30. Mia
THIRTY
The engine purrsand vibrates through my bones as we weave through the arteries of Chicago. Renzo pulls into the parking spot of my favorite brunch spot, and I step out, rushing to get to my best friend.
The sun-dappled patio hums with the chatter of weekend brunch-goers as I spot Gabby waving from a table nestled in the corner. Her face lights up, mirroring my joy as we embrace, the familiar scent of her perfume enveloping me like a warm hug. It”s been too long since we”ve had a normal moment to catch up, just the two of us.
”Girl, look at you.” Gabby beams, her eyes dancing with glee, the kind that only true friendship can ignite. ”It”s like you”ve stepped out of a painting.”
“Me? Look at you. Ah-maz-ing as usual.”
We settle into the wicker chairs, the rough fibers pressing into my bare thighs. I catch a glimpse of Renzo scanning the crowd with a sharp intensity. His presence, though discreet, sends a flicker of unease through me—a reminder that even in these stolen moments of normalcy, the shadow of Dario”s world is never far behind.
I push the thought aside, focusing instead on Gabby”s animated chatter as she fills me in on the latest gossip. The sun bathes us in its generous warmth, the breeze carrying the tantalizing aromas of freshly baked pastries and rich coffee from inside.
A server approaches, her smile bright. ”What can I get for you ladies today?”
“We’ll have a carafe of pineapple mimosas for the table and a fruit platter to start,” I say quickly, placing our usual order.
“Very well. I’ll be back with your first round of drinks in a few minutes.” The server departs with our request.
I reach across the table and take my friend”s hand, squeezing it.
“It’s been so long since we’ve been able to do something normal,” Gabby states softly.
The last month has been a whirlwind ride for sure.
“I know. If you had told us two months ago that our lives would be flipped upside down like this, we would’ve laughed and said it was all lies. But look at us now, living a life we only read about.”
“Hmm. I wonder who would play me in the movie version?”
We laugh at the absurdity we find ourselves entangled in. The reality is it’s all true.
“So, how are things?” I ask, not knowing if she’s aware of the most recent developments but also not wanting to share any information that will keep her on edge.
The server returns with the two glasses and the carafe of Mimosas, pouring our first drink. Another server brings the fresh fruit tray and sets it on the table.
“Let me know if there is anything else I can get you.”
We acknowledge them with a nod and smile, and they both leave.
“Not much. Rafael, that man is like a guardian angel, I swear.” She stabs at a few pieces of fruit and places them on one of the small plates in front of us.
I arch an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. ”Oh? Do tell.”
”He”s been working overtime to make sure my family is safe, Mia. Ever since that incident with the community center, he”s barely left our side. I don”t know what I”d do without him.”
Hearing her talk about how Rafael’s been there consistently makes my heart swell with gratitude. Knowing that my extended family is being watched comforts me.
I raise an eyebrow, swirling the flute of juice and fizzy champagne. ”Oh? Is that all he”s protecting?” I tease.
Heat tinges her cheeks as she dissolves into peals of laughter, confirming my suspicions about her new potential relationship with Rafael.
I can”t help but laugh, the innuendo hanging in the air between us. ”Oh, I bet he”s guarding that booty like it”s the crown jewels!”
The laughter between us is infectious, mingling with the clinking of silverware and the soft strains of jazz floating from the speakers—a much-needed dose of normalcy. The lightness of the moment hangs between Gabby and me like a delicate bubble, with the fragility of our brief pause in the air.
I set my mimosa down, and beads of condensation race down the flute.
Gabby”s gaze meets mine, alight with unspoken questions.
“Honestly, I”m just glad you have someone looking out for you, Gabs. With everything going on, it”s good to know you”re in safe hands.”
Gabby”s expression softens, her eyes shimmering with gratitude.
”Speaking of guardians,” I begin, my voice steady despite the fluttering in my chest, ”Dario and I are weaving together plans for our wedding.” The words taste like a new beginning on my tongue—bittersweet and hopeful.
