vulnerable

53.

Stella sat in the living room watching television. Carolina was asleep in the shared-guest room. Joah had gotten ready for bed and was in Gio's room with him. The apartment was quiet, with only a few sounds coming from the speakers. Stella tried not to listen to her rapid heartbeat. She was nervous to talk to Gio.

What was he going to say?

Her eyes trailed to the screen, watching as Tom Sturridge portrayed The Sandman. His voice almost distracted her from the soon-to-be awkward conversation. She needed to keep an open mind. Gio was nothing like... nothing like Collin. He wouldn't cheat. He wouldn't hurt her.

But why would he want Chloe coming here? What sense did it make?

A door closed down the hall, making Stella look up. Gio walked towards her- his eyes dark. It didn't help anything he wasn't wearing a shirt. His toned abs flickered under the moonlight. Her mind tried to wander to the memories of their first time. The way he growled under her touch... Stella shook her head.

She needed to focus. He came to a halt at the entrance of the living room, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. Stella grabbed the remote and turned off the t.v. Though, she wished she could escape to the world of dreams with Tom Sturridge instead of talking about her boyfriend's ex-girlfriend.

Gio cocked his head to the side, "Joah's slumped. He practically fell asleep right when he hit the pillow."

Stella wanted to chuckle, but she was still upset with him. She clenched her jaw, nodding. "Same for Carolina."

Gio kept his eyes locked on her. He chewed on his bottom lip. "Can we talk now?"

Stella shifted her legs for him to sit. She kept the blanket wrapped around her legs as somewhat a barrier. Gio came around the table and lowered himself on the cushion, sitting on the edge. He ran a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry for getting angry about you and Julian."

She thought for a second, feeling a tinge of pain in her chest. "I wouldn't do that to you."

A pause. An accusing pause. Would he do that to her? Gio looked at her through the mild darkness. He shook his head. "I wouldn't either."

"Then why didn't you mention Chloe?"

"I was going too." Gio sighed, rubbing his temple. "I knew how it sounded and I didn't want to make you nervous or anything- there's nothing going on between us. I only love you, Stella."

She twisted her lips, wanting to reach out and take his hand. She let out a sigh. "I believe you, Gio. But I don't trust her. Couldn't you tell she was flirting with you?"

"Chloe firts with everyone. It's like a part of her DNA." Gio tried to deflect the question.

Stella rolled her eyes. "You're just as blind as you were when she first tried to get with you."

He swallowed hard. He closed his eyes for a moment. She wondered if he was thinking about it. When Hannah had to tell him straight-up that Chloe liked him. Suddenly, she was the only girl he ever talked about. Stella had hoped she wouldn't have to live behind her shadow again.

Gio opened his eyes, showing a hint of guilt. "I promise you... I don't have any feelings for her. You're the love of my life. You. not her. It's always been you."

Stella broke her rule and grabbed his hand. "I said I believe you, Gio. But I just don't get why she has to stay here. I don't get why you're running to her aid after she did you dirty?"

He gritted his teeth. "I'm not! She said the guy she was with broke up-"

Stella immediately let go of his hand. A sarcastic chuckle escaped her lips. Gio tried to keep talking, but she interrupted with a glare. "Oooohhh. So she hit you up after a heartbreak, hmmm I wonder what that could mean?"

Gio furrowed his brows and in the dim lighting, he looked furious. "Can I finish?"

After a beat of silence, he continued with a huff. "Chloe has always had a terrible home life. Her parents are awful, okay? She doesn't wanna go back to that after getting broken up with. She was coming to Germany anyway for an awards show and asked if she could stay here for less publicity."

Stella wasn't sure why, but she replied with a momentum of sass that could've only come from Hannah. "Publicity my ass, Gio! She's a fucking Hallmark actress."

His mouth slid open in shock. "Would you say that shit to my cousin?"

"No, Gio, I wouldn't. Because she's actually a great actress." Stella clenched her fists. "Unlike your ex-girlfriend who is trying to get back in your bed."

His shoulders grew tight as he leaned forward. He didn't say anything. Stella forced a laugh. "Did you think she was flirting with you then? Or were your eyes closed?"

"I'm trying to do a nice thing for an old friend."

"An old friend? An old friend who left you for an older man? Her own director for Christ sake!?" 

Gio threw his hands up, making Stella flinch. She turned her head like an instinct, closing her eyes in fear. There was a deafening silence. She heard her breathing... shaky. A bright image of Collin flashed in the back of her mind.

"Baby..." Gio whispered.

Stella clenched her jaw. She opened her eyes in embarassment. She felt a gentle hand on top of the blanket. "Sorry, I-"

Gio shook his head. "I wasn't going to hurt you. I'd never... I'd never hit you."

"I know." Stella calmed down. "I know... I couldn't help it."

"Stella, if you don't want Chloe here, I'll tell her to find a hotel. I don't want her coming between us. I only love you. Nothing will change that. And I will never-" His voice came out like a growl. "I will never be like Collin."

Stella let out a breath. "I'm so sorry, G. I overreacted-"

"No." Gio shook his head. "You didn't. I under reacted. If Collin was here... I wouldn't be okay with it."

"He'd never." Stella shook her head fast.

"I know." Gio squeezed her thigh. "But if the roles were reversed, I'd react the same way. I'll tell Chloe she needs to find somewhere else to stay."

Stella nodded. She took a pause, "Gio, can I ask you something. You might not think anything of it... but I have to ask."

"Anything."

Stella rubbed the back of her head. "Why does she still have a heart beside her name?"

Gio narrowed his eyes. His lips parted to speak, but nothing came out at first. "Um, I don't know. I never really thought about it."

Stella would never leave an ex's number in her phone with a heart. But, she didn't have a very honorable ex. Maybe when two people break up- ones that aren't abusive- there will always be a small part of them that still love each other. Just a memory of what they had. Still, it seemed weird. Because she was his first everything. How could Stella compete with that?

"Okay." Stella shrugged.

"Are we okay?" Gio kissed the top of her knuckles.

Stella smiled. "We're okay."

They wrapped their arms around each other. His skin was warm. She ran her fingers through the ends of his hair. He squeezed her tight. "I love you, Stella."

"I love you too, Gio."

He leaned back and placed a sweet kiss to her lips. She felt everything inside her melt. He spoke against them with a grin. "Let's stay out here for the night- the two of us."

Stella blushed. "I'd love that."

Gio kissed her again... and again... until it was nearly morning.