Chapter 7

Straightening her clothes one last time Gia took a deep breath as she slowly entered the PC Grille. Having come across what seemed like the perfect job, Gia suddenly felt unsure as she scanned the crowd for her interviewer. Knowing who and what to look for Gia slowly approached his table steeling her nerves as he stood. Softly saying his name Gia smiled as he smiled back at her in response.

Gia- [softly] Mr. Quartermaine?
AJ- [softly] Call me AJ…
Gia- [nodding] AJ… I hope I’m not late…
AJ- You’re right on time… have a seat…

Sitting across from him Gia tried her best not to fidget as he stared back at her. Nervously wiping her brow Gia attempted to speak only to be stopped by AJ.

Gia- About the job… I really think…
AJ- Don’t worry about the job…
Gia- But…
AJ- You already have it…
Gia- Excuse me?
AJ- It’s yours if you want it…
Gia- [smiling] Are you serious?
AJ- Yeah…
Gia- How… I mean why?
AJ- I like how you look…
Gia- Excuse me…
AJ- You’re kinda cute and…
Gia- If that’s the reason I got the job I don’t want it…
AJ- Gia…
Gia- You know what…[slowly standing] I don’t think I want the job…
AJ- I didn’t mean it the way I said it…
Gia- Whatever…
AJ- [standing] Have a seat please… let me explain what I said…
Gia- I…
AJ- Please let me explain…

Slowly sitting Gia listened as AJ explained his reasons for hiring her.

AJ- The Cougars are a new expansion semi-pro football team. To get noticed we are going to need something to draw the attention of the fans of the game. Most of the fans who will be watching will be men… and with you on board… the face and voice of the Cougars…
Gia- So if I were unattractive I wouldn’t have gotten the job?
AJ- [softly smiling] You could never be unattractive…
Gia- But if I was?
AJ- You’d still have the job…
Gia- How?
AJ- [sheepishly smiling] You’re the only person who’s applied for the job despite it being in the paper for the past two months…
Gia- [smiling despite herself] Are you serious?
AJ- Unfortunately…
Gia- Seems like a cool job… you have no offers?
AJ- I guess there aren’t too many people in Port Charles willing to take a chance working with me…
Gia- Is that good or bad? You don’t have a horrible track record I should know about do you?
AJ- The only track record I have is being AJ Quartermaine… older brother to the great Jason Morgan…
Gia- Jason Morgan… I take it he’s important…
AJ- In some people’s eyes…
Gia- Well I’ve never heard of him…
AJ- [smiling] I think I’m liking you more and more…
Gia- [smiling] Yeah me too…

A definite smile spreading across his face AJ slowly explained the job and all of its duties to Gia. Discussing her wage as well as hours of work Gia and AJ laughed and joked over the remainder of lunch. Thanking him again for the opportunity Gia was thankful that she had momentarily found a job. Knowing that the job as the Cougars PR person was not exactly what she was looking for Gia picked up another paper wanting to look again through the want ads in hope of finding something else. Sprawled across her bed wearing her customary tiny boy cut shots and oversized T-shirt Gia looked up smiling as Nikolas knocked on her door.

Nikolas- [softly] How did it go?
Gia- You are looking at the new Public Relations Director for the Port Charles Cougars.
Nikolas- [smiling] Congratulations…
Gia- [softly] Thanks…
Nikolas- You don’t look too excited…
Gia- I am but…
Nikolas- But?
Gia- Let’s just say I don’t see this job lasting a long time…
Nikolas- How can you tell?
Gia- Just a feeling I have…
Nikolas- Then why did you take it?
Gia- Because I need money… that check I gave you is only going to last for so long…
Nikolas- If you need the money back…
Gia- No… that was the money I had spent on my supposed trip to Jamaica and since that is out of the question now…
Nikolas- Why aren’t you going?
Gia- I can’t… I made the decision to move here. I can’t go on a summer long vacation and still expect to come back here and attempt to start a life here once the summer is over.
Nikolas- Why not?
Gia- Nikolas I made those plans a long time ago when the only thing stressing me was my annoying professors… things have changed and as much as it hurt I can’t go…
Nikolas- [softly] Gia…
Gia- It’s ok Nikolas… I sold my part of the vacation to another girl which in turn abled me to pay you for at least the first three months… now I’m looking for something to help me pay for anything else that comes my way…
Nikolas- Are you finding anything?
Gia- [sighing] No…
Nikolas- That’s not good…
Gia- Tell me about it…
Nikolas- Well if you need any help…
Gia- I do…
Nikolas- Huh?
Gia- Help me look…
Nikolas- Gia…
Gia- Maybe you’ll see something I missed or…
Nikolas- I don’t know what you’re looking for…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] Anything…
Nikolas- [sighing] Fine…
Gia- [smiling as she moved over on the bed] Then come on…
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] That’s ok…
Gia- Come on… you have to be comfortable when you’re doing this…
Nikolas- [softly] Gia…
Gia- I’m not going to attack you just because you’re in the bed with me…[slowly smiling] unless of course you want me to…
Nikolas- Very funny…
Gia- [softly] Then come on…

