1. Back in Touch
1
BACK IN TOUCH
GIOVANNA
When I came to Boston, I never imagined I would come across Tyler again. Working at Penthouse L.A. kept me secluded from my clients outside the club. So, seeing him here, three thousand miles away from where we first met, was a shock for both of us. I tried to play it cool for his sake, but it was clear he wasn’t happy to see me. Client confidentiality was always a top priority for me, even if it was just one encounter.
To make matters even more surprising, Tyler knew my father. It was a small world, indeed. If I’d known that beforehand, there was no way I would’ve let things progress between us that night.
I’d done my best to avoid him because it was obvious he wanted nothing to do with me, and I didn’t blame him. He’d paid me for what he called at the time, the greatest sex of his life . Men and women always said stuff like that to me, so I was no stranger to those types of compliments. They usually thought it’d either get them a discount, or I’d be so blown away by their gesture, and run away with them.
In his case, I knew he was just drunk and going through some things. I might have been bad with most people’s names, but I never forgot a face. Tyler was different from the rest. I remembered both, and I’d just might have run off with him if he’d asked me to.
On that fateful day at the cemetery, as we crossed paths once again, it was clear he was only being nice for Luke’s sake. But I didn’t hold it against him. I respected it. He was selfless that way. Both Luke and Jade had been kind to me since the day we met, as had everyone else in their family. And I knew Tyler’s love for them all ran deep, so he couldn’t bring himself to disappoint Luke by treating me coldly.
After the sudden and unexpected death of my father, I was thrust into the role of inheritor, becoming responsible for his entire estate. It was a decision I’d never known about until our family’s attorney called me back to New York, summoning me with a heavy heart and an even heavier list of my father’s final wishes and all his assets.
I’d always thought my immediate family would share in my father’s wealth, but after his passing, we all seemed to drift apart.
My oldest brother, Carmine, had already been serving a lengthy prison sentence when our father died. Enzo had been spending all his existing money on lavish trips to impress women in different countries each week. I was pretty sure most of his income came from some business he had with a drug cartel in Mexico. And Luca had taken a hiatus from the entertainment business, disappearing from our lives entirely.
Not long after moving out of my old apartment, I stumbled upon a stunning two-story, corner penthouse. It was situated eight floors above a retail store on the corner of Newbury Street and Massachusetts Avenue in Boston. As soon as I stepped inside and saw the breathtaking views of downtown, the historic Back Bay brownstones, and the Charles River, I knew it was where I belonged. The spacious rooms were flooded with natural light, and every detail exuded luxury and sophistication. Something I needed now. It was time for a fresh start.
I’d not planned to return to Euphoria or Luxe, though I gave Luke my new phone number before we parted ways at the cemetery. I was thankful to all of them for being so kind and to Luke for giving me a job, but I still didn’t know if I’d go back at that point.
Another eleven months went by, and I finally wanted to reach out to Kirsten. We’d become good friends during my short time there, and I felt like I owed her an apology for just vanishing for over a year. She was a bit closed off to new people, so there was no telling if she’d even be happy to hear from me again.
Standing in the kitchen in nothing but a yellow thong, and black off-the-shoulder crop top, I finished stirring the homemade ragu I’d prepared, then set the long wooden spoon on the spoon rest. Picking up my phone, I scrolled over to her contact photo, sending her a quick text.
Hey, it’s Gia. This is my new number. Sorry I disappeared on you. When you’re off again I’d love to hang if you’re up for it and we can talk about it.
I put my phone down on the white marble countertop with the screen facing up. Shortly after, it showed as read , and the three little dots bounced.
OMG! Girl! I’ve been so worried about you!
What are you doing tonight?
Hmm . I sucked my bottom lip into my mouth, thinking about how to respond. The thought of being invited back to the club on a Friday night made me tense with apprehension. I wasn’t sure I was ready to see everyone, and I’d been dodging texts again.
