Chapter 34
Chapter Thirty-Four
Alex pulled into a parking space near Aria’s office, turning off the car and rehearsing what he would say if she let him talk to her.
Easing himself out of the car, he headed to the front entrance, let the attendant know where he was going, and entered the cramped elevator.
When he stood in front of Libri Stellari’s office door, he took a deep breath and pushed it open.
“Good morning. Welcome back, Mr. Rossi. Are you here to see Aria?” the receptionist asked.
“Yes, is she here?”
“She is, just a minute,” she said as she craned her head toward Aria’s office. “I don’t see her, but she’s around her somewhere if you’d like to wait a minute.”
Just then, they both turned when voices were heard coming down the hallway to their left.
“I need you to call Michael and let him know that the editing—” Aria said, stopping mid-sentence as her gaze met Alex's.
Alex fought the urge to run to her, gather her in his arms and explain about Bella.
Uncomfortable, Luna cleared her throat as she walked to her desk.
“Good morning, Aria. I know you're busy, but I was hoping just to get a minute of your time,” Alex said quietly. When she didn't answer he added, “Please.”
Aria nodded her head and held her hand out in front of her in the direction of her office, nodding at Luna when they passed her desk.
Luna nodded back. Alex hung his head, grateful she hadn't kicked him out.
Aria walked into the office first, her face expressionless, with Alex following close behind her. He stepped inside and out of the way so she could close her door.
Alex reached for her hand as soon as it was, but she pulled back. He felt like he was losing ground rapidly.
“Sit down, Alex. I only have a minute. What can I help you with?” Aria said soberly, trying not to make eye contact.
She stood on the side of her desk, her body language stiff and uneasy. He turned the chair sitting in front of her desk to face her and sat down.
“I’ve tried to call you, texted you dozens of times, but you wouldn’t answer any of them.
I went to your house that night and again yesterday morning.
I’m just asking for a chance to explain.
I know this isn’t the place, but I didn’t know what else to do,” Alex pleaded as he sat at the edge of the chair, trying to get as close to her as possible without touching.
“I don't know what to think, but you’re right. This is not the time nor the place.”
“I know. But before you kick me out, I just need you to understand. Bella is my ex-girlfriend. If you’ll let me later on, I’ll explain everything, but I can’t leave here with you not understanding that.
We broke up right as I was leaving for this last project and I haven’t seen or heard from her since.
I had no idea she would show up there. I’ll explain that to you too when you have more time. ”
Aria crossed her arms over her chest and shifted on her feet.
“Alex, thank you for coming in and explaining that. I really need to get back to work now.”
“Aria,” Alex whispered. “Please, I know we can’t talk here, but I want to tell you everything. You and I were just getting to know one another. I didn’t have any reason to bring up Bella. Please come over tonight and let me cook dinner for you?”
“Alright, Alex. I'll come to dinner, but it can’t be tonight. I have a date.”
Alex thought he had stopped breathing. His mind tried to register the words, but his heart was breaking in two.
“A date?”
His hands formed fists on his lap, but he pushed down the anger that roiled inside him at the thought of Aria out with another man. He pushed down the rising fear that suddenly caused his trust issues to surface.
“Yes. I've been invited to dinner, so I can’t come tonight,” Aria said sharply.
Alex stammered, shaken by this statement but grateful she was giving him a chance, “O-okay. Will you be free tomorrow night?”
“Tomorrow works. Now, if you’ll excuse me,” Aria said as she looked at her closed door to indicate he should leave.
Walking out of the office, he knew he had one shot to get this right. And he needed to get this right. He also needed to know who this other man was and why she hadn’t told him about anyone else. Knowing he was now in a similar predicament, he willed himself to calm down until they could talk.
Realizing he hadn't seen his friends since the gallery opening, Alex texted Enzo and Adrian, making plans to meet them at the gym. He desperately needed to expend some pent-up anxiety. But soon his insecurities rose their ugly head.
Is it Gio taking her out tonight? Did someone else ask her out?
He needed to get his mind off these questions.
Enzo told Alex that he would meet him at the gym in a half hour. Adrian would join them when he was done speaking to a potential buyer.
When Alex entered the gym, he told the manager to let Enzo and Adrian know he’d be in the back room they used for private training classes. He thought he might get a head start on the workout, but felt suddenly exhausted. He leaned against the wall-to-ceiling mirror and slid down to the ground.
“Are you finally ready for that rematch?” Enzo asked when Alex saw him walk into the room. “Hey, man, what's going on?”
A look of worry crossed Enzo’s face as Alex looked up at him.
“I think I lost her. And I’ve got one chance to try to win her back.”
“Aria? I thought you said you two had a great connection and that you were taking her out on The Albatross. Did it not go well?” Enzo asked as Adrian walked in.
Alex gestured for him to join them on the floor.
“Bella showed up at the boat and now everything is ruined.”
“Bella?” they said at the same time.
“Can you believe it? She chose the night I was out with Aria to show up after all this time.”
“How did she even know that you were in Positano or on the boat, man?” Adrian asked.
Alex explained about the social media post and how she took a chance that he was at the marina. He also told them Aria was going on a date with someone else tonight.
“I had her in my arms. We were about to have our first kiss,” Alex said, shaking his head. “It was perfect. I had decorated the boat with lights, music. The moon was out.” Grimacing, he continued, “Ruined, it's all ruined.”
The room went quiet except for the soft whir of the overhead fan.
“I don't know what to say,” Adrian answered, moving some free weights out of the way to lean against the mirror next to Alex. “But you said she's giving you a chance, right? So, it's not over yet.”
“Also, didn’t know you were so romantic,” Enzo said jokingly.
Alex chuckled softly.
“I've been waiting all my life to find the woman I could be that vulnerable with. She's it for me, guys. Aria is the one I've been waiting for. Everyone tells me to take it slow, but if I don't show her what she means to me, I'm going to lose her.”
“Then do it. Tell her you love her. Win her heart back,” Enzo said with conviction.
“Do you think she’s ready for a relationship? What has she been saying?” Adrian asked.
“I think she’s open to it if her words are true,” Alex said as he remembered her words on the boat. “Something definitely happened that night. And the night we danced at the Aura event.”
Adrian put his hand on Alex’s shoulder and said, “Then Enzo is right. Tell her how you’re feeling, or at least make it clear that there’s no one else but her.”
“Yeah, I’m not missing my chance again.”
“You’ve got ‘til tomorrow to prep. But now, we expend some anxiety,” Enzo said, already gathering equipment they’d need.
A few hours later, Alex felt a release from the built-up anxiety as he boxed with Enzo and worked out on the strength machines with Adrian, punishing his body to the point of exhaustion. The three friends made plans to see each other again before Adrian’s upcoming departure.