Slowly nodding Nikolas joined Gia on her bed lying stiffly beside her as he attempted to look through the want ads with Gia. Staring at him with a small smile covering her face Gia slowly shook her head trying her best not to laugh. Chancing a glance in her direction Nikolas could not help but smile as Gia stared smiling back at her. Noticing her look Nikolas softly questioned her.

Nikolas- [softly] What?
Gia- You look so uncomfortable…
Nikolas- I’m fine…
Gia- No… you’re not…
Nikolas- Honestly I’m fine…
Gia- You have on your work clothes… you’re all buttoned up and…
Nikolas- I’m ok…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] Go change Nikolas…
Nikolas- Gia…
Gia- Nikolas looking at you is making me uncomfortable…
Nikolas- [laughing] Gia…
Gia- Nikolas look at me… I have on a T-shirt and some shorts… it’s going to look really crazy you lying in bed next to me in a suit and tie…
Nikolas- [sighing] Ok… ok… I’ll go change…
Gia- [smiling] You’ll thank me later…
Nikolas- [shaking his head as he left the room] We’ll see…

Once certain he had left the room Gia took a deep breath, her heart racing a mile a minute having been so close to Nikolas. Shaking her head not sure of reaction Gia tried her best to calm herself before he returned. Her heart and breathing once again normal Gia smiled as Nikolas slowly reentered her room wearing only a pair of loose low riding pajama pants. Taking a deep breath Gia slowly smiled at Nikolas as she spoke to him.

Gia- [smiling] Now don’t you feel better?
Nikolas- [smirking] Yeah I guess…
Gia- [smiling] You’re welcome…
Nikolas- [laughing] Yeah yeah yeah…
Joining her on the bed once again Gia and Nikolas continued to look through the paper finding no ad that looked promising. Stealing a look in Gia’s direction Nikolas softly smiled as he looked back at the paper. Conscious of his every move Gia looked at Nikolas softly questioning him.

Gia- [softly] What?
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] Nothing…
Gia- Nikolas…
Nikolas- Gia…
Gia- [sighing] Nikolas…
Nikolas- I… you’re…[softly smiling] you’re beautiful…
Gia- [softly smiling] Thank… thank you…
Nikolas- I uhh… if I made you uncomfortable…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] No…
Nikolas- We’re not finding anything so…
Gia- [softly] Don’t leave…
Nikolas- But there’s nothing in the paper and…
Gia- Stay and talk with me…
Nikolas- About what?
Gia- We’re roommates Nikolas… shouldn’t we at least learn something about it each…
Nikolas- Gia…
Gia- All I know is that you have a bunch of friends that could really need a talking to and the only thing you know about me is that I have an overbearing brother who constantly gets on my nerves but I love regardless…
Nikolas- [slowly nodding] Ok… what do you want to know?
Gia- [sighing as she softly smiled] Everything…

Slowly nodding Nikolas and Gia turned to each other softly telling each about their life, loves, wants and anything and everything in between. His attention now fully on her Nikolas softly questioned Gia as she smiled back at him.

