CH 32

Gia drove to her cousin’s penthouse with huge smile on her face. Her fingers traveled along the chain that was around her neck and lightly grazed over the small lump underneath her shirt. Tears lightly rimmed her eyes as she thought of what the diamond symbolized. She wanted more than anything to share her engagement with her family but she knew she couldn’t, she pulled up to the parking lot and sighed as she parked the car and entered the elevator. She took one final deep breath before exiting the elevator and walking up to the door.

Seeing Johnny at the door, she gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek he opened the door to let her in and Gia stepped in and looked around. They were all there, Juan, Zander, Courtney and of course her mom. She smiled and made her rounds, giving everyone a hug and a kiss.

“Gia your just in time for dinner baby girl.” Sonny said standing in the doorway of the kitchen. He came up and gave Gia a kiss.

“Go say hello to your uncle. He’s making a mess in my kitchen.” Sonny said smiling.

Gia laughed and headed past Sonny to the kitchen. Mike and Sonny were still not very close but it was getting better. They both were determined to get along for the family. Gia smiled at the obvious mess her uncle had made and laughed, as she knew that he must have been driving Sonny mad.

“Well OK but only on the cheek.” Gia joked referring to Mike’s “Kiss the cook” apron he was wearing. Mike laughed when he looked up at his beautiful niece. “Gia!” He said happily as he made his way over to her and gave her a hug and a kiss.

“I’m surprised that Sonny even lets you wear that thing in his kitchen.” Gia said laughing.

“Yeah well he threatened to burn it when I take it off so I’ll have to wear it home.” Mike said. Gia laughed and stepped around him to investigate the kitchen. She smiled as she saw what was planed for dinner. Ribs, baked potato, fresh broccoli, and of course, Mike’s famous chocolate cheesecake.

One of Gia’s fondest memories of when her father was alive was of family dinners like this. He would always make the best ribs, now Sonny took over that trait. She can’t help but feel closer to her father when she’s around her family.

Gia helped Sonny and Mike carry out the food to the dining room and placed it on the table. Right when they were about to sit down there was a knock at the door.

“Johnny you know there’s no visitors aloud on family night.” Sonny said as his guard opened the door, ready to tell whoever was there to go away. Johnny came back into the dining room with someone behind him. Florence jumped up and ran to the man standing there.

“Marcus!” She yelled as she flung her arms around him.

“Did I miss dinner?” Taggert asked as he pulled away from his mom.

He looked past his mother and spotted his half sister sitting at the table and noticed her unhappy face.

“Gia.” He said quietly.

“Marcus.” Gia mumbled remaining in her seat.

“What no hug for your big brother?” Taggert questioned.

“Go to hell Marcus!!” Gia yelled as she abruptly left the table and headed for the kitchen with tears in her eyes.