"She's coming right?" Shawn-D fidgeted with worry, nibbling on a fry.
Bo glanced over the basket of fries at his son. "She said she was."
"And I am a woman of my word."
Both men turned to see Gina, dressed much too elegantly for a simple lunch. Bo nearly choked on his drink from her beauty. "Fancy Face."
His reaction to her was honest enough to make her pause in mid-step. The cigarette she held between her fingers slipped away. Gina stared at him, frowning. However, he saw a flash of Hope in her eyes. But that's all it was-just a flash. Gina quickly regained composure and was already replacing her lost cigarette by the time she sat down at the table.
Bo squirmed, "Would you mind not doing that-at least not in front of our son?" Gina tilted her head at him, indicating that she would heed his wish.
"Better?" She wearily eyed Bo.
Shawn-D had been quiet during the exchange, until now. "Hi, Mom."
"I am NOT your mother." Gina snapped at him.
"Sorry." He sheepishly replied. "Princess Gina."
She then smiled at him to show no real hard feelings, reached out and placed a hand on his cheek, "Please…just call me Gina." She then cupped his chin, "You ARE quite adorable."
"Well, he did come from the both of us." Bo chimed in.
She abruptly let go of Shawn-D and hastily turned to Bo, intending to angrily correct him. Instead, she put a finger to her chin and slowly turned back to give Shawn-D another once over. From when I was Hope? She pondered to herself. "Yes, I do see qualities in him that resemble me. But, I only have one child-a beautiful young woman."
"Greta?" Shawn-D piped in-unfazed by Gina's denial of him.
"My sweet Greta." Gina beamed. She noticed Shawn-D's grin and she raised her eyebrow, "She is quite the beauty…is she not, Shawn-Douglas?"
He grew wide-eyed, having been called on his feelings. Nervously he chuckled, "Yeah…I hope you don't mind if we attend your party together, Gina."
Gina tilted her head in thought before speaking, "I am assuming, Shawn-Douglas, that you are one of the friends she has made while I was away." Shawn-D nodded. "Very well then."
Shawn-D sighed in relief, "Thank you. She was worried that you wouldn't approve."
Bo spoke up then, "And who'll be your escort, Gina?"
"That, Brady, is none of your business."
However, he insisted on pushing the issue, "Well, I was hoping it could be me."
Instantly, her civility dissipated, and she rose from the chair, "It will never be you, Brady. I am not your precious little Fancy Face." And she stormed off.
Lily arrived at Stefano's and rang the doorbell. The maid answered promptly. "Oh, hello…is Gina here?" Lily clasped her hands together.
"I'm afraid the Princess isn't in right now."
"Drats." Lily replied.
"Illeana, I'll take it from here." Stefano came up and dismissed the maid.
"Mr. DiMera?" Lily frowned.
"Hello, Lily." Stefano smiled and waved her in. "If you are here to see Gina, she has gone out for lunch. But she should be back shortly. So, please…stay."
Lily entered, "I suppose I could wait here."
"Excellent." Stefano shut the door and followed her into the living room. He sat down on the couch, so she took the chair. "I am assuming you are glad to have Gina back."
She had been uncomfortable about being here but getting the chance to boast about Gina put Lily at ease, "Oh, it has just been so wonderful to have her with us."
"I agree." Stefano folded his arms, "And I take it you'll be going back to Europe with her?"
Lily frowned again, "I did not know this."
"She hasn't told you?" Stefano leaned forward.
Lily shook her head, "Not one word."
Stefano stood up and moved to the French doors that led to the backyard patio, "Well, it is why I am having this party for her."
Lily was on her feet and moved to stand next to him, looking at the table full of decorations ready to be put up. "She never mentioned this either."
"So, what has she told you?" Startled, Lily glanced up to him. "Didn't you take her to dinner last night?"
"No." Lily wearily replied.
Well, if it wasn't Bo or Lily… "Do you know who it was then? Perhaps Greta?"
"Greta didn't know of the event." Lily accidentally revealed.
Stefano raised his eyebrow. This morning she was absolutely elated…even praising this town she once loathed. Could it be possible that her guest was…Stefano shook his head against thinking it was John.
As Lily stepped away from Stefano and resumed her seat in the chair, she got a wistful look on her face, "It is so good to finally see her happy. The past year had been difficult for her-having to be Hope while wanting to just be herself. Poor dear."
Stefano turned away from the window and faced Lily. But she really IS Hope. Stefano chuckled at his own thoughts. "Now Gina can do what Gina wants."
"Who is she having lunch with, by the way?" Lily was suddenly curious.
Stefano waved his hand in frustration, "Bo Brady called here for her."
"Oh." Lily had thought that her secret admirer had called.
"My reaction exactly, Lily." Stefano mused.
Lily's watched then chimed and she jumped to her feet, "Oh, I'm terribly sorry, but I must be going." She hustled to the door.
Once alone, Stefano recalled the conversation he just had with Lily. She didn't outright mention any names. But her reactions and responses lead me to believe that it WAS John. I had thought she had given up on that man… Stefano sighed and stepped to the window of the French doors. "Just what are you up to, Gina? Hmm?"