Nikolas- What do you want?
Gia- [softly] Everything…
Nikolas- What exactly is everything?
Gia- I want to find that one great love… whether it’s a person, a career, a passion, whatever…
Nikolas- That’s pretty vague…
Gia- I know but…
Nikolas- Ok… say you find this great love… what do you want out of it?
Gia- [softly sighing] I want to be consumed…
Nikolas- Consumed?
Gia- I want him to be the first thing I think about when I wake up and the last thing I remember as I fall asleep. And I want more than anything for him to feel the same way about me.
Nikolas- Wow…
Gia- I want to look in his eyes and see and know how much he loves me. He doesn’t even have to say it… all it would take is me looking at him and I would know how he feels about me.
Nikolas- That’s amazing…
Gia- Yeah it will be if I ever find him…
Nikolas- [softly] You will…
Gia- How can you be so sure?
Nikolas- I just know…
Gia- Well… when you see him tell him to hurry up and come and get me… it gets a little lonely sometimes…
Nikolas- [slowly nodding] I’ll tell him…
Gia- [softly smiling] Thank you…
Nikolas- Ok… other than this great love what else do you want?
Gia- [smiling] Everything…
Nikolas- [smiling] Everything?

Slowly nodding Gia slowly sat up in the bed smiling back at Nikolas. Rising and sitting across from her Nikolas again questioned Gia not wanting their talk to end.

Nikolas- I guess I have to ask again what exactly is everything?
Gia- I used to sit back and fantasize about all the things I would do. I was going to be this great singer… I use to imagine walking on stage and hearing the crowd go wild… then I was going to be this amazing dancer choreographing the dance sequences for the hottest acts out…
Nikolas- Why aren’t you singing or dancing…
Gia- Well… they didn’t exactly match my mother’s plans for me…
Nikolas- Can you sing?
Gia- [softly] Yes…
Nikolas- And dance…
Gia- I was in dance class since before I could walk…
Nikolas- Then why didn’t you…
Gia- Like I said… they weren’t part of Florence’s plan for her daughter…
Nikolas- But you shouldn’t give up what you love to do just because your mother wants something else for you…
Gia- Do you know how it feels to have so much pressure on you it feels like you’re going to break?
Nikolas- Unfortunately…
Gia- And you want so back to break free from it but you don’t know how?
Nikolas- Just break it…
Gia- [softly] How do you do that?
Nikolas- It’s hard but…
Gia- Who put pressure on you?
Nikolas- My uncle…
Gia- What did he want you to do? What did he want you to become?
Nikolas- The prince…
Gia- The prince? What does that mean?
Nikolas- I uhh…
Gia- [softly sensing his discomfort] What is it Nikolas?
Nikolas- My umm… when I was born… [slowly shaking his head] by birth I am a prince…
Gia- A prince of what?
Nikolas- [softly] I wish I knew…
Gia- You’re playing right?
Nikolas- [softly] Unfortunately no…
Gia- [softly] You’re a prince?
Nikolas- [slowly nodding] Yes… I don’t rule a country or any people but…
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] You’re a prince…
Nikolas- By birth yes but…
Gia- [falling back in bed] You’re a f*cking prince…
Nikolas- [looking down at Gia] What does that matter?
Gia- I uhh… you must think it’s pretty funny… here I am, some do nothing girl from Brooklyn complaining that her mother doesn’t want her singing or dancing, while you’re this prince…
Nikolas- [softly] Who wishes he had the opportunity to even attempt to pick and choose what he want to do…
Gia- [softly] What do you mean?
Nikolas- [laying back on the bed beside Gia] Yeah I’m a prince but so what… I faced the same struggles as you… I had the same overbearing parent, uncle in my case, who thought he knew what was best for me. You spoke about singing and dancing… at least you even had the choice… in my uncle’s eyes… in my family’s eye such things are not becoming of a prince.
Gia- [softly] Nikolas…
Nikolas- I’ve had to live my entire life hearing about what a prince should and should not be doing. And more than that… my entire life I’ve heard how I was the savior of the Cassadines… who am I to save my family’s name when I couldn’t even save myself…
Gia- [softly] I don’t know what to say…
Nikolas- For the longest my uncle and myself were at odds because what he wanted versus what I wanted for myself was so vastly different… and though he doesn’t exactly agree with how I am living my life we’ve come to some sort of compromise.
Gia- What do you mean?
Nikolas- For the time being he can’t pick and choose my life or how I live it and in return I’ve agreed that at age 25 I will run all of Cassadine Industries…
Gia- Meaning?
Nikolas- That for right now I get to experience life how I want to live it…
Gia- And when you turn 25?
Nikolas- I’m hoping that I’ve lived enough, and loved enough that I won’t miss what I no longer have…
Gia- [softly] Nikolas…
Nikolas- The Cassadines aren’t exactly blessed in love and we don’t always get what we want so I’m trying to make the best out of what I’ve been given.
Gia- [looking at Nikolas] What do you want Nikolas?
Nikolas- For you to stay here with me…
Gia- [softly] Why?
Nikolas- [slowly shaking his head] From the moment I saw you… you’re all I seem to think about. I’ve found myself at work or with my uncle staring off in space thinking about you and…
Gia- Why?
Nikolas- I don’t know… I liked being around you… I like how I feel when I’m around you and I wanted that feeling every time I came home and…
Gia- But you have a girlfriend…
Nikolas- I know but…
Gia- [softly] I like being around you too…
Nikolas- [looking intently at Gia] Things are going to get complicated aren’t they?
Gia- [slowly smiling] Probably… do you still want me to stay?
Nikolas- [slowly nodding] Yes…
Gia- [slowly nodding] Ok I’ll stay…

