Page 50 of Of Course, Cutie

“Why the actual hell do you think that’s going to be a good idea, Mattie?”

He pulled me into his arms and said, “Because the best way to get over a man is to get under another! Get drunk and have wild, dirty rebound sex.”

I already knew I wasn’t going to do that, but I showed up at Matteo’s house an hour before the party started anyway. It was better than hanging out at home, where my mom and Bea watched me like hawks with pity and worry in their eyes.

Matteo grimaced when he pulled open the door and saw me. “Yikes, Charlotte. Your aura is going to scare everyone away before the party even starts!”

“Good.” I deadpanned and stepped into his living room. It was full of red, pink, and purple hearts and more glitter than anyone ever needed.

Matteo pulled me in for a hug and kissed my forehead. “I made you lemon cupcakes, even though they are so off theme.”

“Thanks, Mattie.”

“You bet, sweetheart.”

Ugh. Burke always called Tess sweetheart, and it was the cutest thing I’d ever seen. They were probably out having their adorable daddy-daughter Valentine’s Day dinner right now, the one that I was supposed to attend where Burke and I told her we were dating. Fuck. My. Life.

“Have you heard a word from him?” Matteo’s voice was soft as he slid his arm around me and walked me into his kitchen.

I shook my head and swallowed the lump in my throat. About three days ago, I caved and texted that I missed him. Burke never responded.

“It’s going to be okay, beautiful.” Matteo gave me a sad smile.

I let out a dry laugh and reached for one of the lemon cupcakes sitting on his kitchen counter. “Do you ever get tired of telling me that?”

Matteo grinned and shook his head. “Never. Do you know why?”

I blinked back my tears. “Why?”

“Because you are an incredible person who’s had to deal with more than your fair share of shit in the last few years. Also, because you’ve loved and accepted every fabulous bit of me from the second we met, and that’s pretty rare.”

A tear slid down my cheek, and I wiped it away with a smile. “I do love every bit of your fabulous self. And what do you mean that’s rare? Everyone loves you.”

Matteo rolled his eyes at me. “There’s a difference between loving my stories and parties and actually loving me. You love the Matteo that worries about impressing stupid people and disappointing my parents. You love the loser that cries during animal shelter commercials and can’t get off the couch on Sundays.”

I took a bite of the lemon cupcake and spoke with my mouth full. “I do love Mattie the anxious couch potato. He’s my fav.” I slid my arm around his shoulder and pressed my cheek against his. “I’m not going to cry anymore tonight, okay? Is Jonah coming?”

“Yeah, honey. He’ll be here in about twenty minutes. I think we’re going to have the sex talk tonight.” Matteo grinned at me and crossed his fingers.

I meant to say, “Yay!” But a sob came out instead.

“Baby girl!” Matteo pulled me in for another hug. “I’m sorry. That was shitty of me to flaunt my relationship right now.”

“No, no, it wasn’t. It’s shitty of me to drag you down when you’re trying to be happy. I’ll pull it together.”

“It’s okay, hun. I’ll keep an eye on you tonight. Promise.”

???

Several lemon cupcakes and a glass of sparkling pink champagne later, Matteo’s Valentine’s Day party was in full swing. His living room and kitchen were packed, and I was starting to feel claustrophobic and panicked.

I didn’t see him come up behind me, and the sound of his voice made me cringe. “So, where’s your grandpa boyfriend, Charlie?” Simon laughed and draped his arm over my shoulders.

Ugh. Of course he was here again. I shrugged him off and kept walking. I didn’t want to get drunk, but maybe another glass of champagne would help me deal with all these idiots.

“I heard he dumped you. Just another hit it and quit it kinda guy.”

I clenched my jaw and bit my tongue until it almost bled. Where the hell did Matteo go? If he was anywhere other than sealing the deal with Jonah, I was going to murder him for leaving me alone.

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