"You good, angel?" he asks, with that little smirk. I bury my face in the pillow again. I just made peace with leaving. I wasthisclose to accepting reality. And now my reality has biceps and dick print and no sense of timing. My brain is in emotional survival mode. But my body's planning crimes.
Gio lies down next to me. He doesn't say anything at first, just lets out a deep sigh. "Can you tell Noah I said hi?"
I smile into the pillow. "Of course."
"And maybe slap him too? Wait—no. Forget it. He might be into that. You know, masochist vibes. He's crazy. Might end up liking you."
I let out a short laugh and turn my face toward him. "He won't like me. I'm not his type." Gio raises an eyebrow, grinning. "Good. Real good."
I lift my hand and admire the duck ring like it's made of actual diamonds. I move it a bit, just for effect. "I can't wait for some guy in Canada to hit on me," I say dramatically. "So I can flash this and go:I am a married man, you certified headache!"
Gio wheezes next to me. "My married man's so unhinged," he says, grinning. "Damn right I am." I keep staring at the ring.
"This face? Off the market. This ass? Protected by duck law." He grabs my jaw with both hands and starts attacking my face with the most chaotic, rushed little kisses, cheeks, nose, forehead, chin, everywhere. I'm dying laughing, trying to push him off.
"Gio, what the hell—stop," He kisses me again, right on the mouth. "Mine," he mumbles. God help me, I love this man so much I'm gonna start crying.
He stands up, brushing his palms on his sweatpants. "Don't forget to read that notebook I gave you," he says, nodding toward my bag. "Take it on the plane. You've got a long-ass trip."
I nod. "Of course. I'll read the whole thing."
He groans. "Fuck—I forgot the bracelet. I'll bring it to the airport, alright?" Then he leans down and ruffles my hair one last time. "Alright. I'm heading to my mom's home to check on her for a bit."
"Shit," I blurt, sitting up. "I didn't say goodbye to her. She's gonna think I'm some horrible rude-ass boyfriend—"
He laughs and kisses my forehead. "Don't stress. I'll bring her. You'll say bye to everyone. Chill."
I smile at him, still in survival mode but still comforted just by that. "See you at the airport, okay?" he says quietly. "I love you." He's already halfway down the hallway.
"Love you too!"
He throws a hand up in the air without turning around. "Stop lying, Weston!"
…
I'm dragging my suitcase across the shiny airport floor, the wheels squeaking every now and then. Time to buy a new one I guess. My carry-on is heavy as hell, and I have to shrug the strap back onto my shoulder every five seconds, which is driving me crazy. Daisy walks beside me, chewing gum.
"When's Gio coming?" she asks casually. "Relax," I tell her. "He'll be here. He just went to check on his mom first."
"Aww," she sighs, clasping her hands together. "I love that man. He's such a green flag. Please don't cheat on him with some random Canadian."
I stop. Literally stop walking. "Do I look like someone who cheats?!" I snap, completely offended.
She smirks. "I mean—"
"And more importantly, do I look like someone who would cheat on freaking Gio?! That would be a downgrade. Acosmicdowngrade."
She starts laughing, but I just keep walking. Let her laugh. I meant that shit.
…
It's been… an hour.
We're sitting in a random corner on the floor. There isn't a single empty chair in this godforsaken airport, and I'm starting to feel every bone in my back scream.
Daisy leans her head toward me. "I know there's still time," she says quietly. "But… does he know you'reactuallyleaving?"
I swallow hard. "Yeah. He knows," I say quickly, almost too quickly. "He'll come." I know he'll come. He has to. Because anything else just isn't possible.
