SCOUT
“If you don’t wantto do the actual killing, at least just come with me.”
I considered Desi’s request while we drove home from our vacation. The idea didn’t seem so bad. I didn’t have to be in the room for the… killings. I had gotten a little tease of what our life could be this week. Would letting Desi spoil me for a while be so bad? Could I let go of my independence to join him on the road?
“When do I have to decide?”
His jaw tightened and his eyes turned to slits. He stared hard at the road. “Yesterday.”
“Desi.”
“Fine. I’ve got some things I need to take care of once we get home. You have until I return in a few days to decide whether you’re coming with me or not.”
“I need more time. I have to get my bills figured out.”
We rode in silence for a long time before he said,“How about this? My schedule will keep me away for a few weeks. I go, do what I gotta do, and when I return, you should be ready to decide.”
“Are you saying if I don’t murder people, we can’t be together?”
“I’m saying I’m sick of missing you every night.” He reached for my hand again and pulled it to his lips, planting a kiss on the top. He ran his thumb over the ring he had given me for Christmas. “Soon, I plan on changing this promise ring into an engagement ring.”
“Desi!” I yelped and pulled my hand away quickly as if he had stung me. I shook my head and cupped my hand. “We have time for everything. Stop rushing everything!”
“What if we don’t?”
“What do you mean?”
“Nothing. It’s stupid. I’m—When I know what I want, I want it all. Scout, I don’t want to wait for my future with you.”
I wanted the same, but my rational brain knew that if we went too fast, we’d burn out.
“I like the pace we’re at. Let’s keep taking things at a medium pace, okay?” The word felt like such a lie. In the little time that I’d known him, we’d fallen in love, murdered people, and he’d given me a promise ring.
Desi dropped me off and helped me bring in all my bags and bags of clothing and other things he had bought me.Luis was home and watched in bewilderment as the bags kept being brought in. When we were done, Desi took his leave, citing some errands he had to run.
“I’m a part of a wedding in the fall. They want me fitted for a tux.”
“Oh? Whose wedding?” I asked.
He shifted and looked down at the ground. Luis interrupted his answer.
“You look different.”
“You like it?” I asked, spinning around. I had opted for shorts, fishnets, and an oversized plaid button up over my black tank top.He chuckled and turned the other way to give us privacy.
“Do you still have to go?”I looked back at Desi.
“I do. I’ll call you later and let you know my schedule.”
I stood on my tiptoes and pressed a swift kiss on his lips. “Sounds good. Have fun at your tux fitting.”
Desi nodded and left.
“Tux fitting?” Luis came back out once Desi was gone.
“Yeah, he’s in a wedding, I guess.”
“I see.” He eyed me cautiously. “How long have you known Desiderio?”
