CH 28

“I... I think I’ve changed my mind about tonight Nikolas. I can’t do this.” Gia said as she paced the living room. “What are you talking about Gia? You can do anything.” Nik said. Gia looked at him. “But I mean, singing in front of a group of people like this.” Gia said shaking her head. “Gia, you’ve done this before. You sang at Luke’s that time and you sang for my mom. You have a beautiful voice, why are you so nervous?” Nik asked. Gia sighed. “I don’t know. I just don’t want to mess up or anything. And you won’t be there, I don’t know I just feel weird about it.” Gia said. Nikolas smiled as he walked up to her; he placed his hands on her shoulders. “You’re going to be just fine. Come on Gia. You are the one who’s usually giving me courage to do things. You can do this Gia, and I’ll be right there with you.” Nik said. Gia’s eyebrows knitted. “In spirit? That’s sweet. But I don’t want you to be distracted in class.” Gia said. “I’m not going to class.” Nik said, as he ran his hands up and down her arms. Gia stood confused, shaking her head slowly. “I don’t get it. Nikolas no, if you’re thinking about cutting class for me, don’t.” Gia said. “I’m not going to school anymore Gia.” Nik said, biting his lip slightly. “Since when?” Gia asked. “Since I met you.” Nik answered as he smirked at her. Gia frowned as she pulled away from his touch and walked away from him. “What?” Nik asked as he grabbed her hand, stopping her movement. Gia turned to look at him. “Nikolas I didn’t mean for you to change your whole life for me. I don’t want you to have to quit school for me. I just wanted you to be with me, I didn’t want you to give up what you worked so hard for.” Gia said, looking up at him. “It’s not like that Gia. It’s just that since you came into my life, I figured out what mattered to me. You were right, I was shutting people out and I don’t want to do that anymore.” Nik said. “OK but why quit school? You worked so hard to prove to your uncle that you could do it. Why are you giving up?” Gia asked.  “I’m not giving up!” Nik said defensively. He sighed as he calmed himself. “Look I’ve just realized that it’s not what I want. It’s just like you said, I was only doing it to prove it to my uncle. He’s been training me to run the family business my whole life. I can do it. I just wanted to prove to him that I could do it without his help. But I can, and he knows that. I just realized that I thought it was something I needed to do and it’s not. Are you mad?” Nik asked. Gia laughed. “Are you crazy? I’ll get to spend way more time with you. Just as long as it’s what you want.” Gia said. Nikolas took her hands in his. “It is.” He nodded. Gia smiled and brought her hands to the back of his neck, pulling him closer and capturing his lips in a kiss. “I’m happy for you.” Gia said when she pulled back. Nikolas shook his head slowly. “That figures, it’s your big day and you’re happy for me. Well come on lets go, I want to see you up on that stage.” Nik said. Gia made a face but took his hand and fallowed him out of the cottage.

Gia and Nikolas walked into the little club called Lee’s Place. Gia smiled as she looked around the funky looking club. She thought whoever owned the place would be someone she would want to hang out with. They clearly had style. The walls were painted black, giving it a dramatic yet cozy feel. It was accented with pinks and purples, on the chairs and in the artwork. There were white Christmas lights strung along the bar, and there were candles and various hanging lamps everywhere, illuminating the room. Gia had a smile on her face as she looked around, completely in aw; she fell in love with the place. A door to a room in the back opened and a petite girl, with light brown hair and blue eyes that were so kind, came out and walked towards her. Gia thought that she looked young to be the owner of a club but she seemed so friendly, that Gia felt completely at ease in her presence. Gia walked up to the girl and extended her hand out to her. “Hi I’m Gia Campbell I’m a singer for L&B and I have a gig here tonight. It’s nice to meet you.” Gia said. “Hi Gia my name’s Michelle, but you can call me Lee. I hear you have quite a singing voice. I can’t wait to hear it.” Lee said politely as she shook Gia’s hand. “I’m a little nervous.” Gia admitted. Lee smiled at her. “Don’t be. You’ll be perfect, I can feel it.” She said. Gia sighed, feeling more at ease at the girl’s encouraging words. She nodded her head, feeling like she had just made a new friend.

As the night went on, Gia was shocked when people were showing up just to hear her sing. Paul and Seth came, as well as Lucky and Liz, and Gia was shocked the most, when Luke stepped in. “Hey nice place, that Lee guy must be pretty cool.” Luke said as he walked up to Gia. Gia gestured to the bar where Lee was standing, she smiled and waved over at her, and she waved back. Gia watched Luke’s eyes grow wide. “Well I’ll have to pick her brain some time.” Luke said. Gia laughed. Nikolas came up to Gia after talking to his brother for a while. “Hey are you almost ready?” He asked. Gia smiled and nodded her head. “Yeah I just need to wait for Ned.” She said. Nik nodded his head slowly. “You still look nervous.” Nik said. Gia glared at him. “I am human, I can do that.” She snapped. “I know. Gia look I’m just trying to let you know that I’m here for you.” Nik said. Gia reached out and took his hand in hers. “Thank you Nikolas, I’m sorry I’m being so touchy.” She said softly. They turned when Ned walked in, and Gia bit her lip anxiously, no longer able to use the excuse of waiting for him to arrive, to start singing. “Hey Gia, you look amazing.” Ned said as he came up and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Gia glanced down at the tiny black dress she had on. “Thank you.” She said, smiling up at him. “So what do you say we get this party started?” Ned suggested. Gia smiled and nodded her head. “OK let me just go talk to Lee and we’ll get you all set up.” Ned said before walking away.

Seth had been watching Gia from the table he was sharing with Paul; he knew she was nervous as hell. “Hey I’ll be right back.” He said to Paul. Seth walked up to Gia. “Hey, come here.” He said softly at her side. Gia excused herself, leaving Nikolas to stand-alone as she walked with Seth. He had guided her to a not so crowded corner of the club. “Are you OK?” He asked. Gia sighed. “I don’t know if I can do this Seth.” She said. “What do you mean? Gia you’ve wanted to be a singer since we were kids. It’s always been your dream.” Seth said. Gia fought back tears. “I know it’s just that now that it’s really happening, I don’t know I just get a funny feeling about it. You know if I make it big, it’s going to take up so much of my time. I’m never going to get to see you or any of the other friends I’ve made here. It will change my life. I don’t want to forget about our life together, or where I came from.” Gia said, desperately searching Seth’s face for an answer to her plea. “Gia, you’re not going to forget about me, or your past. It will always be a part of you; I will always be a part of you. Will you stop worrying about it? You can do this Gia. You can move on and start a new life, and I will always be here by your side.” Seth smiled. Gia smiled as she fought back happy tears. She hugged her friend, kissing him before she pulled away. “Thank you Seth, I love you.” Gia said. Seth smiled. “I love you too Gia, now go get your ass over there and sing your heart out.” He said. Gia laughed. “Yes sir.” She said as she turned around.