Chapter 13: Too Little, Too Late

An hour later my alarm was going off. I shut it off and climbed out of bed. It was only late afternoon so I had some time to hang out with Adrian. We decided to go out and do some retail therapy. Times like this I enjoy having my best friend around. She's always there making me laugh, and she doesn't hesitate to tell me when I'm doing something stupid, a trait that she's been exercising the whole time we were out. She's been getting on my case about Taylor every since I woke up. It never stopped, even through the ride home Taylor's name was all I heard.

I stood in front of my door juggling bags in one hand and trying to locate the right key in the other, all the while having to listen to Adrian nag in my ear.

"Why do you insist on alienating Taylor, what's so bad about him?" she asked for the umpteenth time.

"Like I said before, we're just too different and besides he's too damn sure of himself." I finally got the door open. I didn't realize how much shopping we did until I saw all the bags and boxes scattered across the living room floor.

Adrian laughed standing there with her hands on her hips. "Sweetie with a body like his, he has every right to be."

"He does have a great body." My thoughts trailed off to the night Taylor and I spent together. There were definitely no arguments there.

"Why don't you stop playing these games with him and tell him how you feel."

I had no smart reply to that, so when in doubt, move on, "…I have to get ready for work. Are you coming?"

"Sure why not; I don't have anything else to do, but were not finished talking about this." said Adrian. This was my cue to walk away.

I headed for the shower first because Adrian likes to hog all the hot water. While I got ready, I thought about everything that happened. I knew I was being tough on Taylor for no real reason. He's actually a great guy, once you get past the whole mob thing. Sure he's a bit rough around the edges, but he's also makes me laugh and he's caring even though he'll never admit it. Just thinking about all the time we've spent together since I've been in New York brought a smile to my face. I couldn't believe how much of a bitch I've been to him, but I knew I had to make it right.

Once Adrian and I were dressed and ready, we headed out the door. It felt just like old times during our club hopping days. When I pulled up in front of Element, my eyes scanned the street for Taylor's van, but it was nowhere in sight. We stepped inside and everything was in full swing. I spotted Matty sitting at the tables reserved for the guys; but still no Taylor. Matty saw me and waved me to come over. I signaled for Adrian to follow me as I made my way over to him.

When I got closer he rose from the booth to greet me with a quick peck on the cheek. "Do you see this place? It's packed on a Thursday." He said with so much enthusiasm that even I had to smile.

I nodded looking at my achievement, "See, now aren't you glad you hired me?"

"Best business decision I've ever made." said Matty.

I scanned the room looking for the man that's been on my mind all day long. "Have you seen Taylor? I need to talk to him."

"I haven't seen him since yesterday." He replied. When he spoke, I noticed his attention wasn't on me anymore. Matty and Adrian's eyes were locked on each other leaving me to feel like a third wheel.

From the way they were looking at each other, I knew that they both were interested, so I went and gave them a proper introduction. "Adrian, this is my boss Matty Demaret… Matty, this is my friend Adrian, she just moved in from out of town."

Matty smiled and shook her hand, "Nice to meet you Adrian and welcome to New York."

Adrian returned his smile flashing her pearly whites. "It's nice to meet you too; you have a very nice place here."

She was caught, hook line and sinker, the only thing left for Matty to do was to reel her in, and he was doing just that. "Thank you, you know if you're not too busy, I could show you around town sometime."

Her cheeks were now a rosy color, and when she batted her lashes I knew it was a done deal. "I think that could be arranged." she replied.

For a brief moment I felt invisible so I decided that it was time for me to go; besides I think they wanted to be alone away. "I have to go take care of some quick paper work, but I should be right back."

"Oh it's no rush, take your time." Adrian said while giving me 'the look'.

"Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on her, she's in good hands." Matty sent one of his charming glances my way and then led her to his table. I shook my head, my boss and my best friend; I just can't seem to separate business, and personal.

I ended up spending more time in my office than I intended to. I got caught up between the urgent emails, balancing the new staff schedule and not to mention a mix up on the liquor shipment. Time had gotten away from me, I just knew Adrian was gonna kill me. A knock came to my door, it was probably her. "It's open!" I yelled looking up from my computer.

To my surprise Chris walked through the door. "What are you hibernating in here?" he asked.

"I know, I know." I typed in some words on my keyboard and pressed enter. "There, I'm finished. What's up?" I got up from behind my desk to put my heels back on.

"I thought you might want to know that Taylor's downstairs." said Chris. I didn't respond, I just headed for the door hoping I could catch him before he disappears again. "So you two finally…" His voice trailed off and I knew exactly what he was referring to. I wondered if maybe Taylor said something to him, but that thought quickly left. I knew he wasn't that type of guy. Chris got up from the chair and walked over to the door. "You don't have to answer; your face gave you away, I've been the cause of that face for many women."

"I don't know what you're talking about." I chose to take the easiest escape route, deny, deny, deny, and when your back is up against the wall, deny some more.

"Sure you don't. Then why do you have Taylor's jacket?" He pointed to Taylor's jacket hanging on the hook in my office.

I was semi caught, but wasn't ready to throw my cards in yet, so I just changed the subject. "Isn't there some poor woman you should be charming right now?"

He gave me a devilish smirk, "I have all night for that darlin."

Chris and I went back down to the main floor. The first thing I noticed was Adrian and Matty on the dance floor looking quite cozy. She was laughing at something he said and from the looks of it, they were having a great time. Taylor was sitting at their usual table smoking a cigarette. He spoke a few words to Rachel the waitress, and she walked away towards the bar. Just as I was about to approach him, a woman sat down next to him. From their body language they seemed to know each other pretty well. A pang of jealousy hit me watching the slender brunette rub up against him. I turned to ask Chris about this mystery woman, but he had disappeared.