Staying in and cooking
I’d invite you over but I know you have to work
Living on my own, I still cooked big Italian meals from scratch, enough to feed an entire army. I loved the thought of cooking for a big party or for a family, however that was something I’d never have at this point.
But the way the kitchen came alive with aromas of herbs, spices, sauces, and dough, made me feel anything but lonely. Cooking and baking were two of my passions, and with so much food left over, I’d divide it into meal-sized portions and store them in the freezer for future use. I was slowly becoming my Nonna.
Nope. The club’s closed this weekend.
Closed?! They never closed for an entire weekend. Unless Mr. Knight wanted to cover up a massacre or something else equally drastic, there was no reason to close. With him, there was no telling what could’ve happened. I almost giggled at the thought then quickly realized how morbid that made me.
What if I come over and cook with you?
I made Italian food so it’s already on the stove and I don’t let non-Italians touch my peep’s food
LMFAO ok that’s fair!
Haha Just come over and hang and we’ll eat
Send me your address and I’ll be over at 6 is that cool?
Sounds good! See ya then!
As soon as I sent her my address, I threw myself into several tasks. Between checking on the food and baking bread, I also managed to squeeze in some chores. It was odd, yet satisfying, so domesticated after my time at Penthouse L.A. Looking back now, I realized how much of a prisoner I’d been in that club, unable to see it at the time. But now, I was free to live life just the way I wanted.
At exactly 6:05 p.m., I buzzed her up from downstairs, and a few minutes later, she rang my doorbell. I swung open the door to find her beaming at me, a bottle of wine in hand.
“Hey heyyy!” she greeted me before wrapping her arms around me in a warm hug. “Your hair! It’s black and?—”
“Hey, yeah, yeah, yeah, its natural color again.” I embraced her in return for a moment before stepping back. “Come in.”
She waltzed through the doorway, her eyes widening at the sight of the spacious living area. “Hole... lee... shit.” Her gaze swept over the twenty-foot wall of windows and the open floor plan. “Girl,” she turned to face me, “daddy must’ve left you some serious money.”
Some people might have been offended by that comment after losing their father, but Kirsten had never been one to walk on eggshells. I appreciated her blunt honesty because I was the same. A giggle escaped my lips before I could stop it, and she gasped, realizing her crass statement.
“It’s okay!” I quickly reassured her, walking over to take the bottle of wine from her hands. “Thank you! Let me grab a wine key.” Striding into the kitchen, I set the bottle down on the island while she explored the first floor of my home with wide eyes.
As she strolled through the spacious living room, her gaze took in both sitting areas, one facing a large flat-screen television and the other positioned in front of a striking feature wall adorned with a fireplace nestled between two expansive windows. However, my favorite spot was the latter, where I often found solace in curling up with a good, spicy book. The entire downstairs exuded an elegant and sophisticated vibe, tastefully decorated in a monochromatic palette of black and white with gold accents adorned throughout.
“So happy I didn’t have to work tonight,” she beamed, coming to a stop on the other side of the counter. “I needed a night off and so glad you texted.”
I picked my glass up. “Yeah, what’s up with that?”
After taking a gulp of her beverage, she pressed her lips into a thin line, leaning on her elbows. “The Jigsaw room we weren’t supposed to see? Well, it’s finally being gutted for something else, and I think the guys didn’t want to take the chance of anyone seeing what was going on, so they had to wait until now. Tyler told me more security features are also being installed so that explains it too. And something with Luxe is happening, but I don’t know what. He’s keeping it a huge secret from everyone but Luke.”
“Ah, okay.” I didn’t know what else to say. Since I was no longer there, I wondered if I’d been privileged to the information or left in the dark. Would I even still be Luke’s assistant or helping run Luxe? My thoughts drifted away into an inner monologue before I heard my name.
“Gia!”
Startled, I jumped back, almost dropping my glass. “What?!”
“I said your name like four times,” she giggled, playfully pouting. “Anyway, you have to come back. Pleaseee!”
