So I was really inspired and all these thoughts were coming to me at work and I was able to get this chapter out. I hope you all really like it. Thank you to all the Getties for your support I love it :) Any feedback is always welcomed. There probably is only one, maybe two more chapters left. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Ugly Betty
Chapter 3. Fever
The past month had been a chaotic and busy one. Even though the conversation between Betty and Gio left things on unsettling grounds, Betty was working hard on how to get them back to where they should be. Sure, they still saw one another, how could she not have her chicken salads! But, the conversation that had taken place was all but a distant memory, or that is what it seemed to be. The tension was still there, the coy looks, the subtle touching, the sly flirting, and everything in-between. Betty tried her best to show how interested she was, and sometimes wondered if an 'I like you just make out with me' stick would finally get the message across. But, she wasn't forcing anything he didn't want and taking things slowly one step at a time.
But a girl only has so much patience. ESPECIALLY when the girl knows that it will be amazing.
After the many pensive thoughts, late night hot cocoa nights with Hilda brainstorming, and the many numerous phone calls, e-mails, and writing stories, she finally figured it all out and everything was in place. She couldn't believe at how fast it all took, and yet was excited by the idea of it all. Never would she have done this before for a guy, but then again, until now, she had only dated boys. Boys that would give shy looks and not doing anything about it. But instead she was dealing with a man. A man that knew what he wanted and knew how to go after it. A man of many experiences. And it was her turn to show him that she grew from the girl that he had met and quacked at to the woman that stood before him, wanting to be loved like she had never been. But in order for that to work, she needed a certain someone to be involved in the final part.
"Betty, I'm going to need that article about your self-discovery trip on my desk by noon. I need to read it prior before it goes off to the presses for Hot Flash," Claire said as she stopped in front of her desk, noticing the distraction that Betty had on her face. "Did you hear me Betty?"
Betty looked up startled from the computer screen that she was staring at intently, deep in thought. "Oh! Sorry Mrs. Meade, yes. Yes! I will have that article on your desk by noon. Is it possible for me to head out early today, I have some things I need to get together for tonight. It is really important. And do you think I can borrow a town car?" she got out in one big breath, her nervousness shining through as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Betty, you need to slow down sometimes dear. Racing through your thoughts makes it confusing for some. But yes, you may leave early today and anytime you need a town car you can have it," Claire Meade said giving her a pointed look. Betty took a deep breath, her cheeks flushing with thoughts of what later tonight could bring.
Claire started to walk towards her office before turning back to face Betty. A little smile grew on her face with each passing second as she watched Betty's eyes grow larger in size. "Ah, love, always a great feeling. He's a good match for you Betty, don't let him get away. Whatever you have planned for him, just make sure to have fun yourself. You're young, enjoy youth while you can and all its pleasures that come around."
Betty flushed with embarrassment, "Oh Mrs. Meade, it's nothing likeā¦."
"You never know! You're young, and there is just SO much tension between the two of you. I don't know how you haven't done anything sooner, let alone him. I better see him at our party to celebrate Hot Flash's success that is next weekend. Regardless, just let loose, and have fun."
"Just be," Betty whispered more to herself as Claire Meade smiled and turned to finish her walk to her office.
The day flew by and by 3 PM, Betty was sitting comfortably in back seat of the town car as she ran her many errands. She needed to pick up a few things at the grocery store before getting back home to get ready. She needed to get everything done before the end of the work day otherwise her plan would be spoiled. Her phone ran in her bag as she was mid-run into her house, which made her stop dead in her steps. Digging through her bag while juggling the many items in her hand, she found what she was looking for. Looking down to see who it was, she smiled at the name that came on the screen.
"So is everything squared away there?" was all Betty said.
"Everything you asked for is there. I have to say, you really went all out, he is going to love it. Actually he is going to probably be dumbfounded for about 5 minutes but then he will love it."
"I hope so. I figured it would really show him how much I care and listen to him."
"Oh I think he gets that, but this will help to re-enforce it," Marco said gently through the line. "I know my little brother, and his past relationships, and nobody has EVER been so thoughtful to him. And he's the romantic sap."
Betty laughed, "He wouldn't like to hear that."
"So he always is whipped in relationships. He'll play it off that he isn't, but when he falls, he falls HARD." At that Betty giggled because she could totally see that. For what Gio did for her birthday and how hard he went out to make her night perfect, along with everything else, she could see the sarcastic sandwich guy being the one to really fall deep.
"Ok Marco, let me go, I need to get ready so I can bombard him at the deli. You and Gabriela will be at the deli when I get there with little Mia so that way I can steal him away?"
