I need to go back to work and make some money to help expand my book obsession. I have to go to the college I picked yesterday when I was bored and alone in my room. I know Leonidas would be proud of my plans. He would encourage me, and that comforts me.
Right before I leave for work, I rest theTwilightbook Leonidas gifted me on my shelf. The black and red stands out on my aesthetically pleasing shelf. I’ve read a lot to grow my collection. Just looking at the wall, filled head to toe with books, rewards me with warmth within.
Walking down the stairs, I see Mom and Rodrigo in the kitchen, chatting. My steps halt while I take a deep breath in. Over the past couple of days, Mom has been trying. I know she’s made mistakes—everyone does. I need to understand that she’s grieving as well, and everyone grieves differently. If Rodrigo makes her happy, then I guess I’ll have to give him the benefit of the doubt.
Continuing my steps, I lock eyes with Mom. She glances at her boyfriend with a certain look while he sips his coffee, leaning against the counter next to Mom.
“Good morning, Trinity. How did you sleep?” Mom asks.
“Okay. How about you?” I ask her while I grab a banana.
She places her steaming cup of coffee on the counter next to her. “I couldn’t sleep very well. Kept tossing and turning.”
All I can do is nod. I feel Rodrigo’s stare on every inch of my body. I hold myself back from giving him the finger, but I keep my back to him and respectfully answer Mom’s questions.
“Have you talked to Leonidas today?”
Taking a bite of my banana, I mumble, “He’s probably still sleeping. The time difference is terrible.”
She nods sadly, and I eye Rodrigo when he butts in to our conversation. “Who’s Leonidas?”
“My boyfriend,” is all I give him.
“What’s he doing away from here?” he presses and frowns.
“He’s a singer,” Mom says and slaps a hand to her mouth in shock.
Damn, leave it to Mom to spill his one secret he wished her to keep.
She sighs in defeat and shrugs her shoulders. “Sorry, Trinity, it slipped.”
It’s not okay, not okay at all. There’s nothing I can say to take away Rodrigo’s memories.
Putting down his coffee next to Mom’s, he crosses his arms across his chest. “He’s a singer?” Questions linger in his voice as he raises an eyebrow.
No, dipshit … he’s an accountant.
I answer bluntly, “He’s in a band with his siblings.”
His eyes widen. “Do you mean X3? My son, Diego, has heard of them. He’s a big fan.”
How did he know?
Throwing my banana peel in the garbage, I smile my fakest smile in his direction. “Cool. I’m glad to hear that. I have to head to work now. See you later, Mom.”
I rush out of the room before the two of them can add anything else in the conversation I want to be over. To be fair, I could not care less if he knows about X3. He only sees what the world sees. I see so much more.
My mood immensely turns even more sour than it was moments ago when I spot my car—the car Leonidas got me. He’s only been gone a week, yet it feels like a lifetime. He’s everywhere I gaze. I think about him when I look at everything. The thought of him is driving me crazy. I didn’t know love could drive you mad.
Slamming the door behind me, I head off to work.
* * *
The bookstore is quiet today. When I say it’s quiet, I mean, only one person has stopped by today.
Linda, my boss, was happy to see me again after my much-needed break from work. She filled me in on everything that I’d missed and immediately sent me off to stock the shelves.
My hands shake as I grip the new, crispTwilightpaperbacks. I can’t help but let my mind wander off to the time we first came in here. I’m standing in the very spot where Leonidas pinned me against the shelf and was being his flirty self. I would do anything to have that right now.
