Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 63282 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63282 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
“Come inside,” I hear myself say. “You can take a shower and change into something dry. I’m sure some of Peter’s clothes would fit you.”
Luca’s face brightens up for the first time in days. His facial hair is still too long and his eyebags are still too big, but the brilliance of his green eyes has returned. If he had a tail, it’d be wagging.
I hope I’m not making a big mistake.
Sarah
My eyes follow Luca’s shirtless back as he walks from the bathroom into Peter’s old bedroom, wearing only a towel around his waist.
I may be mad at him for what he did, but my body apparently missed the memo, because my heart flips at the sight of him. I have to stop myself from dropping to my knees and finding out what he tastes like right after a shower.
I tell myself I’m just keeping a close eye on him because he’s a thief, but I can’t even convince myself.
Some droplets of water cling to Luca’s skin, filling my chest with jealousy. I want to go over there and lick every single one of them off his body.
As he disappears into Peter’s old bedroom, I pull my attention back to the coffee I’m making for Luca. I’ve been absent-mindedly stirring the black liquid inside a mug, even though there’s no sugar or cream in it.
I’m a vet and not a doctor, but I think having something warm to drink would help Luca feel more comfortable. He’s been sneezing a lot.
By the time Luca emerges from the bedroom wearing Peter’s old clothes, I’m sitting by the kitchen island. I almost laugh because Luca’s chosen a pair of jeans and a white shirt, despite the fact that there are other things in Peter’s wardrobe.
Apparently, Luca knows exactly what he wants and sticks to whatever it is.
That’s probably why his art medium is permanent ink on skin, instead of something like digital graphic design.
“Those clothes look like they fit,” I say, making small talk.
I’d tease him over his outfit if things weren’t this weird and awkward between us. But it doesn’t feel right for me to do that now.
I mean, I feel like I don’t know this man. He looks like Luca and he moves like Luca, but he’s not the same Luca I was so infatuated with not too long ago.
“Yeah, they’re a little bit small, but it’s not a big deal,” Luca says as he approaches the kitchen island.
“That’s yours.” I point at the white mug with the white steam coming off the fragrant black coffee inside it.
“Thanks.” Luca pulls out the bar chair next to mine, sits down, and takes a sip. “Thank you for inviting me in, Sarah. I want to straighten some things out.”
“Don’t get me wrong, Luca. I didn’t invite you in because I wanted you to explain things to me. I did it because it was storming outside, and I couldn’t have left you shivering in the rain. After you finish your coffee, you can go back outside.”
“I don’t care if you think of me as a stray dog you bring home,” Luca says. “I’m just glad to get this chance to be heard. Listen, your mom . . . She’s gotten it into her head that I’d help her get her hands on some stuff—some illegal drugs.”
I nod. Yeah. I knew what “stuff” meant. I grew up watching her use it.
Luca pulls out his phone. It’s dry, this time, and still fully working. He looks down as he taps on the screen, then he gives me the phone.
Our hands graze against each other, and I linger for as long as I dare—any longer, and I won’t be able to claim it’s an accident. It strikes me this could be the last time we ever touch, and my heart grows heavy.
On the screen of the phone, I see a string of messages between Luca and my mom.
Donna: I was told you have some good stuff
Donna: Care to share?
Luca didn’t answer my mom’s initial texts, but she followed up within days.
Donna: I know you have them
Donna: I have the money
It goes on like that for weeks. This has been happening since before I got into town, I realize.
On the day of Peter’s funeral, my name is mentioned.
Donna: Saw you talking to Sarah
Donna: Pretty, isn’t she?
Donna: If you’re interested I could help
Donna: Be your wing woman or something
Goosebumps prickle all over my skin. This is gross. My mom was offering me to some guy, just because she wanted to sample some “good stuff.”
Luca didn’t answer her on that day either, but then her messages changed in tone, from persuasive to threatening.
Donna: My stash ran out
Donna: Come on, Luca
Donna: Don’t hold out on me
Donna: Or I’ll tell Sarah what you really are
Luca: Stay away from her
Donna: She’s my daughter
Donna: I’ll tell her whatever I want.