"Yea, Mia will love just being able to run around, and Gabby will love that she can try some of her sandwich making skills out," he said as he laughed. "Anyways go, I'll see you in a little bit."
"Thanks again Marco, it really means a lot! See you in a bit."
"Ciao."
Betty darted into the house with Hilda looking at her with the 'you are running late and girl I have a lot of work to do.' She ran the steps two at a time before a tornado of chaos hit her room as clothes were thrown everywhere. She got cleaned up and took out the outfit that she had just bought at the store. She saw the most adorable floral skirt that she could not pass on, and she had the perfect top to wear with it. Running down the stairs she jumped into the beauty salon chair as Hilda worked her magic. Hilda was her calming voice that she needed to hear and to motivate her for the next few hours.
Taking one last look in the mirror and being satisfied, she ran out the door, bag in her hand and closed the town car. The driver took off and she finally got a glimpse at the time. 4:30, just enough time to get where she needed to be. Watching the town pass by as the car sped off to the city; she went through her check-list of everything she needed to do.
There it was. The green pickle. Smiling. Taunting. Making her wish that it was Gio that was smiling at her that way instead. She told the driver to stay where she was as she jumped out of the car and headed towards the door. Staring in she saw Gio interacting with Marco, Gabriela, and Mia as he got more things together behind the counter. Regardless of the smile on his face, you saw it didn't reach his eyes, but you saw that of loneliness, and how much he yearned to have what his older brother had. Taking a deep breath and grabbing the cloth from her bag, she walked into the deli, causing everyone to stop and look up at her.
"Betty!" cried Mia as she ran up to her and wrapped her arms around Betty's legs in the strongest grip that a five year old could have. "I didn't know you were coming, Zio Giovanni didn't mention anything. But now that you are here you can play dolls with me!" she said excitedly as she grabbed her hand and dragged her over to the table of where many dolls were strewn across.
"Suarez! I'm surprised you're here, usually you are still at work, freaking out about something natch," Gio said as he put down the dishrag he was carrying and smirked.
"I need you to come with me," was all she said looking pointedly at Gio. He raised one eyebrow as he looked at her.
"And why do I need to come with you?"
"I need to go get Justin. Hilda had a late hair appointment and called me in a panic because Justin is far and he has to bring some of the props home to decorate from the play. So I have the town car and I need you to come because you can help move them."
Gio gave her a hard look and searched her eyes. Finally he shrugged and took off his apron before turning to Marco. "You don't mind staying the last little bit to take care of the deli and the orders, do you?"
Marco smiled as he put his arm around his wife. "Nah, the two of us can handle it. Plus Mia will love it and be a source of entertainment for all the customers that come in."
"Or scare them away," Gio said chuckling before walking towards Betty.
They both waved to the Rossi family that was inside and walked towards the town car. They got in before Betty turned to him, an evil smile on her face as the locks on the door locked. She grabbed the cloth that was still in her hand and threw it around Gio's eyes.
"Hey!" Gio said as Betty tried to stifle a laugh.
"The writer strikes again with another one of her stories! You fell for it Gio, you fell for that one baddddd," was all she said as she finished tying the knot behind his head.
He smiled. "So does this mean that there is some strawberries and whipped cream involved?"
"GIO!" Betty yelled as she playfully slapped his arm. Thoughts were swarming in her head and she was already on her last string of keeping her sanity without trying to jump the man that sat besides her.
The ride to the mysterious destination was quiet the rest of the way, not that the trip was that far. When the car came to a stop, Betty got out and ran to the other side to help Gio out. After taking a few steps, she stopped and positioned Gio where she wanted him to be. She waited a few more minutes, lingering and relinquishing in the fact that she was in such proximity to Gio. His breathing was calm and peaceful, but deep all at the same time. Reluctantly, she untied the knot in the back of the blindfold and slowly removed it.
She watched as Gio's eyes adjusted to the light, or lack thereof, before taking the scenery in front of him. His eyes slowly widened as his eyes sparkled and darted back and forth, trying to etch every single detail that was in front of him. The most notable thing was the green etching that was there on the glass as a smile mimicking grew. He turned on his heels to look at Betty, who had a sheepish look on her face, her cheeks reddened while waiting for some type of response.
"Is this what I think it is," was all he could choke out as he looked at awe in the woman that was in front of him.
"Let's go inside, I'll explain it in there." Betty grabbed his hand and walked to the building and opening the door. Inside was a vacant building, with one table set up. She took a deep breath before speaking. "It's time for your 5 year plan to really kick into high gear. The past month has given me a goose chase, and after much persuasion and dropping the Mode connection, I was able to find a great deal on this building. It's right across the street from the park and I figured many would stop and want to get a sandwich for a picnic, or for work, etc." She looked him in the eyes to see him still taking in the sight around him. She continued, "Your family has been a big help with cleaning everything here. And the Meade's donated money to help with the initial set up. They just ask that they keep getting the delicious sandwiches that you make."
