Page 39 of Beautifully Ruined
On the drive back to Enzo’s, I think about commenting on him breaking out his little used car. He prefers public transport or hiring a car or cab.
“So… How long are you and your lady staying at my place?”
“Your giant ass place feeling cramped?”
He scoffs. “You know it. I’m a man who likes his privacy.”
“So much so I have my own room and you even offered me my own floor because someone needs the human equivalent of a night light.”
“Please. You have the personality of a night light, but I don’t need you. I just felt sorry for you, is all.”
“Uh huh. Tell that to your therapist when you cry like a baby.”
“I’m not trying to kick you out, Cade. It was my idea. My place is safer than yours and your commute’s pretty sweet.”
I look at him. Even in profile, he’s trying not to smile.
“I just want to know so I can prepare myself for walking in on the two of you having sex every time I enter a room. I like popcorn with my entertainment.”
“I thought it was a box of tissues.”
“No, those…well…” He clears his throat. “I just would like a heads up, is all.”
“Someone sounds jealous.”
He starts laughing. “Oh, yeah, I’m jealous your girl needs to think about me to get herself off.”
“Hey!” I glare at him. “It wasn’t like that. I was teasing her?—”
“Sure, you were. Or is it you that likes hearing my name to get off? Look, dude, I’m flattered and sure, you’re cute, but you’re not really my type.”
“Because I’m not a distant cousin?” I can’t help asking.
He sucks in a breath, shooting me a wounded look.. “Too soon, man.”
I grin. “Uh huh. Sure. I believe you, bro.”
“Ass.”
Later,we get home, and I carry Vi to bed as she’s gone and fallen asleep on the sofa, studying.
She doesn’t really wake, so I tuck her in and go back down.
I leave her computer alone, just plug it in so it’s got juice, and then join Enzo in the basement.
I don’t know what time it is, but it’s got to be late, and I know I’m going to need to crash soon. Enzo, too. This whole event’s been like a long back-to-back all-nighter marathon.
We try to avoid them unless we need them. Because god forbid we need to suddenly throw ourselves into a long and delicate operation when we’re needlessly burning all the candles from each end.
I motion for Enzo to head to his room and crash.
We can’t do much tonight.
When, I’m rechecking a few leads, Zayne calls, “Got the info. Her name’s Gianna Walsh.”
Gianna. Jean.
I half smile at how weirdly close, in a way, Vi was. “Who is she?”