“I ran into Luke and Tyler almost a year ago and they both told me to come back but?—”
“But nothing!” She rolled her eyes. “You were great at your job, and you can float back and forth between the clubs if that’s what makes you happier.”
“Who’s currently doing my job over at Luxe?” Curiosity got the best of me, and I had to know. I hated the thought of anyone messing up what I helped build.
She rolled her eyes again. “Some girl who’s really into Tyler. Your sassy ass can put her in her place.” She shook her head. “I can’t believe Mila’s been gone for over a year now. They always seemed like an odd couple, but she was nice at least.”
Picking up my glass, I took a sip of wine and set it down. I knew Tyler and I didn’t have anything between us, but I found myself protective over him at the moment. He’d been through a lot, and I’d watched him from a distance, trying to only be available for his family on his own terms. I never wanted to intrude, hurt anyone, or even get in the way, despite him snapping at me a few times before I disappeared.
Sighing, I shook my head. “I’m not exactly sure that me going back will solve anything.” I stared off over her shoulder at the windows.
“Oh my God!” She cackled, calling my attention back to her, and sat on the bar stool. “You like him!”
“No!” I scoffed. “It’s complicated, and the dude is probably still grieving.” I averted my gaze, taking a gulp of the wine.
“I want every single detail.” Leaning forward eagerly, she bit her bottom lip.
“I don’t want to gossip.”
“Number one,” she snickered, reaching for the wine bottle and pouring herself another glass, “it’s not gossip if it’s about you.” She set the bottle down, placing her drink to her lips. “Number two, I’ll be left to assume you’re jealous of your replacement if you don’t tell me,” she grinned wide, “and number?—”
“It’s not my place to say because it involves him too…” I sighed, realizing how I was sounding, “…and he might not want anyone else knowing,” I mumbled under my breath.
“Wait,” she said, lifting her hand, “Anyone else? What happened between you guys?” She gasped. “Did he cheat on Mila with you?!”
“What?!” I huffed. “No, never.”
Fuck . Realizing I’d backed myself into a corner, I let out a breath before I took another sip of my drink. “Kirsten, you cannot tell a single soul. I’d never wanna disrespect him. Jade and Luke already know, and I’m not sure who else knows by now.”
“Well,” she snorted, “clearly not the whole club, yet.”
“And I want to keep it that way, for real.”
She made a cross over her chest. “You have my word. I know nothing.”
I thought back to that night, when Tyler came into Penthouse L.A. but I wasn’t ready to relive the night entirely. Thinking about how to put it in the most minimalist way possible, I finished the rest of my drink. Eyes broad, she pulled it to her, refilling it for me, then slid it back over.
“Okay.” I tapped a fingernail on the glass stem. “When I worked out in L.A.,” I lifted a hand, “and way before Tyler was even in a relationship, “he came into the club. After seeing me dance, he bought some time with me and we… yeahhh.”
“You fucked Tyler freaking Prescott?!”
Ignoring the question, I took a sip of wine, lifting my brows.
“Giovanna, whatever your middle name is, Aggio!”
“Elena,” I tittered.
“What the fuck ever!” She folded her hands together under her chin, resting her elbows on the counter. “Tell me everything!”
“I’ve told you all I’m going to.” I wiggled my eyebrows. “But no wrongdoings were done, and it was a one-time thing. Needless to say, when we ran into one another on the other side of the country, we were both just as shocked.”
“Just tell me this,” she grinned, “was he as good as he looks like he’d be? Have you seen that man in grey sweatpants? In ANY pants even. My God, the bulge.”
I almost choked on my drink as I let out a nervous laugh and set the glass down. I picked up a napkin from the brass holder on the counter. “He wasn’t wearing sweatpants in the club.” Pausing, I did my best to hide behind the paper, pushing the thoughts of his perfect dick out of my head.
“Oh my God,” she cackled, “you slut. You loved it!”