Smiling Nikolas and Gia continued to talk letting the easy feeling remain. Watching as Gia stifled yet another yawn Nikolas began to rise from Gia’s bed only to be stopped by her.

Gia- [softly] Where are you going?
Nikolas- You’re falling asleep…
Gia- [attempting to cover her yawn] No I’m not…
Nikolas- [smiling] Gia…
Gia- Stay with me Nikolas…
Nikolas- [smiling as he slowly shook his head] Sparky you’re tired…
Gia- [slowly cocking an eyebrow] Sparky?
Nikolas- I’ve wanted to call you that since I first met you…
Gia- Why?
Nikolas- [softly smiling] You’re like a little spark plug… you always get things going…
Gia- Is that a good or bad thing?
Nikolas- [smiling] Good… definitely good…
Gia- So my name is Sparky now huh?
Nikolas- Yeah… but only I get to call you it…
Gia- [smiling] Ok…
Nikolas- Go to bed Sparky…
Gia- Stay with me until I fall asleep…
Nikolas- [softly] Gia…
Gia- [softly] Please… I don’t want to go to sleep alone… besides we haven’t finished our talk…
Nikolas- [sighing] Only until you fall asleep…
Gia- [brightly smiling] Thank you…
Nikolas- [smiling] Ok move over and stop hogging the bed…
Gia- [laughing as she moved over] Whatever…

Their conversation beginning again Nikolas watched Gia trying his best not to laugh at her attempts at staying awake. Knowing her attempts were futile Gia softly smiled at Nikolas as she whispered softly her thoughts to him.

Gia- [softly] You’re beautiful too…

Watching as her eyelids fluttered shut Nikolas slowly shook his head in response to her declaration.

Nikolas- Not as beautiful as you…

Realizing sleep had finally claimed her Nikolas remained beside Gia watching her as she slept. Losing himself in the sight of her Nikolas fought his desire to caress her cheek, momentarily satisfied just watching her. Sleep suddenly claiming him as well Nikolas fell asleep besides Gia his body close to hers. Waking slowly in the morning Nikolas could not help but smile as he felt Gia pressed close to him, her arm around his waist. Looking down on her sleeping form once again Nikolas slowly closed his eyes his smile remaining on his face.

Chapter 8

Checking his watch once again Nikolas wondered quietly as to how he got Gia to agree to this night. Explaining away the night as a mini celebration for her new Cougar’s job Nikolas was surprised when Gia voiced no objections. Shocked even more so by her non-response when he informed her that the usuals would be joining them as well Nikolas could not help but wait for the proverbial other shoe to drop. Despite their many attempts Gia and Elizabeth were not getting along and were no where near to being friends. And yet after seeing Elizabeth’s obvious jealousy towards Gia Nikolas could see why. Checking his watch once again Nikolas yelled up to Gia hoping she would give him a chance and a clue to cancel tonight.

