“That’s what has crawled up Lucca’s arse tonight.”
“What?”
“You wanted to meet my mum and dad, right?”
“Erm… Is that?” I point over to the corner.
“Give me two minutes, babe.” He leans down and kisses me softly on the lips.
It was the quickest kiss we’ve ever shared. I don’t like seeing Gio and Lucca worked up. It breaks my heart, because I’ve got used to their carefree nature.
I watch Giovani walk over to his parents. His mum spots him instantly and stands up to embrace her son. It’s a lovely moment I’m glad I witnessed. Gio really cares about his mother; that much is obvious, even from a distance.
“He spotted them, then.”
I look over at Lucca as he leans across the bar. He looks like the weight of the world is on his shoulders and I wish I could take some of the weight off.
“He did. Are you okay?” I reach over and squeeze his arm.
“Yeah. What can I get you to drink, Harls?”
“Gio said you have gin. Just give me any flavour with lemonade, and whatever Gio usually drinks here.”
“Coming right up.”
I really wish I could jump into Lucca’s head and find out what his problem is with his parents. He looks terrible tonight, and I hate that look on him.
“Ice?”
Okay. So, we’re down to one-word questions.
“Please. Plenty of it. I need to cool down.”
Lucca places my drink down on the bar and a bottle of beer for Gio. I take out my purse and hand over the money, but Lucca just pushes my hand away.
“It’s on the house. Enjoy.”
“Thanks. Listen, do you fancy being my lunch buddy tomorrow? Maybe you can show me your idea of a good lunch. My treat, of course.”
Lucca leans over the bar with a drink of his own in his hand. “Why not? What do you fancy?”
“Anything. Surprise me.”
“McDonalds is out then.” He winks at me.
“Hey, I like McDonalds.” I laugh, just as a hand lands on my lower back.
I look up at Gio and smile warmly. “Hey.”
“Hey. I’ve got some people who want to meet you if you’re up to it?”
I look around Gio carefully and see a smiling man and woman looking at us carefully. It’s like they’re afraid to blink in case they miss anything.
“Okay," I say warily.
I’m not good with meeting strangers, but if they’re anything like Gio and Lucca then I know they’ll be absolutely fine. I hope.
“Good luck, Harls,” Lucca calls over to me as he walks away to serve some customers, which just puts me on edge even more.