I made my way over to the bar to try and get some information. Marcy had just finished filling Rachel's drank order for Taylor. Once she was out of sight I went behind the bar to talk to Marcy. "Hey Marcy. Who's that woman over there with Taylor?

She peered over the crowd to get a look. "That my friend, is the biggest bitch you'll ever meet. Why do you wanna know?"

I couldn't tell her the truth, which was that I was jealous and wanted to break the very same hand she was feeling up Taylor with. "No reason, she just looks familiar that's all."

"Her name is Vanessa Moretti, she thinks the world revolves around her cause her old man's a big Mafioso." Marcy shared with me as she poured another drink, she knew everything about everyone in this place.

As she talked, one thing particular caught my attention, and I just couldn't move pass it. "Wait a minute, so you're saying Sonny Moretti is her father."

"Now you're catching on. He's the reason she's the spoiled brat she is today. If you look up daddy's little girl, her picture would be plastered next to it."

"Oh really? Lucky her." I said to myself. Marcy continued on working, meanwhile I just stood there watching Taylor from a distance.

This was the worst night ever! I had yet to speak with Taylor all night, due to the fact that Vanessa was with him every second. Our eyes shared stolen glances from a far. I knew he was pissed at me, he hasn't said one word to me all night, and the looks he gave me was enough to cause a cold front in hell. While I was miserable, Taylor seemed to be enjoying his night, and I couldn't blame him, I didn't like it, but I couldn't blame him. Vanessa was gorgeous. I stared at her trying to find some similarities between her and her father, but there were none there. 'Maybe she takes after her mother.'I thought to myself. While I was slowly picking apart her features, I noticed Taylor get up and walk towards the back. It really wasn't my night, the one opportunity I have to get Taylor alone all night and it's in the men's room. This was my only chance, it was now or never.

I opened the door to the restroom and was thankful that Taylor was the only occupant. He stood at the urinal with his back facing me. I cleared my throat getting his attention. "So this is what it's come to."

Taylor's Pov

All night I watched her watch me and she looked pissed. That was probably due to me kissing Vanessa right in front of her. I tried being a good guy, I played nice, and what did I get in return, a slap in the face that's what. I wanted to be different for Gia, I wanted her to find something in me worth holding on to, but she saw me for what I do, and not who I am. I thought that she would be different, but it never fails. Once a woman finds out what I do, they either stick around for the perks, or they haul ass out there, and Gia was hauling ass. Vanessa on the other hand was no stranger to this life. I'm no fool; I know she only wants me because I can provide for her whenever daddy kicks her off his gravy train. There was nothing real between, just sex and bullshit, but I didn't have to chase her, or convince her to be with me, she was here with me on her own free will.

I looked over at her; she was drinking down her martini like it was water, I leaned over to speak with her over the loud music. "I'll be right back." She nodded and waved down the waitress for another drink.

I made my way towards the restroom hoping there wasn't a line. I got inside and it was empty. I went over to one of the urinals to handle my business. A couple seconds later I heard the door open and someone clear their throat.

"So this is what it's come to."

I knew that voice, "What the fuck?" I zipped my jeans and turned around. Gia was standing there with her hands on her hips. She looked upset, but at this point I didn't give a fuck. "Did you miss the sign that said men's room?" I moved passed her and over to the sink to wash my hands, I wasn't in the mood for this.

"Please Taylor; I've already seen everything you've got." She said in a snappy tone.

"So what's this, you finally up for that fuck in the bathroom?" I knew that if I got under her skin deep enough she would back down.

At first she looked like she wanted bite my head off, but then her features softened; her body language was no longer defensive. "Why have you been avoiding me? I've been calling you all day."

"What for?" I asked.

She started to move closer to me, I could tell she was unsettled by my harsh tones, but that didn't stop Gia, she just kept pushing. "I wanted to talk to you, but I see now, that you're not in a talking mood."

When Gia stepped closer to me, I could smell her perfume. It smelt like the same stuff she was wearing the night I met her. 'I can't believe I remembered that.'When she looked at me with those green eyes, I wondered how fast I could have her out of that dress, I had to pull it together quick and get out of there. "I said all I had to say."

I heard her exaggerated sigh when I walked away from her, "Taylor this is exactly why I said we shouldn't sleep together, it never works out."

My jaw tightened, I spun around marching back towards Gia; she backed up until her back was flat against the wall. "No, it didn't work out because you felt something and got scared." I said in a voice that made most men piss their pants.

She stood there toe to toe with me, not flinching one bit. "I didn't get scared Taylor." she said in a low but strong voice.

I had to laugh, she was damn cute when she was being stubborn. "Oh yeah, then show me. Right here, right now, tell me how you feel about me." She was stuck, it looked like her eyes were begging to tell me what her lips couldn't. "Okay, I'll go first. I like you Gia… and as much as you piss me off and get on my nerves, I still care about you. See how easy that was, now it's your turn." I waited for her to say something, but she stood there in silence with nothing to say. "You can't do it can you." I turned to walk away again, this time her voice stopped me at the door.

"What about you? You talk about caring for me and wanting to be with me, but I see you kissing another woman after leaving my bed less than twenty-four hours ago."

"You couldn't make up your mind so I made up mine. I'm done playing these games with you Gia." I opened the door and left. When the door closed, I had to force myself to keep on walkin'. She had my head more messed up than it was before. I ain't never been spun around by a woman, but this one was taking the cake.