Behind the Hero

In the Meantime..

Gia sighed as Nicole scurried away from her. On some level she was hurt by Nicole. Not for the fact that Nicole had left but more that Nicole got that text from her crush. She hadn't even seen Chris long enough to speak to him, let alone ask for his number. She shook her head, hoping to shake off the negative cloud she felt she was creating. 

After standing in the longest line for a simple burger, Gia could feel her hunger pangs making themselves known once again. She knew she should have eaten that muffin Nicole left. She rolled her eyes and made her way out of the food hall, maybe she would have better luck with a food truck down the road. Gia made her way out into the busy New York streets and looked left and right, trying to decide which direction seemed most "foodie." What was that stupid thing Nicole always said? She thought. Oh, right! when nothing goes right...go left. Seemed stupid, but maybe it would work. Gia shrugged her shoulders and spun on the heel of her boot to the left and began weaving through the sea of people. 

After 2 blocks and many cramps, Gia found an interesting looking Hotdog cart. It seemed like an oasis in her hunger. And there was no line! Gia held her phone up to her hotdog and snapped a picture. Nicole and her stupid "Camera always eats first" rule. Gia thought. Nicole had been working on a scrapbook of all their adventures for nearly 3 years, at this point there were surely enough pictures of their snacks to dedicate an entirely different album. 

Gia took a bite, closing her eyes in ecstasy as the warmth and vibrate flavours exploded in her mouth. Mmmmmm. Gia hummed as she swayed contentedly. "Do you always eat so seductively or did I just catch you at the right time?" Chris chuckled. Gia's eyes flew open and she turned horrified, mouth stuffed towards Chris. Chris laughed a little louder and shook his head. Gia swallowed hard. 

"We need to stop meeting like this, Gia" Chris teased, wiping away a drop of sauce on her cheek. "Christopher. Do you really think I WANT to meet you like this. I don't plan this." Gia said angrily. she furrowed her brows and wiped her face with a napkin. Chris stared into her eyes intently before dropping his gaze and nodding sarcastically, he liked seeing her flustered. 

"Where's your friend?" Chris asked, turning back towards the Convention Hall and hinting at Gia to follow him. "With your friend." Gia replied shortly, taking another bite of her hotdog. "I don't need to know anymore." Chris shook the image from his mind and turned to look at Gia. "Are you seeing anyone?" he asked. "No." Gia said with a touch too much venom on her tongue, pulling her lip up at the question. Chris looked visibly hurt. "No.. I just mean..I have been single for a while. My job keeps me busy" 

Chris nodded. "I thought you were shutting down any ideas I may have..before I tried to say them" he said, smiling at his shoes. Gia stopped in her tracks. "Wh-What do you mean..Ideas?" she asked. Chris shifted his shoulders and stopped too. Gia could see the tension in his shoulders, it made her feel more nervous. "I don't really know.. i think you're different and i feel like i will regret having just met you in passing. I think I will think about you for the rest of my life and wonder what if, if I don't get to know you." Chris said, so quietly Gia had to lean forward to hear him properly above the city sounds. Chris turned to her. He stepped forward and smiled softly. 

"I would like to kiss you, Gia." He said sweetly. Gia held her breath and nodded. Chris leaned in and let his lips find Gia's. He placed a soft kiss on her lips and stepped back. Gia couldn't help but feel disappointed. She felt guilty for expecting...and wanting...more. But she forced a smile and dropped her gaze from Chris' eyes. " We should probably get back" Gia said, trying to mask the pain she felt. Chris could sense the strain in her words but nodded kindly and reached his hand out for Gia's. 

Gia let out a slight gasp as she felt Chris' fingers reach for hers. She interlaced her fingers with his but couldn't look at him. She swallowed and raised her chin confidently. "I didn't want o kiss you for nothing,Gia. You deserve a man that chases you; romances you and treats you like the lady you are." Gia nodded and blinked back tears. As sure as she was that he was telling the truth, she couldn't help but feel hurt. She couldn't fully understand why it hurt her..but it did. 

Gia and Chris walked hand in hand across the street to the Convention Hall. Gia dropped her hand from Chris, who turned to her confused. "I'm not ready for the attention that comes with holding your hand, i hope you understand." Chris nodded. "Can I have your number?" he asked "Maybe we can all head out tonight?" Gia smiled and recited her number as Chris typed it into his phone. "Heyyyyy" the text pinged. Gia shook her head. "You couldn't wait until we were apart to send that?" she teased. Chris shook his head. "I'll see you later." he said before turning to leave. 

Gia dialled Nicole. "Turn around future Mrs. Evans" Nicole said. Gia felt the knot in her stomach twist tighter.