Rolling my tongue between my lips, I cocked a brow. “I’ll just say, he wasn’t a client I ever forgot.”
The timer on the sauce beeped, and I spun around to check on it. Thankfully, that was enough to divert the topic to anyone else but Tyler and me. I trusted her not to breathe a word to anyone. A couple of hours passed while we chatted about normal club stuff and life while we ate and cleaned up.
She suggested we go out for a girls’ night. She didn’t know how to relax, and I was just needing to get the conversation about the past out of my head. Reluctantly, I agreed, but it was probably because I was feeling moderately tipsy at that point. By the end of dinner, we’d finished two bottles of wine and took the train to Enigma; one of the upscale clubs downtown.
The building’s exterior reminded me of a restored shipyard warehouse with a mid-century modern-industrial interior. Unlike other clubs, it didn’t feel gross as we made our way through the packed black and gold room with teal, marble floors. Kirsten hooked her arm in mine as we weaved between grinding bodies.
Ah shit, that’s Gia Aggio! Someone close to us shouted. First time I’ve seen her since her dad died, another called out. I thought she was back in New York!
Sometimes I forgot who I was. My family was well known due to their business practices. We were often on the news. Originally, I’d dyed my hair pink to try to disguise myself a little when I needed the freedom, but now that it was back to its natural color, I was easily identifiable. Right now, I didn’t like that.
One of the male bartenders smiled in our direction, making his way over as we approached the bar. “Hey, K!”
“Hi, Pauly!” she called out over the crowd and music as she leaned between people at the bar.
“What can I get you, ladies?”
She glanced at me.
“Just water for now,” I replied.
“Boooo,” she sang in a deep voice, “that’s boring. We’re getting drunk tonight. I’m still processing what you told me, and this is my night off.”
“Fine.” Snorting, I rolled my eyes, calling out to the bartender, “White Russian, please.”
“And the usual Negroni for me, thank you.”
“Sure thing!” He picked up two glasses and lifted his chin over her shoulder. “Want me to have Leah deliver them over there to your friends?”
“What?” we asked at the same time, then glanced behind us to see Chance and Amber, with a few others crowded around a table in a black half-booth and modern, leather chairs. They were throwing back shots and having the time of their lives. That’s when someone stepped out of the way, and I saw Tyler on the other side of Amber, laughing hard at something someone said. Shit . Kirsten turned to me with a wide grin.
I tilted my head. “Um, no.”
“Giaaa,” she sang.
“No, Kirsten.” I rolled my eyes.
“Gia,” she repeated with faux seriousness. “That’s her.” Crossing her arms, she nodded toward the table.
“Who?”
“The blonde next to Tyler.” She leaned closer to my ear, speaking over the music. “That’s Victoria, the one I told you wanted him.”
“Ladies!” Pauly called out, and we turned around. He handed our drinks to Kirsten, and she gave me the White Russian, holding hers up. “Thanks love.” She winked at him, then spun toward the table.
“You don’t have to pay?”
She bent toward me again, laughing as we sashayed through the crowded room. “Gave him a mind-blowing BJ once, and he’s given me free drinks since. He’s no Declan O’Brien but he’s a scrumptious toy and tips me well.”
I cackled. “What’s going on with you guys these days any—” My sentence fell short when I realized we’d walked right up to the Euphoria table.
Amber was the first to see us, springing to her feet and throwing her arms around me. “Ahhhh, Gia!” She leaned away, her palms still on my shoulders. “Holy shit! Are you back?” She paused then gasped. “And with black hair?!”
Chance stood, leaning over and giving me a hug as well. “Damn girl, what’s uppp,” he greeted before pressing his lips to my ear, whispering loudly, “You heard from Luca?”
Digging my nail into my ear, where the vibration of his words tickled, I shook my head. “No, and I don’t want to either. Not any time soon.”
“Fair.” He didn’t dare say more as he lifted his glass to his lips, taking a swig of his liquor. “Well, welcome back.”
