Page 97 of Forever Cursed

Silent tension fills the space. I never want to disrespect Chrissy, even if she is pissing me off.

“Fine, we can talk about this later,” I say as I stand.

“Okay.” Her tone turns meek, and I know I’m the bad guy in her eyes—as she is in mine.

“There you are,” Gwen chirps as she pops back into the room, completely unaware of the situation. “Chrissy, you’re not going to believe what Rome just did.”

“Oh?” She crosses her arms over her chest and quirks a brow in my direction.

She’s holding back. That girl wants to slam my face into the ground and smear it with gravel.

“He’s going to foster Korra!”

Chrissy side-eyes me, curiosity settling in her expression. “Really?”

“Yeah, I was about to take her home. Will you join me? So we can talk.”

Chrissy huffs and nods. “Okay, let’s go.”

Chapter Forty-Four

Chrissy

This was not where I expected the day to go. I didn’t plan on being here, at Rome’s place. Not only am I here, I’m here with him and his new cat, the one who drives the café up a wall. Don’t get me wrong, Iwantedto be here today, but I had a feeling that Rome wasn’t going to be happy with me once he found out what I did. And I was right, so I’m really unsure why I’m sitting in his living room while he tries to coax Korra out of her carrier.

I should have talked to Rome myself; bringing Raina was a bad idea. I just wanted to introduce them, but I should have done that at another time. I know Raina and Rome are going to get along. Perhaps he won’t lie to her, and she can help him confront his battles head-on.

His back is to me, and my heart is breaking for him. Everything he went through with his parents, growing up alone with no siblings and only a few friends. He didn’t date much out of fear, and he grew used to being alone. All Rome wants is companionship and love, which I know I can provide him.

Love like Gwen and Ash and my parents have is rare... Rome said so himself, I don’t want to be alone. It’s not truethough. I know who I am, and while I’m a fucking mess, I know, deep down, I only want a grand love that’s worth fighting for.

Rome is upset, and it’s up to me to maintain my composure even though his words leave my chest aching. My psychology courses prepared me for moments such as this, so it’s time to put them to use.

“Chrissy.” Rome pulls me from my thoughts.

“Rome.” His anger is gone, but my feelings are still hurt, and it’s apparent in my tone.

His shoulders drop, and he looks down at his folded hands. “I know you were trying to do what you thought was best, but I do feel like you went behind my back. I know Malik, and this isn’t going to end well. For either of us.”

“It sounds like you don’t trust us.”

“I don’t trust him,” he responds solemnly. “I don’t trust that we’ll survive Malik Chen.”

“Your lack of faith is disturbing... God dammit Ash.” I slap my forehead and groan.

With a small chuckle, Rome looks up and meets my eyes. “His Star Wars references will always haunt you. Trust me.”

“I don’t want to fight. I can handle Malik. I’ve done it before. You will always believe you’re doing the right thing, just like I will. But I’m standing firm. I won’t budge. I won’t let you ruin your future because of some asshole quarterback.”

“I can be a history teacher?—”

“Not yet,” I say with a tight voice. “You can teach history when you’re ready to stop playing football. Right now, you’re not ready. Don’t try to convince me when you can’t even convince yourself.”

Rome sighs, and that’s how I know I’m right.

“You’re good. You’re an all-star for a reason. And what’s even better? You love what you do. You pour passion into it. You care for your teammates. Hell, even after you promised me you wouldstep back from some of the responsibilities that jackass thrust on you, you didn’t?—”

He cuts me off with a disappointed look. “You knew about that?”

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