"Does this make it more clear?"
Walking up to him, I snatched the phone out of his hand and stared at the picture. It was Nic and another woman hugging. I couldn't see her face, but it looked like it could have been Scarlett. The last bit of hope I was clinging onto fell right alongside my tears. I never thought I'd let someone hurt me again. This was ten times worse than with Dante. I never loved him. Nic I loved with my whole heart and soul.
"I need to get out for a bit."
"And go where?"
"A walk. I need air. I'll be back later."
Antonio stood. "I'll come with you."
Shaking my head, I wiped my tears. "I need to be alone, Antonio. Please just leave me alone."
I wasn't sure how long I walked the streets of Padua. Lanzo walked a few feet behind me, but I knew he was there. I appreciated him leaving me alone. If I even tried to speak right now I was positive I'd end up a blubbering fool.
Coming up to the river, I leaned against the fence and looked out over it. A young couple walked hand-in-hand up the sidewalk. He whispered something in her ear and she blushed. A sharp pain hit me in the chest and I had to force myself not to start crying.
"Nic," I whispered.
My phone buzzed and I looked to see it was Charity.
"Hello?"
"Hey, how is it going over there in Italy?"
With a sigh, I replied, "It could be better. How are things at home?"
"Okay."
"Just okay? How are things at the bakery?"
"They are okay," she said with a small sigh.
I needed happy news. Not bad.
"What happened?"
"Max broke the mixer. He needs you to come back right away."
I laughed. Leave it to Charity to make me smile.
"What else is new? How are things with you and Cole?"
She chuckled then said, "They're good."
Lifting a brow, I asked, "Just good?"
"Just good. Hey, Beth and Nancy said hi."
With a gasp, I covered my mouth and shook my head. "You went to knitting club."
"Yeah well, I guess I was in the mood to knit some shit."
Laughing, I let out a sigh as my sadness quickly engulfed me again. "I should have never come to Italy."
"Why?" she asked.
"I'll tell you when I get back."
"Gabi, is everything okay? You sound so sad and I know how much you were looking forward to this trip."
The hair on my body rose as a strange feeling swept over me. I quickly glanced around.
"Gabi?"
Someone was watching me.
"It's been nice, but I may be coming home early."
Lanzo's eyes met mine and I knew that look. I'd seen it before.
"Oh, okay. Um, you're sure everything is okay?"
Motioning with his head, I started to walk toward him. "Yeah. Listen, my tour is about to start. I need to run. See ya soon and I'll keep you updated."
"Sounds good. Love you!"
"Love ya back," I said before hitting End and walking next to Lanzo.
"Someone is watching me."
"Yes. I noticed the BMW the other day when it drove by the restaurant."
I stopped walking. "Were there two men in it?"
He simply nodded.
My heart was racing and fear gripped deep within my soul.
"He couldn't have found me. Could he have?"
Lanzo placed his hand on my lower back as we picked up the pace. His silence was my answer.
THE FEEL OF the ground hitting below my feet wasn't enough to drive out the thoughts running in my head.
Stopping, I dropped my hands to my knees and dragged in a deep breath. "Fuck," I whispered.
My phone buzzed. Pulling it out of my pocket, I saw it was Cole.
Cole: Charity said Gabi's on her way home.
I stood up. She was coming home early.
Pushing my hand through my hair, I frowned.
Me: I did something I probably shouldn't have.
Fucking hell. Why did I mention Scarlett when I was talking to Gabi? Hell, I knew my answer before I asked myself the question.
I was angry.
Hurt.
Drunk.
I wanted her to feel the way I felt when I saw her run into that asshole's arms.
I dragged in a deep breath. None of it mattered because the facts were the facts. Gabi lied to me. Plain and simple. I needed to accept it and move on.
My phone rang and I let out a groan.
"What?"
"Dude, don't snap my head off."
I started walking on the trail again. "Sorry, Cole."
"What did you do to mess up?"
Sighing, I replied, "It's a long story. But I can tell you this, trust is the key in a relationship. Don't forget that."
Cole had found out a few days ago about the baby. He freaked for ten minutes he said, then told Charity he would be there for both her and the baby.