Chapter 6
712 Words
Gina
“Ah, what makes you think I’ll just tell you what I want?” I asked, raising an eyebrow at Zander.
“So you like to be mysterious… a challenge,” he replied.
“No, just ambitious. Sometimes it’s best not to play all your cards at once,” I said.
“Why, Gina? Are you flirting with me?” Zander suddenly asked, a teasing glint in his eye.
“Oh, if I were flirting, you’d know it,” I laughed.
“I see,” he said, moving closer, his voice dropping so only I could hear. “Sometimes holding your cards close can be very… beneficial. You never know when the golden opportunity will appear.”
I tilted my head, studying him. His expression was serious, almost unreadable. I leaned in and lowered my voice.
“I’m not that easy. You can’t just get into my pants. Your girlfriend just left, and I’m not that girl,” I told him firmly, then stood up.
I turned back to the table. “It’s getting late. I’m going to get going. Great night, girls,” I said.
Pulling out my phone to order a ride, I headed toward the exit. Just as I reached it, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned—and there was Zander.
“I’m not trying to get into your pants. I’m sorry if it came off that way. I’m not used to being around a woman who actually knows more than the current fashion trends. I’m sorry,” he said sincerely.
“Hmm… well, maybe stop hanging out with a model who thinks she’s better than everyone else. That might help you appreciate us normal girls,” I teased.
⸻
Zane
Gina was a firecracker. Normally, a smile and a flash of charm had women swooning over me. Not Gina. She called me out.
Sure, the idea of going to bed with her crossed my mind. But there was something else about her that intrigued me. I excused myself from Natalie and went after Gina.
I wasn’t prepared for what she said. She summed Natalie up in one sentence and called herself normal.
“I wouldn’t call you normal, Gina,” I said. “From what I’ve seen, you’re far from it.”
“What do you mean? I’m not a model. I eat real food, I’ve got student loans, I rent an apartment, I have a dog… that sounds normal to me,” she replied.
“No, that makes you extraordinary. Models like Natalie? They’re not always great company. I’d rather have a conversation with you than be photographed with someone like her,” I told her.
“My car is here. This is getting weird—you’re trying to prove something, and honestly, we barely know each other,” Gina said.
“Fair enough. Thanks for the drink,” I said, letting the conversation drop.
“For what it’s worth… you can do better than that model,” Gina added as she opened the door and left.
I watched her go. Gina Lombardi was definitely one of a kind.
Returning to the table, only Sara remained.
“Where did the other two go?” I asked.
“They’re on the patio checking out the band. Why? What’s going on with you and Gina?” Sara asked.
“Nothing. Just trying to figure her out,” I said casually.
“Zane, she’s a good girl. Hardworking, a great employee. Don’t do anything stupid,” Sara warned.
“You know, employees aren’t supposed to talk to their boss like that,” I said, raising an eyebrow.
“Well, right now, you’re not my boss. No one knows who you really are. So I can talk to you like this,” she said.
I smiled. This is why Sara was such a great secretary.
Back at my penthouse, my phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out—Natalie.
N: I forgive you. I need you.
I sighed and deleted the message. Time to end things with Natalie. Fun while it lasted, but she doesn’t do it for me. Tonight confirmed it.
I slumped onto the couch and opened my laptop, curiosity gnawing at me. Gina Lombardi… how “normal” is she, really?
- Writer
