“We all do. Have you been to Tully or Dante’s territories? Oh man, have you heard what Ginata’s doing?” She paused and then whispered into the phone. “She’s got a harem of men!”
I laughed. “Everyone seems to be living the dream. Even you. I saw a bit of your digs. Not my thing, but I heard the money’s nice.”
“It is. I usually don’t see those places very often. I’m sorry to hear about Basil. I quite enjoyed him.”
I cringed. “Yeah, that ones on me. My bad. I hadn’t meant to completely kill him. Just maim him a little.”
“His head was ripped off, Desi. Just when I think I understand you, I am surprised again.” She scolded.
“Look, Elvie, is there something I can do to make it up to you? I feel bad if you liked the vamp.”
“Yes! That was exactly why I was calling. I want you to come visit. You’re the only one of us that doesn’t have a territory, so to speak. Arsenio may have you sold on his, but why not see mine? We used to be so close. I miss you.” She pouted through the phone. I could almost see her childlike face, all big eyes, and sad lips.
“Sure. I can come out for a few days. Text me the address.”
“I hear you’ve met someone.” She changed subjects suddenly. I hesitated.
“I have. She’s not important.” I lied.
“Nonsense. Will you bring her? I don’t get to see you often. I want to know everything about you now, including who you’ve taken a liking to. Is this the first?”
“Yes.” I cleared my throat. Scout wasn’t the first person I’d slept with since turning, but she was the first one to hold my interest post-orgasm.
“Fantastic!” She squealed. I could almost hear her clapping her hands. “You two will come, and I’ll get the house prepared. Do either of you eat food?”
“No.” I grimaced. “Blood only. Thanks.”
“Perfect,” she cooed. “I’ll see you soon,little brother.” She clicked off, and I was sent a text with an address shortly after.
It wasn’t until after I hung up and replayed the conversation did I realize that we couldn’t go. I called Arsenio with my dilemma.
“I already said I’d go, and she is insisting on meeting Scout.”
Arsenio coughed. When I had told him about me having feelings for her and her in return, he was pissed. He asked if that was why I tried to take his arm off. When I told him it was, he demanded a rematch at his discretion. I agreed, and we had moved on. Now, every time I interacted with him, the threat was at the forefront of my mind.
“Okay. If I can’t get the other shifts to cover, I’ll close the theater for one week.”
“I’ll pay for the loss of income.” I offered. He laughed.
“These businesses are just for—” he paused. “Things I shouldn’t say on the phone.” But he didn’t have to. I knew he was laundering his real money through this place.
“So we’re good to go?”
“Yes. Leave tomorrow if you’d like. Keep her safe, Desiderio. She’s yours now. Make sure everyone knows it.”
I understood what he meant clearly and promised I would do as he asked.
Scout was not entirely enthused about me forcing her on a trip.
“I just got back a week ago. I bought this house plant that I very much like. Who’s going to take care of it?” She furrowed her brows. I stared at her pointedly.
“That tiny pot?” I stuck out my hand. “The one I can fit in my hand? We’ll bring it with us. Come on, I really want you to meet someone.”
“Who?” she demanded. We locked eyes for a long time, and I waited for it to click inside her brain. When it finally did, her face lit up, and she stood.
“Which one?” she asked excitedly. I didn’t answer her, choosing instead to stuff my hands in my pockets and chuckle.
“Pack your sketchpad. I want to show you off.”