Gabby leans forward, her interest piqued. ”Tell me everything,” she urges, her hands clasped as if to catch every detail I”m about to spill.
”It”s going to be small, just family and close friends,” I confide, tracing the rim of my glass with a finger, feeling the cool edge beneath my finger. ”Something that mirrors the makeup of our connection.”
”Sounds perfect,” Gabby murmurs, her eyes reflecting the dreams I dare to dream.
I continue, the vision crystallizing with each word. ”Dario”s mother and sister are flying in from Italy, and I can’t wait to see them again. And, of course, you”ll be right there by my side.”
Gabby”s eyes widen, her hand flying to her heart in mock surprise. ”Me? In a fancy Italian wedding? I don”t know if I can handle the pressure.”
I swat at her playfully, my laughter bubbling up like the effervescent drink in my glass.
”Oh, stop it! You”ll be the most stunning bridesmaid in the history of bridesmaids. And besides,” I add, my voice softening, ”I couldn”t imagine doing this without you.”
Gabby”s teasing grin fades into a smile of genuine affection, her eyes misting over with emotion. ”I wouldn”t miss it for the world. You know that.”
As we sip our mimosas, I open up about the other preparations underway—the menu tastings, the dress fittings, the endless lists of details that seem to multiply by the day. But amidst the whirlwind of planning, one thing anchors me, one beacon of hope guiding me through the chaos.
”My dad”s doing better,” I murmur, my voice thick with relief. ”The round-the-clock care is helping. The doctors say he should be back on his feet in time to walk me down the aisle.”
Gabby reaches across the table to clasp my hand, her touch warm and reassuring. ”Mia, that”s wonderful news! I know how much it means to you to have him there.”
I nod, blinking back the tears that suddenly threaten to spill over. ”It”s just… with everything that”s happened, all the uncertainty and the fear… knowing that he”ll be there, that he”ll be able to give me away…” I trail off, my throat tightening with emotion.
Gabby squeezes my hand, her eyes shining with understanding. ”He”s a fighter, Mia. Just like you. And he will be so proud to see you up there, radiant and in love.”
I smile through my tears, my heart swelling with gratitude for the unwavering support of my best friend. ”Thank you, Gabby. For everything.”
As we finish our meal, I share another piece of news. “And my mom… she’s been working on this incredible project—a healthcare clinic right in the heart of the city. She wants to bring quality care to underserved communities and make a real difference in people”s lives.”
Gabby”s eyes widen, and her expression is one of awe and admiration. “Mia, that”s amazing. Your mom is a true force for good in this world.”
I nod, my chest swelling with love and respect for the incredible woman who raised me. ”She”s always been my role model, you know? Strong, compassionate, fearless in the face of adversity. I hope I can make her proud.”
Gabby reaches out to tuck a stray curl behind my ear, her touch gentle and reassuring. ”Mia, you already do. Every single day.”
As we linger over the last sips of our mimosas, I find myself savoring this moment of normalcy, this brief respite from the chaos and danger that seems to lurk around every corner. But even as I bask in the warmth of Gabby”s friendship, I can”t shake the feeling of eyes on me, the prickle of unease that raises the hairs on the back of my neck.
I”ve learned to trust my instincts. And right now, every fiber of my being is screaming that something is about to go terribly wrong.
A sudden chill washes over me as I catch a glimpse of a figure across the street, their gaze fixed on Gabby and me with an unsettling intensity. The man”s eyes bore into us, cold and calculating, sending a shiver down my spine. I fight the urge to shudder, to let the fear show. Instead, I maintain my composure.
Discreetly, I signal to Gabby.
”Don”t look now,” I murmur, my voice low and urgent, ”but we”re being watched.”
Gabby”s eyes widen, panic flashing across her face briefly before she regains control. She leans in, her voice a forced whisper. ”What do we do, Mia?”
”Just play it cool,” I instruct, my tone steady despite the hammering of my heart. ”Don”t draw attention. Act like everything”s normal.”
