Rocco and I never had a close relationship even before fame and money ruined him, but I don’t have an excuse not to hug him. I shuffle the drink carrier into one hand and lean in sideways for the world’s fastest hug. “I’m well. Just back for the weekend. Helping Dad clean out his house.”
Angling his head toward me, he echoes, “Cleaning it out? Where’s he going?”
“Nowhere. His clutter has gotten out of hand.” I gesture with an open palm forward. “You know how he is with his collections.”
“Right.” His lips thin into a straight line.
“Well.” I jerk my thumb over my shoulder toward the pizzeria, careful with my words not to accidentally invite him to lunch. “I need to go.”
“Oh.” He nods, planting a smirk on his face. “Sorry to bother you.”
“It’s no bother. Just have plans.” I wave as politely as I can, my skin crawling with the creeps, and I can’t rush across the street fast enough.
My mind is a whirlwind as I stare down at my coffees.
North, the man with the world’s most routines is off routine.
And Rocco’s running for the senate.
What next?
fifteen
North
The next morning, I’m in my kitchen, staring at Mr. Bella’s junk box still sitting neatly in the corner of my kitchen table. Not wanting to snoop, I had left it untouched after seeing Rocco’s football poster. Now I want to grab the whole box and chuck it out the front door in hopes that something valuable of Rocco’s smashes into a million pieces.
Anger fires in my chest. I can’t believe Rocco had theaudacityto threaten my football team, which is my livelihood over me spending time with Gia.
I’m not fourteen.
I have no ill intentions toward Gia.
I’ve literally loved her my entire life.
All I want to do is love and protect her in the way she deserves.
He’s the monster who needs to be taught a lesson.
If he thinks I’m giving up this easily, after all the years I’ve pined over Gia, well, he has another thing to learn. I may bea little slow to make my move, but when I put my mind to something, I’m in one thousand percent.
Gia’s always been in my head.
She’s always consumed my heart.
But now, she’s in my life and I’m not giving that up.
Knock, knock.
My gaze skirts to the front door. I had been so wrapped up in my head, I missed Gia crossing the yard. She stands on my front porch, looking more amazing than ever. Her hair is up in one of the homeless messy buns she wears that looks hot. She’s wearing an oversized, washed-out Bulldog’s sweater. I know for a fact she’s had it since high school, because she used to wear it to cheerleading practice. I’d always fight it, but many days they’d practice on the edge of the football field when we were running scrimmages. There was no way I could ever keep my eyes off her. Seeing her wear that sweatshirt after all these years sets an explosion of sparks right to my heart. It’s like a symbol that it’s finally our time to be together, and all those years wasted in unrequited love are about to pay off.
I push open the door, and her cute button nose wrinkles from the smile on her face. “Hey, you.” I step aside, motioning for her to come inside. “What a nice surprise.”
She offers me one of two cups in her hands. “Coffee Loft spiced chai, just the way you like it.”
“I could get used to this service.” I take the drink and immediately enjoy a sip. It’s lukewarm, but still delicious.
“I was downtown with Dad for lunch, so I stopped in. Portia mentioned you broke your routine and hadn’t come in for your morning coffee. I know how you are with routines, and it made me a little concerned.” Her gorgeous green eyes travel over my face. “Is everything okay?