Nikolas- [yelling at Gia up the stairs] Are you sure you still want to do this?
Gia- [yelling in response] Yes… I’ll be there in one second!
Nikolas- I’ll understand if you’ve changed you mind…
Gia- No… Little Lizzie does not bother me…
Nikolas- Still…
Gia- It’s ok Nikolas…
Nikolas- But…
Gia- [slowly walking down the stairs] Like I said… Little Lizzie does not bother me…

Turning to look in her direction Nikolas was momentarily at a loss for words as he took Gia in. Wearing a caramel and cream colored multi-layered sleeveless dress, with a draped bodice and an asymmetrical handkerchief hem Gia smiled as she watched Nikolas’ expression.

Gia- [smiling as she slowly turned] You like?
Nikolas- [slowly nodding] Most definitely…
Gia- Then my night is complete…
Nikolas- [slowly smiling] Is that so…
Gia- [softly] Yeah…
Nikolas- [staring intently at Gia] If you don’t want to go…
Gia- Will you be there?
Nikolas- Yes…
Gia- [slowly nodding] Then I’ll be there…
Nikolas- [offering her his arm] Shall we?

Her smile spreading as she gently took his arm Nikolas and Gia headed towards Lucky’s apartment where the gang had all agreed to meet up. Noting Juan’s absence Gia smiled at those gathered praying silently to get through the night without getting into it with Elizabeth. Going first to Dream, a trendy new restaurant near the outskirts of Port Charles Gia watched as the gang selected dish after dish placing them all on Nikolas’ tab. Offering to pay her portion of the bill Nikolas smiled in Gia’s direction at her attempt. Headed next to the Outback Nikolas, Gia, and the rest danced and grooved to the music pumping out of the speakers. As his every attempt to ask Gia to dance was foiled Nikolas was momentary content to sit back and watch as she moved and swayed to each beat. Catching his eye Gia slowly smiled in his direction silently wishing that she was dancing with him instead of an over-friendly Lucky. Witnessing both the looks between Nikolas and Gia as well as Lucky’s caresses Elizabeth suggested a change of venue. Stumbling into a nearby Kareoke bar Nikolas, Gia and the gang sat around talking. Trying her best to ignore Elizabeth constant digs in her direction Gia turned her attention to Lucky as he again spoke to her.

Lucky- I heard you’re still looking for a job…
Gia- Yeah… working with AJ is cool and all but it wasn’t exactly what I was looking for…
Emily- [softly] AJ… AJ said you were doing a really good job…
Gia- You know AJ?
Liz- Duh… he’s her brother…
Gia- Excuse you?
Liz- He’s her brother… didn’t you notice they had the same last name?
Gia- [looking at Lucky] Get her to shut up before I do it permanently…
Liz- [smirking] I’d like to see you try…
Lucky- [slowly shaking his head] Come on Liz… lay off..
Liz- [angrily crossing her arms] Whatever Lucky…
Emily- He’s… he’s not my biological brother… I was adopted and…
Gia- I didn’t put two and two together…
Emily- It’s ok… most don’t unless someone tells them or…
Liz- [quickly standing] I have to go to the restroom… come on Emily…

Shaking her head as Emily followed behind Elizabeth Gia turned towards Nikolas and Lucky quickly asking them a question.

Gia- What the hell is wrong with that chick?
Lucky- She’s scared…
Gia- Of what?
Lucky- Of not being the hottest girl in the bar…
Gia- [slowly raising her eyebrow] And who would that be?
Lucky- [slowly smiling] You of course…
Gia- [slowly nodding] Of course…
Lucky- [staring intently at Gia] Wouldn’t you agree big brother?
Nikolas- [softly] Definitely…

A smile slowly spreading across her face Gia turned smiling at Nikolas. Their gaze locking Gia was reluctantly pulled from Nikolas as Lucky continued to talk to her.

