Page 115 of Blue Gold

Getting up from the bench, I walked to the nearest trash can and tossed Jacques’s stupid letter in it. I had wasted enough years on this idiot, and not willing to give him one more minute of my time, I wiped away my tears, collected the rest of my letters from the bench, and walked back to work and my life. A life that had no place for small memories like Jacques Bouvier.

38

ELLIOT

My lungs burned, so did my muscles, and at the same time, my legs felt heavy. It was almost like they were covered with concrete. Every step pushed me to my limits, even though I was running at a beginner’s pace. So damn slow. The humidity didn’t help, as this stupid city felt like a wet sauna, and sweat slid down my face as if someone had poured a bucket of water on my head.

“Woohoo!” Daniel cheered, hands in the air, once he crossed what we marked as our finish line first.

“Either I’ve gotten faster or you allowed me to win for a change,” he laughed, slapping my shoulder.

I stumbled forward with the hit, my knees nearly buckling.

“You were just—” pant. “—lucky.” pant.

“You sure?” He stretched his arms while checking me out. “Because you seem out of breath while I feel like going for another lap.”

Annoyed, I wanted to wipe the smug smile off his face. But instead, I straightened up with all the power I had and acted cool.

“I’m just tired because I already ran this morning,” I bit back, eyes narrowed at his sweaty face. “I joined you now out of pity.”

With his hands on his waist, Daniel shook his head before getting closer. “Fine, how about I treat you to dinner, then? Anywhere you want.”

“You know I am on a diet,” I said, nudging him out of my way as I continued walking in the direction of our street.

I want to shower all this sweat off.

“Oh, come on now, Elli. You’re already thin enough.”

Not bothering to look behind me, I sighed. “You know I watch my weight before a show, and the gala is next week.”

Where I’ll walk for Vito for the very first time.

“You said the same thing last month.”

“That’s ’cause I had an important photoshoot.”

Catching up to me, he grunted. “You’ve got to eat, or you’ll end up looking like a stick⁠—”

I paused in my tracks, eyes pinned on him.

“Are you saying I’m not pretty?”

Daniel’s thick brows furrowed, and he held his hands before him. “O-of course not. You’re stunning.”

“Good.”

I went back to walking, with him fumbling behind.

“All I’m saying is that you’re a little too strict with your food, and it’s okay to cheat from time to time.”

“Oh, is it?” I side-eyed him when he frowned.

“Why does it feel like you’re angry with me?”

“I am not.”

“Ha!”