Page 18 of Useless Love

The message reads: Save this number. Carmine.

I quickly reply: Already done.

Then I take a long nap. This day has been too exhausting.

***

A few days later, I go back to class. My professors have been very accommodating since my brother’s death. I was offered the option of taking more time off, but sitting at home at a table where Luca no longer joins us is unbearable. Arianna must feel the same because she also came to campus today. She barely attends any of her classes, so I can tell she really needed to get out of the house.

My morning lecture ends and I gather my stuff in my backpack. On my way out, I ask my professor about an upcoming test.

Professor Jones says, “You aren’t that far behind, so I’ll let you take the test when you are ready.”

“Thank you. I really appreciate it.” I exit into the hall feeling relieved because it’s a big test and I haven’t gotten any studying done with the mess I’ve been dealing with.

In the hallways, I notice Carla and wave. She waves back, going the opposite direction. Considering everything that’s going on between our families, we’ve both been avoiding each other.

Walking out into the fresh air, I hear someone calling Arianna's name.

I stop walking and look around, thinking my sister might be nearby. Then I realize that doesn’t make sense because she also uses a fake name on campus. My security guard is following close behind, and he says in a low voice, “That's probably for you, Gaia.”

“Huh?” I turn my head and see Carmine walking towards me. He is wearing a suit and standing out against the sea of casual-looking college students. My heart picks up when he stops mere inches in front of me.

He lifts a bushy brow at me. “Do you always walk around so aloof?”

I'm distracted for a moment by his cologne. He smells musky and manly. Then I blink and come back to my senses. “Um, are you here for Carla?” I ask.

His eyes scan my body, making me blush. He smirks. “Sort of. I just dropped her off to speak with a few professors. I saw you and figured we could grab lunch. Are you free?”

I play with my backpack strap. I didn't have any plans, but this is so unexpected. In a good way. “Huh. Well. What did you have in mind?”

He smiles, flashing his perfect teeth and making my knees a little weak. “Breath, Ari, it’s only lunch. What’s good nearby? I have some business to take care of in an hour, so I don't have long.”

“There's a good sandwich place around the corner.”

“Let's go.”

I lead the way to the quaint sandwich shop just around the corner on campus. It’s more like a café, but they do sell the best subs I’ve ever eaten.

When we arrive, Carmine steps in front of me to open the door. Such a gentleman. I enter first and then we grab a table in the middle of the busy cafe. A few women nearby turn their gazes onto Carmine, clearly liking what they see.

Suddenly, I'm a bit uncomfortable. I'm wondering what they're thinking seeing a man like him with someone like me. And I'm not sure where to rest my eyes, because all I want to do is keep looking at the way his broad chest strains the limits of his suit. I just turn my head away and stare at a wall covered in pictures of meadows.

“Planning to look at those our entire lunch?” Carmine asks. I glance at him and he looks amused.

“It's weird,” I admit.

“Why?We’re engaged.”

“I know. But I'm still getting used to it..”

He nods, relaxing back into his seat. “arranged marriages, even with enemies, aren't unknown, but fuck yeah, it’s a lot to swallow.”

“Our families have spent so many years fighting each other.”

“Yup, you can tell our children some enemies-to-lovers bullshit story one day.”

“Kids?”

---