Tooth and Nail

"Hold up, what do you mean she's... she's yours?" Giovanni gasped, his face flushing as if he'd just run a mile. He wished he could disappear into a hole in the ground.

He'd been talking about Alicia. No wonder Louis had a storm cloud hanging over his head. He was just lucky Louis hadn't swung a punch his way.

"Sorry, Louis. I was totally clueless. Had no idea Alicia was your girlfriend," Giovanni scrambled to correct his mistake, adding quickly, "You two make an awesome pair, huh?"

Louis only grunted, his attention totally focused on Alicia, like he was stuck to her with super glue, unable to look away.

Feeling the tension in the room, Alicia swiftly signed the contract, picked up the check, and got up. "I'll leave you guys to chat," she suggested, trying to break the ice. "I don't want to barge in."

Giovanni, always ready to seize an opportunity, quickly jumped in. "No rush, Alicia. You and Louis take your time. I'll hang out in the next room."