Page 8 of Let's Be Forever

“You guys were babies, yeah. He told me your whole life story.” Her lips quirk.

“Jesus, Marc,” I mutter under my breath.

“I told you, obsessed. I was almost tempted to ask if he was interested in you. Give him a few pointers on how to make the first move.”

Now I burst out laughing. “No, he’s just affectionate and isn’t afraid to express his love.”

“I’m glad he’s not afraid to be loud about it. I hate when guys act like they’re too good, too embarrassed to show emotions.”

“Well, Marcello is loud and proud.” I take a drink, wetting my dry throat and feeling a little more at ease. Maybe this won’t be too bad. “So, how do you know him?”

“I cut his hair.”

“Oh right.” He’s talked about her before. She cuts other athletes’ hair. And does a damn good job. There isn’t a time Marc’s hair doesn’t look good. “Taking on any new clients?”

“My schedule is busy, but I guess I can make an exception…” She scoots in closer, grazing her nails along my arm.

I welcome the touch, briefly. I’m able to allow myself to like it until…

“You didn’t have to do that. I really need you to stop spending money on me.” Anna beams, staring at her newly manicured fingernails. She looks at them in every direction, lifting them up then down, then shifting angles.

“I wish you’d let me do what I’m supposed to do and stop feeling bad about it.” I fish my phone out and take a few pictures of her. She doesn’t seem to notice, caught up looking at her pretty nails. She’s so beautiful. I can’t believe she’s mine.

“I know, I-I’m still adjusting. Thanks.” She stops looking at them and wraps her arms around me, hugging me tightly. “I can’t remember the last time I actually got them done by someone who wasn’t Jenny. And with cleaning and saving money, I—thanks.”

“Stop thanking me. I do these things because I love seeing you happy.” I kiss the crown of her head.

“You don’t need to spend money to make me happy. I’m happy without it. Being with you is enough.”

I know that, but she deserves everything. “I’ll spend my money however I want, and you’re who I want to spend it on.”

“Sorry.” I draw back. “Give me a few minutes. I’ll be back.”

I guzzle down the rest of the drink, set the empty cup on the table, and wade through the thick crowd. Once I’m away from the pulsing building, I pull my lighter and cigarettes out, stuffing one between my lips. Once the flame lights the tip, I inhale deeply then exhale the cloud of smoke.

Looking up at the starry sky, I slip the stick out of my mouth only to stuff it back. I take a deep drag, filling my lungs with the bitter tobacco, and then exhale another cloud of smoke.

I don’t know how many times I repeat the process, but I burn through the cigarette until my brain is foggy and the memories are gone.

“Sylas?” I hear a voice and turn, finding Gianna behind me. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just needed a sec.” I toss the butt on the ground, lifting my foot over it to put it out.

“Do you want to get out of here?” She stands in front of me, closer than she had been inside. “I don’t live too far. My apartment is spacious, lots of privacy.”

I know what she’s asking. She wants this and maybe I should too.

“Yeah, let’s get out of here.” I usher her to my car and head to her place.

“The place is…coming along,” Marc muses sardonically, examining my newly furnished condo. “It’s very…modern. Sleek. White. Sooooo…boring.”

I drop down on the oversized sectional, shrugging at the judgmental look on his face. “I just moved. I haven’t had the chance to hire an interior designer.”

His black brows furrow, his expression scrutinizing. “Justmoved? Sy, that was almost five months ago. I mean, I’m happy you finally got something to sit on, but you could add a little more to liven up the place. I can hook you up with an artist.”

“Did you come to judge my home or to hang out?” I click my tongue. “I wasn’t aware there was a time frame I needed to have my home decorated by.”

He came over to hang out since we haven’t really done that just the two of us.