Loving Gigi Read Online Free

Nini back to the house where the food was being prepped. On autopilot, she translated Nini’s instructions to the staff and then slipped back to the wedding just in time to watch the guests begin to fill the large tent that had been set up over a dance floor and a sea of tables.
    Afterward, she stood near the back entrance of the dinner tent and sighed sadly. I could be at one of those tables if I’d answered the invitation. I could say something now, and maybe they would welcome me in.
    Maybe.
    Nini’s right, though. Just because I’m standing here beside them, doesn’t make me one of them. Why are they contacting me now? What do they want from me?
    Could they possibly want to know me as much as I’ve always wanted to know them?
    And what if they don’t? I’m happy with my life. I don’t need to rip open old wounds.
    One of her uncles walked by and their eyes met briefly. She sent him a tentative smile, and he nodded in her direction. Cordial, but not warm. He showed no sign of recognizing her as he continued to walk past her.
    Her heart tightened painfully in her chest.
    He doesn’t know me. Why should he?
    I’m not one of them.
    Not when I was little. Not now.
    Gigi turned and fled the area. She tried to leave the party, but there was no easy way out, and she didn’t want to see Nini again. She headed toward the stairs of a steep bluff that led to the beach. She only made it halfway down the steps before she stopped, leaned on the railing of the landing, and cried softly into the ocean breeze.
    I shouldn’t have come.
    This was a bad, bad idea.
    Feelings she’d bottled up came spilling out. She cried out in anger then broke down into tears. Memories she’d pushed aside for so long came back with agonizing vividness. She was back at the palazzo in Venice, running into her father’s office to see him after school. As if watching a movie, she saw herself calling to him softly, thinking he was asleep in his leather chair. Then shaking him with growing fear as he didn’t respond.
    Her young mind had fought against the truth even when it was obvious. In shock, she’d sunk to her knees at his feet and wept into his still-warm hands. He had left her. Just like that. No goodbyes. No warning.
    When her mother had pulled her from him, Gigi had fought her, transferring some of her anger to her mother. I hated him for leaving, and I hated my mother for not being angry with me.
    As her tears dried, Gigi continued to look out over the water. She had never felt more alone or more confused. Now that she’d graduated from college she was free to go anywhere, but even that freedom was suddenly terrifying. I have nothing and no one.
    Real loneliness swept up and through her. There was an emptiness within her she desperately wanted to fill with something. Anything. Had she been a drinker, she would have snuck back into the wedding and numbed herself with alcohol. Instead, she watched the sunset and made a frivolous wish.
    For just one night, could I actually be the woman Kane thinks I am?
    Someone who isn’t afraid to take what she wants.
    *     *     *
    The ceremony was beautiful but long. Kane kept a smile plastered to his face during the photo session that followed. It wasn’t that he didn’t appreciate the importance of the event or wish each couple well. His sister, Rena, had found a man she said she couldn’t live without. Just because it wasn’t who he would have chosen for her, didn’t mean it couldn’t work. And, he had to admit, Nick had grown into a solid businessman. He was glad he hadn’t done as he’d threatened and strangled him when he’d first heard they were dating.
    Watching Gio walk off with Julia had left Kane feeling conflicted. On one hand, Gio had found happiness with a woman who had helped him reunite with his family. Two years ago, Gio wouldn’t have been able to stand being in the same room with his brothers for longer than five minutes, never mind sharing an altar with them.