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I hope Sefi didn’t read too much into that hug I gave her…
I don’t know what came over me… I’ve never done something so schmaltzy with any of our dates before.
I deliberately take up position on the other side of Marco while we head toward Sefi’s apartment building.Chapter EighteenSefiI walk beside Marco. He and Alessio have linked arms. Marco slips his arm through mine and I match my stride to his.
The sun is setting already and the evening has turned cold, so we set a fast pace to keep warm. A chilly breeze has made my eyes water and I’m glad when we reach the square where I live. We stop and I suddenly feel a tad awkward. “Erm, thanks for all the fun,” I blurt out.
“You’re welcome, Sefi.” Marco bends and kisses me on the cheek. “Have a great day tomorrow.”
“Thanks. You too.”
Alessio has switched to surly mode, I realize when he says nothing.
He can be so freaking rude…
“I’ll call you when I finish work.” Marco squeezes my fingers. “Ciao.”
“Ciao.” I wave, then tap in the code by the door. It swings open and I run up the stairs.
My cell beeps in my purse as I’m shrugging off my parka.
CAMILA.
I tap the video icon.
“Those dudes are hot as fuck,” she says without preamble. Coming from my sister, who sees a shitload of hot dudes in her line of work, this is a big compliment.
“So, you got the pictures?” I deadpan.
A teasing smile lights her eyes. “Your filthy Italians are even more handsome than I’d imagined.”
“They took me out for lunch and then…” I feel my cheeks heat up.
“So, you did it?” she squeals.
“Yeah,” I snicker. “And I loved it.”
Camila’s expression turns serious. “Take care, sweetie. Don’t fall for them.” She pauses, sucks in a quick breath. “I know you. Once you’ve slept with a dude that’s it. You convince yourself they’re the love of your life. Remember what happened with Jake?”
“Please, don’t worry. Marco and Alessio are committed to each other. They’re partners. I’m just having a little fun with them, like you suggested…”
Saying the words makes them almost true. Almost but not quite. I’m developing feelings for Marco and Alessio, which is stupid. I only met them a couple of days ago, for a start. I don’t believe in insta-love. Or rather, I didn’t believe in it. Now, I’m not so sure…
I carry on chatting with Camila about how much I’m looking forward to the Guberman tomorrow. I inquire about her love life, and she tells me it’s non-existent. “I’m okay with that,” she smiles, but it’s a sad smile which doesn’t light her eyes. My sister has been through a lot in recent months, and I hope she’ll find happiness one day. I tell her so, and she responds that she hopes so too.
After we’ve disconnected the call, I go to my kitchen and open the fridge. I’m not that hungry, but I should eat something, or I won’t sleep through the night. I take out ham and tomatoes to make myself a sandwich. I eat it in my living area and, while I eat, I think about my day.
I did anal.
And it was amazing.
But only because of Marco and Alessio…
After eating, I head for my bedroom and go to the window to close the drapes.
I gaze at the square below, and the hair on my nape lifts.
A man is standing in full view, staring up at me.
I gasp and step backward.
Don’t be silly. He’s probably a tourist admiring the scenery.
I shuffle forward and take a quick peek.
Whoever it was, has gone.
Puffing out a breath of relief, I start to get ready for bed.* * *My first day at work is awesome. I’m on duty at the ticket office with Melody and we meet people from all over the world.
Melody and I hang out during lunch break. She asks me about my weekend, and I tell her I visited Burano on Saturday and the Rialto neighborhood yesterday.
“With that bloke you met?” She gives me a curious glance.
“His name is Marco.” I decide not to share with her about Alessio… no need for her to even know he exists. It’s my turn to ask about her weekend, and she responds that she and a couple of the other interns went to the Accademia Gallery on Saturday and to the Doge’s Palace yesterday.
“Tomorrow the Guberman is closed, so we all have the day off.” She takes a sip from her can of soda. “Me and the others are going to Murano to visit the glass blowing workshops. Why don’t you join us?”
“Thanks,” I agree. “That would be amazing.” And it would. The place is beautiful, from what I saw when I cruised down the main canal with Marco and Alessio on Saturday. Venetian glass is world-famous. And last, but not least, I should spend time with my co-workers, get to know them better. I can’t just live in a bubble with my filthy Italians, as Camila calls them.
