Un-Break My Heart
Working through her day, Betty didn't have time to stop and have lunch with Gio at the deli, so instead she made a phone call.
"Hey Gio! I'm really sorry but I can't make it for lunch today, I've got too much work that needs to get done."
"That's alright B. I'm pretty busy here too. A last minute catering order came through. We'll have to do lunch another day or perhaps we can do dinner again." Gio said, with the hopes that she'll say yes.
"Sure! That sounds like a wonderful idea. I should be able to finish on time today by working through my lunch."
"Excellent! In the mean time, my Eater can't go without her sandwich, so I'm going to send something up for you. Hope you enjoy it Suarez!"
"Thanks G! You know I will! Talk to you later. Bye!"
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After running errands for Daniel, Betty returned to her desk and found a square gift box sitting on her desk. With an intrigued look on her face, she dropped her bag and papers on the desk and sat down. Pulling her chair closer to the desk, she gazed at the box with her fingers hovering above the ribbon. Unsure of who sent her this package, she began wondering if someone left it there as a thankyou/sorry present for taking the sandwich she was expecting.
Betty's desk phone rang, and before she could get a single word out, Daniel asked, "Will you open it already?!" before putting the phone down. He had been watching her the whole time. He probably saw who took my sandwich...unless HE took it and wants to see my reaction! Betty thought to herself.
Without further hesitation, Betty picked up one end of the ribbon and tugged on it gently. Exposing the box, she held onto either side of the lid and lifted it up. Dropping the lid onto the desk, she grabbed the post-it note from on top of the scrunched tissue paper.
Betty's face lit up as she read the note;
I wrote this note especially for you,
I really miss you and I hope you do too.
I think we are the perfect match,
Just like turkey and sundried tomatoes, natch!
Unfortunately, this poem has come to an end,
But I will see you soon, my dear friend.
Meet me at the deli after work! ;)
Gio x
Sticking the note to her computer monitor, Betty removed the tissue paper to reveal her favourite sandwich.
Munching on her sandwich while she continued to work, Betty was on cloud nine for the remainder of the afternoon. Thankfully, time was flying by and she was getting through her tasks on time.
Glancing at the clock, Betty realised that it was five to 5pm. Remembering she had to meet Gio at the deli after work, she slowly began packing up her desk. Not wanting to look to eager, Betty made her way downstairs a few minutes past 5pm.
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Arriving at the deli, she noticed it was in darkness and the closed sign was on the door. Trying the door handle, Betty discovered the door was open. Unsure if she should enter, Betty stepped inside and closed the door behind her.
"B, take a seat. I'll be out in a minute!" Gio said from the backroom. Putting her bag down, she sat at the only which hadn't been put away for the evening. Making herself comfortable, she noticed that the table had been set for two. 'What's going on here? I thought we'd have dinner another night; it didn't have to be tonight because we missed lunch. He really is the sweetest guy. I wish I could see him everyday...uhh Betty, you DO see him everyday...yeah yeah, but like wake up next to him and everything like that...'
Talking to herself and caught up in her own thoughts, Betty didn't see Gio walk towards the table. He placed a single candle in the centre of the table and lit it with match. Leaning down, he pecked Betty on the cheek and started the conversation as he sat down.
"So how was work? I didn't want to distract you earlier, so I got Daniel to pick up the box and put it on your desk. Did you enjoy it?" Gio asked.
"Work was very busy but I got through it all today. Thanks to your gift too. Without it I would've run out of steam and wouldn't have made it tonight. So what's going on?" Betty questioned.
"Well B, I enjoyed making you dinner last night and thought we could do it again – sooner rather than later.
"That's fine Gio, but what's with the candle and the dark deli? What are we doing here?
Feeling a bit disheartened, Gio looked down at his hands. Betty noticed his mood change and quickly rectified the situation. Reaching out she pulled one of his hands onto the table and rubbed it gently. Looking at him reassuringly, Betty said, "Ohh Gio, I didn't mean it like that. The effort is lovely and I'm glad that we're spending more time together..." Still caressing his hand, Betty looked at him lovingly.
"I thought we could have a change of scenery from the apartment, that's all." Gio mumbled.
Pulling his hand out of Betty's, he stood up from table and said, "I'll put some music on, while we wait for the food," as moved off to the back of the deli again.
