Page 18 of Rome for the Holidays
TWENTY YEARS OLD
Vincenzo openedthe letter from Harper, his heart skipping a beat as he did.
It said,
Vin,
Hi. I have missed you. I have been so busy with school and work that I haven’t written like I used to. I’m sorry. That is going to change. I need my Vin in my life. How is everything with the business? Do you like it? Following in your father’s footsteps is neat. I think you are going to do remarkable things. I really do. I’m still hoping that one day, I can come to Italy and meet you. You are the most important person in my life Vin. I don’t know what I would do without you. You give me hope. That one day my life will be different. I like the fact that there is a possibility for it to change. Anyway, school is going well. I don’t really talk to anyone, as per usual, but it’s mainly because campus is so big, and I still have a tough time with speaking to strangers. I really want to try, but past experiences haven’t really helped. Someday maybe. Rose said hello. So does Jackie and the gang. Can’t wait to hear from you.
Your girl, Harper.
Vincenzo looked over at Gio, who was playing on his phone, and put the letter in the envelope.
Gio looked up at him, “Is she okay?”
Vin nodded, “She has been busy with school and feels bad for not writing to me. I understand it, but damn it Gio. She should be here. At my side. We are adults now. I fucking need her here. Or to at least hear her voice. Do you know how maddening it is to love a person and never to hear a single syllable from them?”
Gio lifted an eyebrow, “Well have you told her that?”
Vincenzo shook his head, “You know my father watches my phone.”
Gio rolled his eyes, “I could get you one that you can keep here. Come on Vin. You are smarter than that.”
Vin sighed, “What if she won’t speak to me? She is shy. She may not wish to talk yet.”
Gio laughed, “Making mountains out of molehills. Tell her that you wish to talk. I am sure she would love it. Girls love that shit.”
It was Vincenzo’s turn to roll his eyes, “How do you know? You have never talked to a single girl in your life.”
Gio would growl at people who got to close, girl or boy at school and grunt his answers if he had to speak to anyone.
Vincenzo thought it was hilarious. “I’ve talked to a girl before.”
Vincenzo lifted a brow, “When? When we were young?”
Gio nodded, “Yeah. Before all the girls turned insane and blinked a lot or licked their lips all the time.”
Vincenzo shook his head in exasperation, “You have no game.”
Gio snorted, “Like you are one to talk. If any of the girls in our school tried to talk to you, you would tell them you were not interested. Fuck Vin. One of the girls was just asking for a fucking pencil.”
Vincenzo shrugged, “Pencil or not, it’s easier not to let them believe they have a shot with me.”
Gio laughed, “Then why are you giving me a hard time?”
Vincenzo smiled, “Fine. I will let it go. Fucking hell. I just got a letter from my girl; I shouldn’t be shooting the shit with you. Get me some paper.”
Gio threw a notebook and a pencil at him, and Vincenzo quickly wrote back to her.
My Harper,
It is so great to hear from my girl again. I have missed you more than I want to admit with Gio staring at me. Do not do that again. I need your letters. They keep me sane. Working with my father is fine. He knows what he wants out of life and is not afraid to do what is necessary to get that. I know that sounds insane and it is. He is a good man though. Just know. I cannot wait to hear more about school. Say hello to Rose and Jackie. I hope they are well. Are you all getting ready for the holidays? I know what a big deal Christmas is over there. I hope you enjoy it. I am sending you a package in the mail. I cannot wait to hear what you think. I miss you Harper. Every day. Maybe it is time we actually hear each other’s voices? I would enjoy that immensely. Hearing the voice of my girl? It would be my favorite gift ever. However, if you do not feel comfortable yet, I understand. Maybe someday. Talk soon. I hope.
Your Vin.
He knew that if Gio actually knew what he wrote to Harper, that he would give him the hardest time.
On the outside, he was all muscle. He worked out in the free time he had.
