“And I’m not in love with Pete.”
A weight lifted from my chest. “I would hope not. You can do so much better than him.” I rubbed my cheek to his.
“I think I already have.”
Torre pressed his mouth to mine, and we fell back into bed.
* * *
Five days later, I was still tangled up in myself. I’d been dodging Torre and was in a piss-poor mood, so the day before, I decided to punish myself and looked up Luca. I read about a life of lies and drugs and deception.
That’s not you, the devil whispered.You’re free now.
No, I’m not. I’m alone, not free.
Don’t be stupid. You know what to do.
I spent the nights staring out the window or at the ceiling. I realized I didn’t miss the reviewing orUltimateat all, only Edward, but didn’t know how to reach out to say hello without sounding desperate. Maybe tomorrow.
I was more interested in Mike’s restaurant. I wondered if he’d put mymazzamurruon the menu and if people liked it. Torre texted me while I was eating lunch. I couldn’t keep ducking him. I didn’t want to.
I’m not doing much of anything at the moment.
Are you okay? You sound funny.
You can tell through a text?
I can when it’s you.
You know me well, huh?
After last time, better than before.
I’m fine.
The devil popped back up to poke at me.No, you’re not, you’re not fine. Not without him.
Do you want to have dinner with Presley and Nate?
I hit Send before I had time to reconsider.
Are you sure?
I don’t do things I don’t want to do.
I’d like to.
Text you later.
* * *
“You’re a jerk.”
Presley handed me a cappuccino.
I was in his store, waiting for him to close up. We still had to pick a place for dinner.
“You know, not for nothing, but this isn’t the first time I thought Nate’s been a bad influence on you. You used to be nicer.”
