21. Henry
I finally letGia’s hand go when we head down the stairs. I should have never held it to begin with because now I know what it feels like.
It feels damn good.
I give a quick knock at Hank and Betty’s front door before turning the knob and walking in. I close my eyes, throw my hand over them, and yell, “Holler if you’re indecent. We can go.”
“Oh, shut up and get in here, will ya?” Hank belly laughs from what I think is the kitchen.
Opening my eyes, I grin and look behind me to make sure Gia’s all set. “Hank, Betty, this is my friend Gianna. Gianna, meet Hank and Betty, my landlords and best friends.”
“Henry, if we’re your best friends, I’m glad you’ve got Gianna here because you’re in need.” Betty shoots me a wink as she stands from her La-Z-Boy chair. She comes over to us and pulls Gia into a hug. “It’s nice to see you, Gia. Hopefully you’re in a better headspace this trip to town?”
Confused, I watch the two.
“Oh, Betty! Oh wow, from The Well, right? That was quite the night.” Gia laughs, glancing my way before nodding to Betty. “Much better headspace this time around, thank you. No tequila necessary.”
That comment has my interest piqued.
“Well, we’ve only got tea today.” Hank walks into the living room, placing what looks like a fresh pot of tea on the coffee table. There are already four cups and a plate of cookies on the table. “Nice to meet you, Gianna. I hope Henry’s been a good friend to you while you’re in town.” He holds his hand out for a handshake, but when she goes to give him one, he pulls her in for one of his bear hugs.
“Hey, how come she’s getting all the love? Where are my hugs?” I joke, shaking my head at my two friends.
“Henry, if you don’t go pour us all some tea, I swear I’ll take the cookies straight back to the kitchen.” Betty shoots me a look, and I know she means business, so I just throw up my hands and do as I’m told.
Once we’re all seated with our tea, I take a deep breath. I didn’t know I was nervous for Gia to come meet Hank and Betty, but it’s clear that the feeling leaving my body as everyone chats easily is nerves.
Betty and Hank both put in the effort to get to know Gia, something I’m infinitely grateful for. Not only because it makes me happy that they get along, but also because I want to know the answers to the questions they’re asking too.
“So, do you travel a lot for work?” Betty snaps a cookie in half and hands one piece to Hank, who accepts it with a smile.
“Sometimes, yeah.” Gia’s face lights up before she dips her head to take a sip of her tea. “I do a lot of contract work. Sometimes it keeps me in Boston, but sometimes I get to travel like I am now. I’m really lucky that most of my work can be done remotely.”
“And how are you liking Colorado?” Hank sets his tea down and leans back in his chair. “Did you spend any time in Denver?”
“I’m really enjoying it. It’s beautiful here. I didn’t get a chance to explore Denver, but I’ve heard great things. Although I don’t know how it’ll beat being up here in Ever Lake. I’m hoping to explore a bit more, find some hidden gems.” She glances at me, almost in question, as she finishes speaking.
I’m getting ready to reassure her that I’m up for exploring and showing her any hidden gem she’d like when Betty interjects.
“Well, listen, have you been over to Gousten at all?”
“I haven’t.” Gia, shaking her head, reaches for a cookie.
“It’s just one town over. Real cute, not as cute as Ever Lake, but I’m biased. There’s this really nice Italian place, just opened recently. Hank and I were thinking of trying it out.” Betty turns a sly smile on her husband before looking back to Gia and me. “You and Henry should come. You can walk the small downtown area and explore a little.”
Any response I might have gets stuck in my throat as I gape at her. Hank doesn’t say anything, but he’s got a smug-looking smile on his face. It sounds a whole lot like Betty is trying to set us up, and I know for sure I told them both that this is a strictly friendly situation.
“Oh, no, I couldn’t—” Gia tries to decline, but Betty does what she does best.
“You’d be doing us a favor, really. We’ve been waffling about driving out there, but if we have you two to go with us, then we’ll make it a night out.” Her smile stretches, and she shoots me a not-so-subtle wink. “We need an excuse to get out of the house.”
The simple manipulation is as clear as day to me. They don’t need an excuse for anything. They go out more than I do these days, and they don’t care if they’re driving one town or ten towns over to do it.
I can see it because I know them, but I can tell by the look on her face that Gia doesn’t. She’s gonna fold and agree. Part of me knows I should speak up and call Betty on her bullshit. The other part of me has also been thinking about that Italian restaurant and wants to try it out with Gia. That’s the selfish part.
The part that ultimately wins out.
“Well, I guess we could.” She’s flicking that silver ring on her thumb. “But full disclosure, I come from a very Italian family, so I’m going to be critical. Maybe not aloud, but internally.”
Betty and Hank both laugh, and Gia joins in, stopping the ring spinning. It’s such an easy moment, and it has me brimming with warm, fuzzy feelings.
Not for the first time since we met, I start to wonder if anything with Gia was ever just about the sex. I quickly remind myself that there’s no sense in trying to analyze any of the feelings I’m having.
No sense at all. I promised her friendship, and that’s what we’ll have. It’s clear she’s not interested in me in any other capacity. As much as I’m starting to really wish she was.
“It’s a date!” Betty nods once with a sense of finality, and I have to bite back a groan at the phrase.
It’s not a date.
At least not for us.