SCOUT
“What?”The back of his hand went to his cheek. He wiped the blood off onto his hand and then brought it out to stare at it.His expression changed.The happy Desi turned into one of deep concern. “Oh. That. Is it bad?” He looked at his suit, covered in long slices of red.
I tugged on his jacket and pulled him into the house. “Why don’t you come in and explain.”
“It smells amazing in here. Did you cook?”
“Hours ago. It’s all cold or hard now.”
“Look, Scout, I’m sorry. I know I’m late, but I can explain.”
“You’re in the mafia, aren’t you?”
His body stiffened and then he rolled his eyes to the ceiling dramatically. “This again?”
“I’m right, aren’t I? It’s the only thing that makes sense.” I nodded, finally realizing it. “The guy before, the police, the long absence. Your family is into…”
“Into what exactly?” His eyes turned cold. “If you’re going to accuse me of something, you better be confident you’re right.”
“I am.” I glared at him. “You came here, remember?” I pointed to the door. “If you don’t want to tell me what is going on, then you should leave now. Say goodbye before I—”
Desi reached out, grabbing my arms. He squeezed firmly and stepped closer. “Before you what? Fall in love with me? Scout, it’s too late. For both of us. I came today to prove that I can’t say goodbye. I won’t. I’ve been busy, that’s all.” He wiped a tear off my cheek.
“I… I…” My chin trembled, and more tears came. “I tried to buy you a gift, but I was kicked out of the shop. They told me I couldn’t buy it.”
“Who?”
“That shop in the mall. It doesn’t matter. I just—” I pulled away from him and wrapped my arms around myself. “I wanted to have a gift for you.”
“I don’t need a gift. I’m just glad I made it in time.” He sniffed the air deeply. “I think dinner is gracious enough. Have you eaten yet?”
I’d been too sick to my stomach with nerves to eat.
“Come, let’s get some food in our bellies and then we can talk,” he said. I followed him into the kitchen and my sour mood lifted instantly when I saw his smile.He lit up like… well, it was Christmas. “You did all of this for me?”
I pressed my lips together and nodded.
“Scout, you’re amazing. I’m starving!” He reached for a plate and began grabbing the serving utensils all around, filling his plate. He popped a roll in his mouth and smiled wide.Finally, I reached for my plate and filled it. Not as high as Desi’s, but enough to satisfy my stomach.
I sat with him and we ate.Desi talked eagerly the entire time.
“I’ve had a crazy month. It flew by. I picked up a side gig, and it’s kept me incredibly busy. I barely had time to catch that new show I’ve been watching.The X-files, remember?”
“You picked up a third job? I thought you came from money.”
“My family has money. I don’t.” He pointed his fork at me and then stuffed a bite of mashed potatoes into his mouth.
“Are you going to keep being busy? You know, after the holidays?” I didn’t want to sound whiny or desperate, but I couldn’t help it. I couldn’t only see him once a month or less.
“Yes and no. I think my new job might make me more than the other two things combined.” He pursed his lips and then slapped his hands on the table. “You know what?”I jumped at the clink of the silverware as it bounced.Desi scooted his chair back and wiped his mouth with the napkin. He strode over to me.He grabbed my chin and tilted me to him, kissing me quickly. “I’m going to do it. I’m quitting the theater.”
“Really?”
“Yep.” He shoveled more food into his mouth and swallowed. “And I was thinking of giving all my smoke to Randy anyways, so why not do it now? Give me a few weeks to tie up some loose ends, put my notice in, get Randy set up, and I think I’ll be able to see you a lot more regularly.”
“Are you sure?” I tightened my lips, guilt sinking into my stomach. “I don’t want to be the reason you’re struggling. I’m not worth it.”Desi was mid-bite when I said that. He dropped his fork with a sharpting.
“Baby, you are absolutely worth it. You want to know why I took this other job? Because I was saving up.”He stood again.