Lucky- If you’re really looking for something else… you should try my mom…
Gia- You’re mother?
Lucky- Yeah… she’s restarting a cosmetic company and her and her partner is about to began the search for their signature model or as they put it… their face…
Gia- Really?
Lucky- Yeah… I think you’d be the perfect choice for the Face of Deception and I’m not saying that because I’ll be taking the pictures…
Liz- [smirking as she again sat at the table] You can’t be serious… I know you are not telling Gia about the Face of Deception…
Lucky- [nodding] Yeah I am…
Liz- You can’t really think she’d get it… there’s nothing special about her looks…
Gia- [angrily] You know what…
Nikolas- Elizabeth that’s enough… whether you think Gia has the look or not there’s no reason to be rude…
Liz- I was just commenting on what Lucky was saying…
Nikolas- [staring at her intently] Well no one wants to hear your “comments”…
Liz- [shaking her head] Whatever…

Sensing the sudden tension Lucky attempted to change the vibe at the table smiling as he headed towards the stage.

Lucky- We came here to have some fun… let’s do that…

Quickly looking through the selection of songs Lucky smiled as he found the one he was looking for. Pushing the necessary buttons Lucky roamed the stage singing off-key a god awful N*Sync song. The mood lightening the table laughed at Lucky’s antics as he attempted to do a dance move he should have never tried. Bowing as the crowd erupted after his “performance” Lucky returned to the table a smile plastered across his face speaking quickly to the table.

Lucky- [smiling] Ok who’s next…

Watching in bemused embarrassment Gia, Nikolas and Lucky watched as Emily and Elizabeth hit the stage singing an old Spice Girl’s hit. Trying her best not to laugh as they returned to the table Gia congratulated Elizabeth on their performance. Angered by her response Elizabeth tightly folded her arms challenging Gia to do better.

Liz- What… do you think you can do it better?
Gia- In my sleep…
Liz- Then get up there and prove it…
Gia- I’ll pass…
Liz- [smirking] Afraid?
Gia- [slowly shaking her head] Never that…
Lucky- Yeah Gia… I want to see you up there singing something especially for me…
Gia- [softly smiling] You want me to sing to you baby?
Lucky- [slowly licking his lips] Yeah…
Gia- [looking quickly at Nikolas] Ok this is just for you…

Approaching the stage Gia looked back at Nikolas as she looked through the various songs she could sing. Smiling as she came across the song she was looking for Gia made her selection before taking the microphone. Speaking softly into the microphone Gia stared back at Nikolas before she began to sing.

Gia- [softly] Umm… I hadn’t really planned on coming up here but someone made a request so here I am… [slowly smiling] this song is for someone very special… [looking intently at Nikolas] he knows who he is…

I knew from the very first time I laid eyes on you baby
That you would be right for me
I knew your heart had been broken many times before sweet baby
And I had to make my move before love closed the door
Boy I know you've been hurt so many times before yeah
And it's so hard to trust again since you've been let down
Give me the chance baby I've got what you need hey
I'm what you're looking for
I'm what you need

The music beginning Gia slowly closed her eyes letting the song and the music overtake her. And as the song continued Gia slowly opened her eyes instantly locking them with Nikolas. Aware that he stared at her in return Gia softly smiled as she slowly wove him in her spell. Listening as her heavenly voice sang to him Nikolas watched Gia as she commanded the stage and everyone’s attention. Staring up at her Nikolas felt as his heart suddenly increased when she smiled back at him.

Ooh I'm what you need (I'm what you need)
And I've got what you want (I've got what you want)
Put your trust in me (put your trust in me)
I won't let you down (I won't let you down)
Give me a chance (give me a chance)
Let me prove my love for you babe (I’ll prove my love)
I'm what you need

Slowly extending her hand Gia continued to sing to Nikolas feeling each word she sang. From the moment they ran into each other thoughts of him heavy on her mind Gia knew that he would mean and become something important to her. And as they spent continued time together Gia could not imagine him not being in and a part her life. He offered her his friendship when she least expected it and she was forever grateful. But more than just gratitude Gia could sense her feelings for him slowly changing.

