While Glory watched the fireworks, Gio was busy watching her. He'd been following the light show at first, but when he noticed how the fireworks were reflecting in her eyes Gio had glanced over at her and the glance had never ended.
Gio only turned his eyes from Glory once the fireworks finale began, because that was too loud and bright not to draw his attention. It looked beautiful reflected on the water, and the sky lit up bright like it was 12 noon. He was glad he and Glory had gotten over their dislike of fireworks, or else he probably would have already walked her home after watching TV, and he'd probably be in bed willing himself to dream about her. This was much better.
The sky was smoking when the show ended, and suddenly the beach seemed to come alive with people picking themselves up and heading for their cars or downtown. Gio also pushed himself up from the cold sand and brushed his pants off the best he could. "That was awesome," he said to her.
It was the last thing he'd say for a while, even as they left the beach and walked through the brightly lit area of town that was suspiciously full of couples kissing and holding hands. Gio briefly wondered if he'd see Ed and Mal, but by the time he and Glory passed into more residential territory he hadn't caught sight of his brother at all and he doubted he would anymore.
"I had a lot of fun," Gio finally said, looking toward Glory briefly as he walked. "We'll have to hang out again sometime before your ballet recital. I want to get to know you better before you become a big star."