“Look at what's happened!I could end up in jail.Just the thought of someone hurting you drives me to the brink of insanity.”He gestured wildly, his anger evident.
“You stood up for me,” I reminded him.
“No,” he replied, his voice calming.“That's the issue.That's not the only thing I'd do for you.I would kill for you.”His words hit me like a wrecking ball.My mouth fell open in shock.“Can't you see how much pain I've already caused you?I ruin everything I touch.It's all my fault.My parents divorced because of me, because it was me who told my dad that Mom was cheating.It all happened because of me, because I…” He almost gave in but then turned and punched the wall in frustration.
“I don't care,” I said delicately.“I'm yours—body and soul.Do with me what you wish.”
“I can't fight this anymore,” he admitted.
“So don't.”
“I'll hurt you again,” he warned.
“I don't care.”
“It could end badly.”
“Then let's make it worth it.”
“I can't give you what you seek.”
“You already have.”
“Youdummy.”
“I know.”
Chapter 35
Imissed the bus after school and had to catch a later one, arriving at the coffee shop half an hour late.
“I'm really sorry, Enzo.I missed the bus.I can stay late if you needed me to,” I said as I hurried inside, trying to catch my breath.He didn't respond verbally; he just gestured with his hand, letting me know it wasn't a problem.Ever since his wife passed away, he had become quite reserved, and I felt lost on how to support him.
I quickly stashed my belongings and got ready for my shift.Just two minutes in, my mom walked through the door, and I could see from her expression that she was aware of my tardiness.
“Where have you been?”she asked.
“I missed the bus,” I replied.
“And why was that?”she pressed, clearly wanting more details.
“I had art lab and needed to finish a project, so I stayed longer.I thought I could make it in time, but I didn't,” I explained, but that was a lie.She seemed to accept my excuse.
“Can you make me a coffee?I have a meeting with Georgia and Stefan,” she requested.
“Who?”I asked, puzzled.My mom looked at me as if I should have known.
“The couple we celebrated New Year's Eve with at our house?”she replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm.I hadn't bothered to remember their names, so it was no surprise that I didn't recall them.
After returning from my school trip last week, our relationship had improved somewhat: she had asked about my experiences, and we had a decent conversation—the most we'd had in weeks.Dad had also softened, coming to my room for a hug.He was still upset with me, but his love remained unconditional.
Once my mom finished her coffee, she left, reminding me to come by the studio after my shift.A few hours later, Andrea came in for his usual coffee but didn't say much, and I mentioned I would stop by later.
Jessica also made her usual secret visits whenever I was working, just to chat briefly.She shared how serious things were getting with Damiano—she sounded smitten.He had met her parents, and she had met his.Although she was young and Damiano might just be one of many to come, seeing her happy anyway brought me joy.
My shift ended.I grabbed my jacket and backpack, and I made my way to the studio.The glass door was ajar, so I stepped inside.The sound of a camera clicking filled the air, and I hesitated to interrupt since I didn't see my mom around.I continued on, spotting Andrea behind the lens, capturing moments of Georgia while my mom chatted with Stefan.
When she noticed me, she waved me over.Once I approached, I caught Stefan's gaze lingering on me, as if he were sizing me up or envisioning something.