Boy I know you've cried so many tears
That's too many tears for one heart
You spend so much time all alone by yourself I'm what you need
I'm what you're looking for
You thought you found true love but you were deceived
And when you needed real love they turned you away
You gave your all but your all wasn't good enough I'm what you want
Baby I'm what you need

Watching as she wiped softly at her imaginary tears Nikolas fought the urge to walk to the stage and take her hand. He wanted her. Not just physically but completely. She was beautiful, amazing, incredible and so unbelievably close to being his. When he least expected it, he would think of her and a smile would spread across his face. Even before she moved in, Gia was forever in his thoughts. And now to have her live with him and share his space Nikolas could sense what heaven felt like.

Ooh I'm what you need (baby)
And I've got what you want (I've got what you want)
Put your trust in me
I won't let you down (I won't let you down)
Give me a chance (give me a chance)
Let me prove my love for you baby (I’ll prove my love)
I’m what you need (I'm what you need baby)

They, Nikolas and Gia, in that moment, during her song were transcended into another moment and time. It was as if no one or no thing existed but them and their feelings. Nikolas stared up at Gia wanting and imagining her in his arms. He wanted to hold and kiss her and… slowly shaking his head Nikolas tried to fight his feelings knowing that they were wrong. He had a girlfriend and he couldn’t or better yet shouldn’t be feeling this way about someone else. And yet with each smile, each look, each glimpse of Gia thoughts and concern for Lynn mattered little. As she sang each word Lynn slipped further and further away from him and surprisingly he did not seem to care.

Come on baby
Give love a try
You've got to learn to trust again
And if you let me
I'll wipe the tears from your eyes
Come on baby and give love a try

Watching as obvious emotions crossed his face Gia again extended her hand inviting him in to her. She knew it was wrong to pursue him. He was involved with someone else but it didn’t seem to matter. When everything seemed most dark, her mother’s illness and her many disagreements with her brother, Nikolas’ smiling face was all that she could seem to think of. Their meeting, to others would seem less than ideal but to her it was perfect. His smile, his laughter, despite her plowing into him was a welcomed sight. And the many calls and talks that followed made her fall deeper and deeper into him.

I'm what you need
And I've got what you want
Put your trust in me (ooh yeah yeah)
I won't let you down (I won't let you down)
Give me a chance (give me a chance
) Let me prove my love for you baby (ooh)
I'm what you need (I'm what you need baby)

If he stood and took only a few steps he would be beside her holding her hand and her tightly to him. And to hold her beside him… Nikolas could sense his brother and the others at the table speaking to him but he couldn’t pull his eyes away from Gia. She was ethereal, beautiful, singing softly to him and he was captivated. But more importantly he did not want to pulled away from her. Agreeing with whatever his brother commenting on Nikolas continued to stare up at Gia listening, watching and feeling every word she sang.

Give me the chance to prove my love (prove my love)
Boy I'll never let you down (let you down)
I know that you've been hurt before (hurt before)
I'll wipe the tears baby from your eyes (from your eyes)
You've got to learn to trust again (trust again)
Give me your lovin' baby please give in (ooh)
I'm what you need

What made her so bold tonight Gia did not know but finally this was her chance to tell him how she was feeling and she took it. From the moment he whispered that she was beautiful she wanted to tell him how she was feeling about him. How she was feeling… what could she tell him exactly? That she thought about him constantly… that every waking moment she wanted to spend in his presence… that despite his girlfriend and his obvious attachments she wanted to be with and by him always. She knew quite possibly she was setting herself up for hurt but she couldn’t stop herself. Nikolas, the prince, in all his finement and gentle ways had somehow worked his way into her heart and she wanted to see where and what it would bring to her.

I'm what you need (I'm what you need)
And I've got what you want (I've got what you want)
Put your trust in me (put your trust in me)
I won't let you down (I won't let you down)
Give me a chance (give me a chance)
Let me prove my love for you baby (I'll prove my love)
I'm what you need (I'm what you need baby)

Watching and feeling her every movement Nikolas sat in wonderment as applause erupted around him. She had finished her serenade to him and he was awestruck and nearly could not move. Feeling himself rising with everyone else in applause Nikolas watched Gia as she smiled out at the crowd before her. More than just song, she spoke and whispered to his heart and unlike never before he could actually feel as it responded. In that short moment in time that she was on the stage, looking and singing to him., Nikolas had been changed and he wanted so desperately to shout his response and change to her. As her heavenly voice enthralled him she was softly asking him a question and with one look in her direction he knew the answer.