Beneath the table, I reach casually for my phone, my fingers flying across the screen as I text Dario.
Me: I think we”re being followed. I’m at brunch with Gabby. Tell Renzo.
I hit send, praying he”ll get the message in time.
Gabby fidgets in her seat, her unease palpable. ”Mia, who is that guy? What does he want?”
I shake my head, my gaze never leaving the menacing figure. ”I don”t know, Gabby. But we can”t let him know we”ve spotted him.”
”What if he tries something?” Gabby”s voice wavers, fear creeping into her tone.
I reach out, grasping her hand in a reassuring squeeze. ”Renzo won’t let him, and Dario is aware. We just need to stay calm and wait for Dario to respond.”
Gabby nods, drawing in a shaky breath. ”Okay. Okay, I trust you, Mia.”
We continue, unfazed by the stranger’s presence or the building anxiety.
The vibration of my phone in my pocket startles me, and I fumble to retrieve it, my fingers clumsy with adrenaline. Dario”s name flashes across the screen, a beacon of hope amid this unfolding nightmare.
”It”s Dario,” I whisper to Gabby, my voice barely audible above the din of the city.
Dario: Don’t draw attention. You’re going to get up and pay your tab as you normally would, and then you and Gabby are going to walk back to your studio.
I frantically shoot him a reply.
Me: Walk?!?!
The three dots of doom dance on the screen.
Dario: Yes. Renzo will trail you, but we need him to follow you. Please, Bella, remain calm and don’t let him know you’re on to him.
I take a deep breath, drop my phone in my purse, and smile.
“What did he say?” Gabby questions anxiously.
”We just need to stay calm and get out of here without drawing attention.”
“Got it. We can do that.” Gabby closes her eyes for a second, and a stray tear falls.
I wipe it away and offer her a reassuring smile. “It’s going to be okay,” I comfort her even though I’m not even sure myself.
The flashback from the night that one guy tried to kidnap me and Dario stopped him dead in his tracks comes flooding back to my memory. I shake it off and toss out a fake laugh.
“Come on, girl, let”s go to the studio. I haven’t been there in a while, and I miss it,” I say aloud, giving her clues about the next move.
We rise from our seats, our movements calculated and inconspicuous. I can feel the weight of the stranger”s gaze on my back as we make our way inside to settle the bill, my heart pounding in my chest with every step.
As we approach the counter, I catch a glimpse of the man from the corner of my eye, passing by the windows with a purposeful stride. My sight follows him, a sense of dread settling in my stomach. I know, with a chilling certainty, this is only the beginning. I settle our bill, and we exit.
Stepping out onto the bustling sidewalk, I turn my head slightly to confirm his presence behind us, his footsteps echoing like a foreboding drumbeat. Gabby and I walk side by side, our pace steady and unhurried, our conversation light and carefree - a carefully crafted facade masking the tension that lingers in the air, thick and suffocating.
With each step, my heart races, pounding against my ribcage as if it might burst free at any moment. My senses are heightened, every sound amplified, every movement magnified. I strain to hear the stranger”s breathing, to gauge the distance between us, but the disharmony of the city drowns out all else.
Beside me, Gabby”s hand trembles ever so slightly, betraying the fear she tries to conceal. I give her a reassuring squeeze, a silent reminder that we”re in this together and will make it through this unscathed.
As we navigate the crowded sidewalk, I notice Renzo in my peripheral vision, his presence a comforting weight. The knowledge that he”s ready to react, to intervene if the situation escalates, brings a small measure of comfort to my frayed nerves.
We arrive outside my studio’s door. I put the key in the lock and turn, opening the door.
“Dario would be so mad if he knew I came here without his knowledge,” I say with a cheerful tone, keeping up the fa?ade of being unbothered when in actuality, I’m about to lose my shit.
“Girl, he’ll get over it. Let’s go see if the equipment needs to be charged.”
We step inside with the stranger close behind.