Page 168 of Give Me Love

I dart my eyes over to her before exhaling. There was a time when I told myself I was okay with not knowing about K’s history, but that moment’s gone. I want to know everything. “She hasn’t really been very open about her past.”

“Really? I wonder why.” She looks down at the table, wiping her hand across it to swipe off imaginary dust. She’s been cleaning every day, so I know there isn’t any.

“According to her friends, she doesn’t have a very good one. But I’m done with the mystery of it. I’m going after her. She’s it, Lou. There isn’t anyone else for me.”

She smiles at me. “Oh, I’m happy to hear this.”

I roll my eyes. “Don’t be too happy. She may not take me back.”

“She will. She loves you, too, Bryson. I can see it.”

I nod and slide the chair out as I stand. “I hope you’re right. I’ve got to get things in order before I leave. Will you check in on Mom for me? Let me know if anything changes?”

“Of course, but I hope you’re not leaving tonight.”

“I’ll leave tomorrow. I’m going to Red.”

“Why don’t you take a shower and go to bed?”

“Stop worrying about me,” I say, dropping the plate into the sink.

“I’m a woman. It’s what I do.”

I kiss her forehead when I walk by. “I don’t need you having a heart attack, so stop. I’m fine. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

She squeezes my hand before I make my way upstairs to change out of my jeans and hoodie.

_____________

I’m greeted like always as I head through the enormous kitchen.

“Mr. Bryce, you look too skinny. Have you lost weight?” Antonio says, walking over to me with his big belly and dark mustache.

“I’m okay,” I say.

“You must eat more. Here, I made you some pasta primavera. I get it for you, and you eat, okay?” He nods and points to a kitchen porter. “Go get Mr. Bryce that dish I make for him.”

“Leave it,” I say, holding up my hand. “I’ll get it on my way back.”

“Leave it,” Antonio says to the poor man who looks stressed the hell out.

“You make sure you get it now.” He brings his fingers to his lips and kisses them. “It’s the best pasta primavera you ever try!” he says, smiling big.

I smirk. “Thank you, Antonio.”

“For you. Anything.” He heads back behind the stove and starts demanding things as I walk into the closet.

Josh greets me, and as I hit the bottom step, Ruby hands me a bourbon and cigar.

Looking over the tables and guests tonight, I see it’s a full room. The TVs show preseason basketball, baseball, football, and hockey in the US, while others show soccer games and horse races in different parts of the world. It smells of cigars, brandy, women’s perfume, and money. Lots of money. Simon sits at a table, and I walk up behind him.

“How’s it going tonight?” I ask, taking a sip from my glass before puffing on my cigar.

He looks back, his gold chain shining from the lights above us.

“Tonight’s a good night. Got a lot of important games going on. Money’s being thrown everywhere.” He tosses some chips onto the table.

“Good,” I say, looking around just as a woman walks up to me.

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