"So this is for me? Another sandwich shop to expand?"
Betty smiled and was proud of herself at that moment. "Yep, with everything that was donated, the first 3 months of rent are covered. I figured you could order to get what you wanted to make it feel like home. I know you said that was what you were looking for, and I figured this really gives you that opportunity."
He turned towards her and took a step closer to her. "I've never seen someone do something so thoughtful. I don't even know where to begin to thank you."
He was staring at her as if he could swallow her whole, and she was slightly nervous. She walked to the table that had a bag on top of it.
"So I was right, is the whipped cream hiding in there?" Gio said kidding around to break the never-ending tension that existed between them.
Betty pulled out the items from the bag, one at a time. Once her station was set up, she gestured for him to go grab the blanket that was in there to lie down on the ground. As he did that, she grabbed the utensils she needed. "Since you are always making me sandwiches, I figured it was time for you to enjoy one of my sandwiches."
At this moment he watched as she grabbed the bread that she packed and starts getting to work on making their sandwiches for dinner. She was pampering him and surprising him with each and every second. Soon, a napkin was being placed before him with a sandwich that was cut in half, and a replica was placed in front of her. Looking down at the sandwich, he saw his favorite sandwich, so simple yet so delicious. A peanut butter and nutella sandwich. Just like how his mom would make it when he was a kid.
"This is my favorite kind of sandwich, my mom used to make it for me all the time when I was little."
"I know. I called her and asked her. I wanted to make something that I knew you would like. Considering you always make MY favorite sandwich on a daily basis. Even if sometimes you don't put enough sun-dried tomatoes on," Betty said teasingly before taking a bite from her sandwich. She closed her eyes and indulged in the taste, for she never had nutella before, but had a feeling she would like it. Gio mimicked and took a bite from his sandwich as well. They ate in silence before Gio stopped to stare at Betty.
"You really are something else B," was all he said as he took another bite from his sandwich, leaving a little bit of nutella to linger on the top part of his lips.
Betty just stared at it, the temptation growing FAR too much for her own good as the room suddenly got very hot. Gio noticed where her gaze was and his breathing picked up as his heart started to race. Betty unconsciously leaned closer to him, their hands practically brushing as the inches between them seemed to be miles apart.
"Have I finally proved to you how much I care about you and how much I like you? Have I showed enough to show how I want to see you succeed in your five year plan and how I want to be involved in it?" she whispered as she placed a hand on his cheek, searching his eyes for an answer.
Gio swallowed and dared a glance at her lips before finally meeting her eyes. "Yes," he breathlessly said.
It was all Betty needed to hear before she curled her hand around the back of his head and closed the distance between them. Her lips feverously clung to his as the passion that had been built up since before she left finally poured forward. The dam broke as all the tension and emotions were just swallowed up in this one moment. And both were shocked that Betty was in control of this kiss and the pace. But for all of her patience, she couldn't take it slow.
But Gio only had enough patience himself before grabbing her hips and crushing her against him, lying next to one another as he changed position. She groaned slightly as she tasted the slight hint of the hazelnut chocolate that was still lingering on his lips and begged for more access. She gripped at his hair as he trailed his hand down the side of her body and resting on her thigh. He nudged her to wrap her leg around his, wanting for them to be as close as possible to one another.
The kiss became more hot and heavy before finally, the lack of air finally brought them back to earth and to slowly pull back. Gio gave her a few little pecks on the lips before one sensual kiss on her neck. He rested his forehead against hers and opened his eyes, all the while tracing little circles on her back. Betty smiled and rested her head on his shoulder.
"So are we back to our exploratory phase? Or are you finally willing to admit that you want more?" Gio said as he looked at her.
Betty kissed him hard on the lips before pulling back a smile on her face. "I want you to come, as my date, to the Hot Flash party that is next weekend. I'm ready to take that jump," she smiled a content smile before getting more serious. "But I still want to take things slow."
Gio looked at her incredulously. "Well, if you considering making out on the floor taking it slow, then I won't complain. Kidding!" He got that out before she got ready to playfully punch him for his comment. "I know what you mean. You still deserve a true Rossi first date, and I want to give that to you. Let me take you to dinner before the party next weekend."
"I'd like that," Betty said and they shared another kiss before turning to look at the ceiling. And at that moment, everything was right in the world, for all the nervousness and tension between them since she had gotten back had finally broken and they could be themselves. After taking a jump, it was the start to something that Betty couldn't wait to find out more about.
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