“Let’s do it. But if I fall asleep, it’s not because you’re boring.”
“If you’re tired, go to sleep, Lex. You do not need to stay awake to keep me company.”
“I’m not saying you can’t, because you can. But I don’t really want you walking around this place without me.”
“Okay. I’ll stay here until you wake up.”
“It’s just… there’re a lot of men walking around and some of my family is insane,” he says.
“Lex, relax. I won’t leave the room without you,” I assure him.
There’s a knock on the door, and Mrs. Petrov walks in carrying a tray. “I’ve got you both food. The doc will be back in the morning to check on you.”
“Thanks, Mom.” Lex sits up on the bed so his mother can place the tray in front of us.
“Thank you.” I follow Lex’s lead and sit up.
“You’re very welcome.” She smiles at me. “What are you watching?”
“Grease,” I tell her.
“You’re getting him to watch this?” she asks with a raised brow.
“Oh, we watch it at least once a week,” I tell her.
“Really? Huh, you think you know someone who came out of your vagina,” Mrs. Petrov says.
“Oh my god, Mom. Seriously? You have two other children you can go and embarrass,” Lex groans.
I smile. “I like your mom. Maybe even more than I like you,” I tease him.
“Take it back. You do not.” Lex turns to stare at me.
“Nope.” I shake my head.
“Mom, you are not stealing my best friend.” Lex turns to his mother next. Who, judging by her face, is trying really hard not to laugh.
“I don’t know, sweetie. I could always use a new friend. It gets lonely around here.”
“You literally have two other children,” Lex grunts out.
“Your sister got married and moved out, and so has your brother. And you’re at boarding school because you got kicked out of every other educational institution we tried to put you in. Eat your soup,” she adds that last part before walking out.
I know Lex has been in a lot of trouble at his previous schools. I also know that he’s done his best to keep his head down this year.
“I do really like your mom,” I tell him. “But don’t worry. No one will ever replace you as my best friend.”
“Promise?” he asks. He genuinely looks insecure about it.
“Promise. It will always be you, Lex Valentino-Petrov,” I tell him.
“Right back at ya. Now eat, because my mom’s Italian and if you don’t eat the food she made the cook prepare, she will be offended,” he says.
“It must be nice, to have a mom who cares when you’re sick.” I sigh.
“You don’t need a mother who cares, Addi. You have me.” Lex wraps his arm around my shoulders and pulls me against him.
“Ew, don’t you dare make me sick! I don’t have insurance like you do!”
