Authors note: This is my first attempt at a Betty and Gio story. I am really nervous about it. I want it to be really good and I want suggestions so I capture the essence of both Gio and Betty. I usually write D/B and H/B but Gio is starting to grow on me. I am starting this story with a T- rating but it will turn into an M-rating in later chapters. I want to start slow with this couple and let it build. But like I said If you want to help out or have an suggestion Email me or review your suggestion.

Betty listened and took Hilda's advice to heart as she told Betty that it was time for Betty to move on and when she meant move on she meant move on with Gio. It had been eight full months since Henry had left and Betty knew if he did come back there was no way that they could salvage the relationship they once had. Gio had been there for her and really helped her mend her broken heart. He made her sandwiches just the way she liked them and brought over enough Pink Berry ice cream to make one sick. But Betty realized that he could be charming and sweet when he wanted to be.

Betty walked into Gio's sandwich shop to get her usual sandwich with extra sun dried tomatoes on it when she noticed something was off today. Gio always greeted her with a smile and "Hey there's the eater!" Gio seemed off today and his eyes were red like he had been crying. Betty walked up to the counter and Gio smiled slightly at her as he made her sandwich in silence. Betty was a little concerned for her new friend and possible love interest and wanted to make sure he was alright.

"Gio is everything alright you seem a little off today?" Betty asked softly as she looked into his coco brown eyes.

"Yeah, my grandfather had a stroke last night and they do not know if he will make throughout the day." Gio announced as a tear fell down his cheek.

"What are you doing? You shouldn't be working. You should be with your family." She said as she could see his heart really wasn't into working today.

Gio looked into the chocolate brown eyes of the woman he had fallen in love with over the last year and half and knew she was right.

"I know but my grandfather is the reason why I wanted to become a chef in the first place. I really need to work for him." He let out as he was determined to finish the day.

"Gio, I am sure your grandfather will understand if you take a couple days off for family. Especially since he is the one you should be with if you don't think he is going to make it." Betty announced in a caring matter.

"Betty, let it go I am not leaving today!" He said more sharply than attended.

Betty's eyes widen and then soften as she knew he was stressed and he was hurting. "I am so sorry, Gio. I'm over stepping my boundaries with telling what you should do." Betty softly said as she looked upset.

"Stop, I am so sorry for snapping at you. Thank you for caring." He said as he came around the counter and put his arm around Betty. Betty did something he did not expect she put her arms around his waist and pulled him in to her. It was now Gio's turn to be shocked but he immediately relaxed when she pulled him in closer. Tears finally rolled down his tanned cheeks as he put his other arm around Betty. He took in Betty's strawberry shampoo and her vanilla perfume as she let him cling to her for dear life.

Betty let him lean on her as she leaned on him when Henry left. His grandfather must have been really important to him because Gio just didn't seem to be the kind of guy to express his emotions so easily. She was so used to seeing Gio either joking around or determined to make his five year plan stick that this was a side she wish she didn't have to witness. It broke her heart to see him so distraught. She wanted him to joke with her or give her a hard time, call Henry egg salad, or better yet smile that wonderful smile she liked so much. Betty let go of Gio long enough to look in his sullen eyes.

"Gio, do me a favor and call me anytime if you hear anything about your grandfather. I will be there for you as your friend." Betty let out softly.

"Ok, I will." Gio said softly as he turned around and wiped his eyes and went back behind the counter.

"Can we talk later? I really just want to close up and go home." Gio asked as he looked into Betty's eyes with a pleading look. Betty nodded and said a small goodbye knowing that Gio just needed this time to himself.

The next day Betty woke up to the sound of her cell phone ringing on her night stand. She put her glasses on and saw that it was Gio. She had told Gio to call her when he found out any news about his grandfather. Betty answered the phone with a small hello.

"Hey, Gio…" Betty said softly.

"Betty…. He passed away last night at 11:30. I don't…. I …." Gio didn't know what to say and he was thoroughly upset.

Betty's heart broke for him and knew she needed to be there for him like he was there for her.

"Are you at your apartment or at your mom's house?" Betty announced as she quickly got out of bed and started to pick out the perfect dress to wear.

"My apartment…" He quietly said as he pictured her racing around her room trying to find something to wear.

"Ok I will be there." Betty hung up the phone and ran to take a shower. After thirty minutes she splashed some vanilla perfume on as she ran out of her bedroom door and down the stairs to go to Gio's apartment.

Ten minutes later Betty showed up at Gio's and knocked on his door. Gio answered looking not so put together as Betty was used to him being. His hair was sticking out everywhere, his eyes were blood shot, and he wore his wife beater and sweatpants that hung dangerously low on his waist. Betty knew her thoughts were going to dangerous places especially since Gio never looked sexier but Betty knew see needed to suppress these thoughts as she entered his apartment.

Gio thought Betty never looked prettier as she stepped into his apartment. He wished she had been at his apartment for other reasons as she came into the living room and took off her sweater she was wearing. She had a beautiful red dress with blue flowers on it that came just to her knees. He also noticed she wasn't wearing her usual tights and her red heels matched her outfit.

Betty walked over to Gio and wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him knowing that he needed a hug for comfort. Gio put his head on Betty's shoulder and cried. He was going to miss his grandfather but he knew he was in a better place.