Overwhelmed, I darted my eyes back and forth between him and Amber, ready to divert the topic that still scarred me. “First of all, I’m not back quite yet.” I tugged at a strand of my hair playfully. “And yesss, I wanted a change for now. Didn’t feel really pink for a while.”
Chance draped his arm around my shoulder as Kirsten took a seat next to Chance’s younger sister, Lizzie. “Everyone, this is the girl we were telling you about who abandoned the club, but I love her anyway. We go way back.”
“Stop.” I laughed, pressing a hand to his side, scanning the few unfamiliar faces in the group. “I’ve merely been taking a break.”
“So, you are coming back then?” Amber asked as she took a seat, waving me over to sit between her and Tyler.
“I…” I flickered my gaze to his, then back to hers, “I don’t know right now.”
“Well sit!” Chance ordered teasingly. “And maybe we can talk you into it after some drinks. You’re like the sister I never had.”
“Hey!” Lizzie whined playfully.
“Shut up, hater,” Chance shot back.
“I’m telling Jenna that!” Amber taunted.
I giggled, weaving through between the table and them, sitting between her and Tyler. Not wanting to be completely weird, I twisted to him with a cordial smile. “Hi.”
“Hi,” he replied, studying me for a moment, “how have you be?—”
“Hey!” Victoria beamed, reaching her hand across him, causing him to lean back surprised. “I’m Victoria but my friends call me Tori!”
I was taught from a very young age that you never reach in front of people. It’s rude and you avoid shaking hands whenever possible. You never know where their hands have been. Grinning, I held up my glass, then guided the straw to my lips with my other fingers. “Nice to meet you,” I murmured with a faux smile barely above the music.
Awkwardly, she withdrew her hand, and the corner of Tyler’s lips twisted up in subtle amusement. “Why’d you quit the club?” she asked loudly with a slight sneer in her tone. “Was Luxe just too much for you to handle?”
Instantly, I tensed up. I knew Tyler felt it. Before I could reply, he spoke for me. “She’s been doing some family stuff.”
His reply was way nicer than mine would’ve been. A part of me wanted to slap that smile right off her face. I only offered Tyler a polite nod before turning my attention back to everyone else. Trying to remain still in my little space, I took several shots with everyone, chatting about life away from the club. But it wasn’t long before Chance began grabbing every bottle of liquor in the center of the two tables.
“No, babe,” Amber laughed, pulling his arm into her lap with a teasing grin.
“Chance,” Lizzie reached across, snatching the bottle of Patron. “Don’t mix this one in that shit!”
“Oh shit!” he gasped sarcastically. “Is that Ashton?!”
“What?!” She almost broke her neck twisting back. He yanked the bottle out of her hand, causing her to whirl around. “Thank you!” he chuckled.
“I’m not drinking that shit, bro.” Tyler shifted in his seat.
His deep voice cut through the music, causing my hair to flutter against my neck. I was too nervous to look toward him. And being nervous was something I never was. Though he was beside me, I could feel him. His mood, his thoughts, everything. It’d never been that way for me when it came to men. Only him.
Before, when he and I hooked up, he shared so much with me that, had he been sober, I would’ve thought we shared a genuine connection. I even opened up to him about my real life, but not about my family. That was probably one of the many reasons he stood out in my mind from any of the others. I never opened up to clients. And now, it was easy to tell, my presence annoyed him.
“I’ll take a few shots with you!” Victoria shouted at Chance.
Ignoring her, he darted his gaze to me and then eyed the liquor he was pouring. “Mafia Princess, you ready to make the news with me?”
I laughed, now feeling like I’d crossed the threshold from tipsy to drunk. “How could I ever turn down THE Chance Hardwin?” I replied with total sarcasm.
Phones flashed in our direction with every move we made. He nodded toward the crowd as he handed me the shot glass, mocking our popularity. “They’re all ready to be the first to leak this.”
“Then let’s give them what they want,” I snorted, yanking it out of his hand. “How bad can it be?”
