Read Hidden Depths for Free Online Page B

can't explain. But, I
really didn't lose a bet. I asked her to do this, even after she told me she
wouldn't, so don't be mad at Gia. I'm sorry."
    "You know, you've been sorry an awful lot lately. It
feels like I never see you, and when I do you're apologizing for something. Why
don't you stop it and just tell me what's really going on?"
    Josh hung his head, completely shamed by his own behavior.
She was absolutely right. "I'm sorry for that too, Deb. Look, you're
right, we need to talk. But not here, not today. Let's just try to relax and
enjoy this afternoon with our friends and we'll talk tomorrow. Okay?"
    She seemed to consider for a moment, and Josh waited
quietly. He knew she would never cause a scene, not really. The only reason she
had even commented on the tat was out of shock. Finally, she nodded, pasting an
obviously forced smile onto her lips. She leaned in and kissed his cheek.
"Fine, we'll talk tomorrow."
    Chapter 6
    Gia had been standing with Kelly, Scott and Dev watching to
see if either member of the unflappable couple finally broke and lost their
temper. When Deb softly kissed his cheek, Kelly echoed her own thoughts.
    "Well, that was a bit disappointing. Watching him
tackle you was the highlight of that little show, and you already knew about
the tattoo." With a little shrug of her shoulders Kelly looked at Gia.
    "So, why exactly did he tackle you? Were you being a
bitch again?"
    Feeling just a tad bit ashamed of her behavior, Gia simply
turned her ire on her friend, glaring back at her. "I'm never a bitch. I
just refuse to let Mr. Perfect and Proper get away with his holier than thou
behavior."
    "Uh huh. So, you were being a bitch."
    With a sigh, Gia finally admitted, "Maybe I just poked
at him a little more than I should. He's just always so stuffy. I like him so
much better when he's pissed off and... real."
    "You like him better that way, but does Debbie? Or Josh
for that matter. Does he like it better when you push him until he snaps?"
    Gia thought about it for a while, trying to be honest with
both Kelly and herself. "Yeah, Kell, I think he does. He's always so
uptight. When I push him, argue with him, prod until he finally breaks, I think
it's a kind of therapy for him. A chance to just be. Without judgment. Everyone
can blame me, not him."
    Kelly tossed her head from side to side, pondering that for
a second. "Maybe. I guess it kind of makes sense. Did he really ask you to
do that tattoo?"
    "Yeah. It was totally weird. He just waltzed into my
shop, bold as you please, told me he wanted a tattoo. I thought he was shitting
me, or trying to get me in trouble with Deb. It took him almost thirty minutes
to convince me he was serious."
    "Huh. Well, maybe there's more to the lawyer than meets
the eye," Dev said.
    Shannon and Blake walked up behind them, Blake joining in on
the conversation. "Trust me, you have no idea."
    "What do you mean?" asked Dev.
    "Nothing really. Just that Josh is a prime example of
that expression 'still waters run deep'. There's a lot more going on than
people see."
    "That's why I razz him all the time," Gia said.
"He's just... more fun when he's not being so stiff."
    "Yeah, he is. But, the stiff is more comfortable for
him. How much do you know about his family? He has been on the same exact path
his entire life. Since he was born, basically. Grow up and attend all the
proper private schools. Go to the best colleges, get a law degree. Come in and
manage the expansion of the company. Marry the right wife, have two point three
children, raise them to follow in your footsteps. He has always been the
perfect son, living up to every expectation."
    Suddenly Gia felt guilty for giving Josh so much grief.
"I always knew he had a life plan. I just never realized it wasn't his
plan. I don't know too much about family pressure, but I can't imagine it's
much fun." With a glance over at Josh and Deb talking quietly on the
beach, she let out a deep sigh. "You'd think after eight years he