gabriella, my fiancé."

"Nice to meet you Gabriella," She shook Gabriella's hand firmly. "For a minute there I thought my baby nephew here was knocking swords. You know what I mean?" She winked and they laughed at Andrew's expense. He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

A man rested some plates on the table then walked to them. "Uncle Vinny, this is Gabriella." Andrew placed his hand around her waist and pulled her closer to him. She and his uncle greeted each other. Vinny and Maria walked off to set the rest of the table.

Andrew turned to her, "Are you okay?"

Gabriella was lost in the reverie of his appearance. His cheeks and jawline looked more prominent, his brown eyes looked mesmerizing in the sunlight. She could tell that he was taking time to watch her, taking in every detail just as she was doing to him. He glanced at her lips for a split second and it didn't go unnoticed by her.

She was fighting the butterflies in her stomach left, right and center. To her, she wasn't supposed to be feeling giddy about him just yet. I'm not ready.

She nodded, "I'm fine."

"Okay."

"Hey lovers," Rosaline shouted. "Over here!" Everyone was gathered at the already. They broke apart from their little bubble. Gabriella was blushing profusely. They sat and began eating; conversation carried on while she mainly stayed quiet unless someone asked her a question. Other than that she observed the family.