Obviously, I nod, except I’m instantly on edge as I turn back to her.
She’s smiling conspiratorially. “You’d be good for him,” she says.
“Oh no, it’s not like that, we just met.”
“I know.”
“Besides, I don’t really think—”
“I’ve never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you,” she says, interrupting me, her tone serious. “I thinkit’s because you remind him of what our childhood was like. We were totally normal. I don’t think either of us were designed for the life his fame brought us.”
I put my napkin on the table and sit back. “Gus does seem affected by it all.”
“He’s a sensitive guy, really,” she says. “I know he’s scared about what life will be like now this is all over. And I also know he doesn’t want to hear it, or how much he’s actually told you, but itiscoming to an end. He’ll find out soon. Between us, you should be prepared for that. In case you’re with him.”
I swallow and nod.
“Obviously, he has opportunities, if he wants them. He could make his own music, or act.” She laughs. “Fuck. Actually no, not acting. He is a fuckingterribleactor.”
“What do you think he’ll do?”
She twists her lips. “Honestly? I think he’d be a good mentor for other young popstars. He’s talented. He might perform again. Or he could turn to presenting.”
I grin. “He’d be good at that.”
“Right?He has the personality for it.” Although she frowns. “I’m not sure I want to see him in the music industry again though. It’s incredibly toxic and takes so much from him.”
Before she can say anymore Cole and Gus return. We order desserts, then after, when we’re all full and tipsy, Gus leans back, reaching an arm behind me to rest on my chair. I’m hyperaware of Grace, reading my every reaction. She can barely hide her smile. If I knew her better, I’d kick her under the table.
My sisters would like her. She’s fiery.
“Right,” she says, slapping her palms on the table and standing up. “I’m going to go before the bill arrives because they’ll be a super awkward moment where Gus offers to pay and Cole refuses.”
“I already paid,” Cole responds.
Gus growls good-humouredly. “You mother fuc—”
“See,” she says, laughing at me.
“I feel whiplashed.”
“Hanging out with Grace will do that to you,” Gus says, just as she retorts, “That’ll be because Gus is soannoying!”
Cole stands to block Grace’s escape. “Where are you staying tonight?” he asks. It’s almost protective. I glance at Gus to read his expression, but he clearly isn’t bothered by their interaction.
“A boutique hotel in Parioli,” she says. “Although I appreciate your offer to stay with you, I try not to stay in the same place as my brother, as you know.”
Cole nods. “Take my car. My driver will take you wherever you need to go.”
I expect her to politely refuse but instead she laughs and says, “Ok.” Before she reaches the curtain to the kitchens, she spins on her heel and steps towards Gus, throwing an arm round his neck and holding him close. “I nearly forgot to hug you. Here’s some cash. You can pay me back later,” she says, stepping back and pulling out a massive wad of euros from her handbag and pressing it into his palm. “And I hope I’ll be seeing more of you, Sara.” Then she turns again and marches out of the restaurant as Cole calls his driver to explain the change in plans.
Gus leans towards me, his lips almost brushing the shell of my ear. “Are you up for walking back to the villa?”
I turn to him and immediately regret it, my pulse jumping in my throat at his proximity. “Ok,” is all I manage to squeak out.
All I can think about, as his eyes track mine, is Grace saying,I’ve never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you.I swallow that information down and clear my throat, brushing down the invisible dirt on my dress.
Gus throws a helmet at Cole, which he catches with his superhuman reflexes. “Hey, I know you’ve been drinking, but can you take the Vespa back? We’re going to walk.”