“You’re going to die, girl!” Amber laughed loudly.
Sniffing the glass, I gagged. “Oh God, Chance, this smells so gross.”
“It’ll run down the throat like gangbang cum.” He picked up a shot, holding it up toward me as everyone around us watched in amusement.
“How would you know?!” I countered.
“Fuck off!” he snorted. “To your return,” he furrowed his brow, “for good this time.”
Instantly, I felt sick, but it wasn’t the alcohol. I felt like I’d let everyone down. Chance didn’t even work at the club, but I glimpsed Amber and Kirsten, who were watching with pleading eyes.
“That’s not fair,” I snickered.
“Gia,” Chance reached over, placing his hand under my glass and lifting it to my lips, “drink with me and say yes .”
I tittered, lifting the glass to my mouth and gulping it back at the same time he did. Gagging, I almost spit it out but swallowed it reluctantly. “Oh my God!” I choked, setting the empty cup down. “That was way more disgusting than it smelled!”
“Welcome to drinking with Chance!” Amber held up her shot, throwing it back with Kirsten.
After mixing us two more, and us downing them, the song throughout the club switched to Amber’s headline song that she danced to at Euphoria. She leapt up. “I’m off tonight, but that’s still my cue!” Holding her hand out to Lizzie, she shimmied in place.
“Babe,” Chance scoffed, “anyone but my sister.”
“Geez, it’s not like I’ll get naked… here,” Lizzie joked.
With a wide grin, Amber whirled around to me, pointing as she danced her fingers to the beat.
I shook my head. “I’m good.”
“Come onnn!” she protested. “You won me over with your impeccable dancing skills.”
“Fineee,” I stood, shaking my head.
She took my hand in hers, grabbing Kirsten and Lizzie anyway on the way. Finding an open space not too far from the table, we swayed, twisted, and all four danced as if no one and everyone were watching at the same time.
Kirsten stood behind me, and I bent over in front of her, rolling my hips, pressing back into her. Tonight made me remember how much I loved these girls. I was feeling like myself again in so many ways.
Glancing up, I caught Tyler’s stare. He didn’t seem too pleased that I was hanging out with everyone. Trying my best to ignore his disapproving expression, I stood straight, lifting my arms over my head. I swayed and twirled, pretending he wasn’t present, as I was completely lost in the music.
Now, I was genuinely having the time of my life. These girls were important to me. I needed this night. Amber and I stood with our backs together, winding our bodies in synchronized rhythm, belting out the lyrics.
Moments later, and without warning, a familiar feeling crept up my throat into my chest. Oh no! “Be right back!” I yelled at the girls, then covered my mouth.
Not daring to make eye contact with anyone, I sped through the crowd toward the bathroom. Several men called out to me on the way, but I ignored them all as I threw the door open and found the nearest stall, ducking inside. Closing my eyes, I choked back the vomit before it was too late.
“Are you okay?” Kirsten tapped on the stall door.
“I’m… dying,” I gasped.
She snickered. “I think we should go. You’ve had enough fun for tonight.”
“Is she okay?” Amber asked, her voice echoing against the bathroom walls.
“Fucking Chance,” I gagged, vomiting again. “Please go get my bag and wait for me outside the bathroom. This is… so embarrassing.”
Amber giggled. “It’ll suck tomorrow, but you’ll feel better by the evening.”
“Ugh,” I groaned, vomiting again. “I hate your husband.”
“I’ll go get your bag,” Kirsten announced while Amber continued to laugh loudly.
Several minutes that felt like an endless hour of sickness passed.
KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.
“Why’s someone knocking… on a public bathroom… door?” I choked as I heard the door creak open, and the music blared in before it closed again.
“Hey,” Amber greeted whoever it was. “I’ll wait outside.”
“Wait!” I shouted.
“Gia?”
No! Oh God . I sighed at the sound of Tyler’s voice. “Yeahhh?” I choked again.
“I brought you some water.”