CH 29

Gia sat in her new favorite table at Kelly’s. Since her little speech about freedom with Sonny, it seemed like he was lightening up quite a bit. He didn’t have a problem with her going to Kelly’s as long as she didn’t associate with any Cassadine’s. He also told her the other day that he didn’t mind her spending time with Lucky. But Gia didn’t buy that one and still tried to stay away from Lucky for a while. She hadn’t heard from Lucky or Nikolas in a week. She was missing Nik desperately by now, she thought about him all the time. She looked up from her table when the bell chimed that someone had entered. She nearly fell out of her chair when she saw Nikolas come in.

When Nik entered Kelly’s and saw Gia sitting there, his immediate reaction was to run to her. But then he thought better of it and smiled at her briefly before walking past her table and heading for the counter.

Gia looked down sadly when Nik walked right past her table. When the bell chimed again, she looked up to see Juan enter.

“Gia, my god where have you been? I haven’t seen you since I got back from our trip to the city.” Juan said as he sat across from her. Gia looked around nervously before smiling at her cousin.

“You worry too much Juan. I’ve been around. Mostly hanging out with Courtney.” Gia said.
“I’m worried about you Gia. Ever since the night of the party you’ve been acting strange. Are you sure that Cassadine didn’t do anything to you?” Juan asked.

Gia cringed at Juan’s question, knowing that Nikolas was so close and could probably hear everything Juan was saying.

Nikolas had heard the sound of Juan’s voice and quickly hid in the booth next to him. He heard Juan mention his name and shook his head at the thought off all the garbage he must was filling her head with about him.

“No Juan, he didn’t do anything to me. Josh was the one to do something to me.” Gia said angrily. Juan dropped his head in shame. He felt guilty about letting Josh almost hurt his cousin.

“Gia I’m so sorry about Josh. But you don’t have to worry about him anymore.” Juan said.

“Oh Juan it’s not your fault. And thank you so much for protecting me.” Gia said as she reached across the table and held his hand in hers.

A presence could be felt to the side of them and they both looked to see who was there. Gia nearly screamed when she looked up to see Nikolas standing over them.