My Ex Husband

Episode Thirteen

It was late Sunday morning and I was in the kitchen preparing brunch for Gwen and I.

My phone buzzed and I almost slipped trying to reach it.

Lucca:

Hello? I hope you're okay. I'd love to hear from you. I miss you.

~L~

I blanked out the screen and went back to my work when I heard Gwen call out.

"In here." I called back and I listened to her footsteps as they came towards the kitchen.

"Hey sweetie?"

Instead of replying she rushed to me and fiercely hugged me. "I missed you." She whispered into my ear with a deep sigh.

"I missed you too." I said as she pulled away and looked into her teary eyes. "Hungry?"

"Yes." She replied with a shy smile.

"Good." I beamed, "Sit, sit. I'm almost done."

It wasn't long before we'd stuffed ourselves silly and were now seated outside on the back porch.

"So....... how are you?" I began.

"To be honest? Not so great. I mean Fashion Week in Paris was a dream come true. They loved my clothes. I'm becoming a sensation in the fashion industry globally." She began.

"But?" I probed and she let out a heavy sigh.

"I know you saw it. The scandal between Auri and me in Milan a few weeks ago." She said, staring at her lap in shame.

"I did." I said thinking. "And I get the feeling there was more to your emotional involvement than you let on."

"Emotional?" She scoffed nervously. "I was just frustrated with......."

"Gwen...." I cut her off and she sighed.

“Okay, okay. Just don’t say anything to Victoria." She said, looking me in the eye, pleading.

"It's not my secret to tell." I reassured her and she took a deep breath going back to staring at her lap.

"Vincent, Victoria's little brother and I have been sort of seeing each other."

I stared into nothing. I had not seen that coming.

I was seriously losing track of my friends’ lives.

"Since when?" I asked and she worried her hands more.

"A year or more now..... Ever since her father's sixtieth surprise birthday party. He started coming to New York more often for work and to see Victoria and in his spare time we'd go out or simply hang out at my apartment. It's getting serious or I think it is."

"And neither of you have told Victoria?"

"Yes."

"But, why?"

"I'm scared." She said with a sad chuckle. "Heck, I'm terrified."

"Why?"

"Don't you see it? You know how overprotective Victoria is over her little brother."

And that's when it dawned on me. Victoria was the little miss perfect in our group. Despite the fact that she is friends with Gwen, she would never approve of her relationship with her brother. Gwen would never be good enough for Vincent in Victoria's eyes.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It was Wednesday and I was headed to Reece's office for lunch. In spent most of my Sunday afternoon with Gwen and Saturday with Victoria.

I was still ignoring Lucca but we'd have our chance this Friday night.

I waved back at Reece's Secretary and walked right into her office. She didn't hear me come in as she was seated on one of the couches, legs stretched out across its length, folder in hand and headphones on.

I placed our lunch on her table then walked over to her and pried the folder out of her hand.

"Hey!"

"Well hello to you too?" I said smiling as she pulled of her headphones and looked up at me.

She squealed and engulfed me in a tight hug.

"What the hell Gabby! I've missed you."

"I've missed you too sweetie. How are you holding up?"

"I'm good. God! You're lost!" She said as she ushered me to sit down.

"I'm sorry. Things have just been overwhelming lately."

"I can imagine." She paused. "What’s that?" She said eyeing up the food I'd brought.

"Lunch!" I exclaimed and chuckled when I heard her silently groan.

"You didn't have to Gabby. I'm fine."

"Yeah, yeah." I said as I walked over and grabbed it bringing it closer to where we sat. "Gwen told me you'd say that."

"Gwen?"

"Yes. She said you hardly ever eat lunch because you're stuck in your office working."

"Yes. Most people in my position do that." She defended.

"Yeah. Well. I don't care." I said as I handed her a box of noodles and spicy chicken. "Now eat!"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I went back to the office with a lot on my mind. I already knew about Reece's twin sister Riley but she now told me of her high school sweetheart Justin who's family had shown up at her parents' memorial service.

She had been so excited, picking things where they'd left off. I was excited too until she told me that Justin's family's business was in trouble and they'd come to her for help. Something just didn't feel right.

"Hey Gabby?" Paul's voice pulled me away from my thoughts just as I reached my office. He signaled for me to follow him into his office and I complied.

"What's up boss?"

"Please have a seat." He said motioning me to do so.

"Okay. What's going on?"

"Just making sure one of my best employees is okay. You've been avoiding me all week." He said eyeing me keenly.

"I'm fine Paul. I'm really sorry about last week. I just needed to get away from things for a while."

"I understand. If you need another break....."

"No Paul. I'm good. Thanks."

"Okay but tell me if you need anything."

"Will do boss. Thanks. I should get back to work." I said as I stood and made my way to the door.

"Oh! One more thing."

"Yes?"

"Have you spoken to Mr. Giovanni yet? He called asking me if you'd come back to work."

"Uuh.... yeah. I'll handle that. Thanks." I said as I hurried out of Paul's office.

I took a deep breathe once outside and decided to call Lucca.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I had just finished preparing dinner and Lucca still hadn't arrived yet. I was worried considering he always helped set the table. I checked my phone hoping he was okay just running a little late.

I fiddled with my fingers nervously. It was our first dinner since I'd been given myself leave at work and had disappeared from him for close to two weeks, ignoring his calls and texts. I knew I couldn't avoid him forever.

I was just about to call him when a small thud came from the door. I hesitated thinking it was just my imagination but it came again, impatiently.

I hurried over and swung it slightly open. I gasped when a bloody and bruised Lucca came into view.

"Gg!" Was all he said before he collapsed on the front porch.