I'm what you need (I'm what you need),
And I've got what you want (I've got what you want baby)
Put your trust in me (put your trust in me)
I won't let you down (I won't let you down)
Give me a chance (I won't let you down
) Let me prove my love for you babe (boy I love you)

Smiling as applause surrounded her, Gia quickly bowed momentarily surprised by the crowd’s reaction to her song… to Nikolas’ song. She sang from her heart, and whether or not he accepted all that she offered, she knew that she had to extend her heart to his . Bowing once again as the crowd called out to her Gia slowly left the stage to cheers and praise from those around her. Her eyes still locked on Nikolas Gia slowly walked towards the table looking only for his reaction. An uncertain yet tender smile on his face Gia watched him as Lucky eagerly helped her to her seat. Irritated by the attention shown to her Elizabeth voiced her opinion of Gia’s performance.

Liz- [shrugging] It was all right… I’ve seen and heard better…
Lucky- I haven’t… you were amazing!
Liz- Lucky…
Lucky- It’s the truth… you were so good…
Gia- [softly] Thank you…
Lucky- And what makes it even better is you were singing to me…
Gia- Yeah… I was…
Lucky- [slowly licking his lips] Well if we ever get a little free time alone I might have you singing a even better song…
Gia- And what song would that be?
Lucky- [smiling] I don’t know but it’ll have a lot of moaning and heavy breathing…
Nikolas- [softly] Lucky…
Gia- [laughing] Is that a promise?
Lucky- Naw baby… it’s a guarantee…
Gia- [looking quickly at Nikolas] We’ll see…

Laughter continuing around the table the gang unsuccessfully attempted to get Nikolas to take the stage. Wanting and hoping to upstage her Elizabeth rushed to the stage trying a sexy song to no one’s enjoyment. Returning to the table Elizabeth silently fumes as many came to the table congratulating Gia on her performance. Catching Nikolas’ gaze on her throughout the remainder of the night Gia softly smiled knowing her “song” had it’s desired effect. However as the night wore on, Gia became unsure of Nikolas’ reaction to her and the song she chose.

After many farewells Nikolas and Gia rode home in companionable silence neither speaking about her song and/or the feelings and emotions it evoked. Stealing a glance at Nikolas as he drove towards the cottage Gia could not help but wonder if what she was feeling was only one-sided. Entering the cottage Gia quickly went to her room with Nikolas following closely behind her. Unable to take his silence any longer Gia turned to Nikolas ready to question him. Stopping as he stared down at her Gia took a deep breath his gaze nearly too much. Seeing the look she encountered during her song Gia softly questioned Nikolas.

Gia- [softly] Did you like the song?
Nikolas- [softly] Yes…
Gia- Good…
Nikolas- Did you mean it?
Gia- [softly] Every note, syllable, beat…
Nikolas- So where do we go… I mean what do we do about it?
Gia- [softly] We see where it takes us…
Nikolas- [softly] What about Lynn?
Gia- I don’t want to hurt her…
Nikolas- But?
Gia- I like you and I think you like me…
Nikolas- [softly] I do…
Gia- [slowly shrugging her shoulders] Then let’s just see what happens?
Nikolas- [slowly nodding] Let’s see what happens…

Taking a deep breath Gia slowly leaned forward kissing Nikolas tenderly on his cheek. Moving away from him Gia smiled up at Nikolas whispering softly before disappearing into her room.

Gia- [softly] Good night Nikolas…

Watching until she disappeared behind her door Nikolas tenderly touched his cheek feeling and wanting her lips on him once again. A slow smile covering his face Nikolas walked back to his room looking at her door one last time before entering his room.

Nikolas- [softly] Good night Sparky…

His hand still on his cheek Nikolas fell across his bed once again seeing Gia on stage singing softly back to him.

Song ~ I’m What You Need ~ Chanté Moore ~ A Love’s Supreme