Betty sighed deeply and slumped in her chair. The thought was genuine and she went and ruined it. Now she had to make it up to him. The first thing she did, was turn off her phone. Music started playing softly in the background, recognising the song, she started humming the tune.
Unbreak my heart...Say you'll love me again...Undo this hurt you caused...When you walked out the door...And walked out of my life...Uncry these tears...I cried so many nights...Unbreak my heart...
Time was passing so slowly, she felt it was ages since Gio left to go behind the counter. Deciding to surprise him, she left the table and made her way to the back. As she got closer to the back kitchen, she saw Gio standing in front of the stove. Creeping up behind him, she got as close as she could to his back then rested her head on it. Startling him, she continued to get closer to him. She fumbled her arms around his waist and pulled into him.
"B, what are you doing?" Gio asked with a hint of annoyance, as he turned to face her.
"I was getting lonely out there." Betty said whilst putting on a sad face.
Turning back to the stove, all he said was "Please sit down, I don't want you getting burnt."
Feeling that she lost the battle, Betty removed her arms from around his waist. At the same time, some oil splattered on her arm and she winced in pain.
Moving her away from the stove, Gio took hold of her arm and thrust it under the tap. Turning on the cold water, he washed the area then dried it with a paper towel.
"See Betty, I didn't want you to get hurt. I understand it's lonely out there, but the dinner will be ready soon." Handing her an icepack, Betty made her way back into the front of the deli.
A few moments later, Gio started to set the table. Placing plates and cutlery on the either side of the table, he noticed that Betty was very quiet and sombre. Pulling his chair round to hers, he sat down and looked at her face. Taking her injured arm in his hands, he brought it up to lips and kissed it softly.
"I'm sorry B. This wasn't meant to happen. I just wanted us to do something different for dinner. I wanted to make tonight special."
"It's the thought that counts G. I'll be fine. Thank you. You're a wonderful host. I'm sorry for trying to hug you whilst you were cooking, that was just silly, I wasn't thinking safety at all...I just wanted to hold you." Betty said as she shyly looked away.
"That's alright B, hopefully, there'll be plenty of opportunities for you to hold me!" Gio said as he got up from his chair. Putting the chair back, he winked at Betty and told her that he'll be back with the food.
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The friends ate dinner, once again, laughing and talking over good food and some wine.
"Gio, you've really out done yourself this time!" Betty said admiringly.
"Thanks B. For some reason, you just inspire me to create and try new recipes. And what better way to experience them, than with my muse!" Gio answered.
"Your muse?" Betty was confused.
"Yeah, my muse! Now come on, let's dance!" Gio said as he stood up from the table and stretched out his hand offering it to Betty. Gladly taking it, she placed her hand within his and was hoisted up to a standing position. Gio's hands sat on Betty's waist perfectly, as did her arms around his neck and together, they started to dance the night away.
Gio guided his hand to rest on the small of her back, making sure to pull her in closer to him. Avoiding the temptation of his lips being so close, Betty turned her head slightly and rested it on his shoulder. Kissing her hair, Gio then grabbed one of her hands firmly and spun her out and back in. Searching each other's eyes, they both knew that this time, neither of them could deny the attraction. Gio held her tightly and bent her slightly backwards, leaning into her; he covered her lips with his own. Finally they shared their first kiss. Whilst deepening the kiss, moans of satisfaction escaped from both of them.
Finally pulling away from the kiss, Gio brought Betty back up to full height. Speaking first, he said, "Betty, I can't stand just being your friend anymore. I've liked you from the moment I first met you, and over time have just fallen deeper in love with you. Seeing everything you've been through, I know what you need and I want to give that to you. I'll understand if you don't want to, we can –"
Betty put a finger up to his mouth to silence him. "I want to. You've always been there for me and I can't imagine my life without you."
Pecking her quickly, Gio said that they should clean up and then head home.
Once the deli was tidied up and ready for business the next day, Betty picked up her bag and waited for Gio at the door. Arriving at the door, he took Betty's hand in his and asked jokingly, "Your place or mine?!"
"Does it matter?!" Betty replied, trying to wink seductively.
"Come on let's get out of here!" Gio said as he closed the door behind them.
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Toni Braxton – "Un-Break My Heart"
Ugly Betty – characters : ABC Studios
No copyright or infringement intended