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Two hours later, I’m at Goldsling Towers.
Becky and Tito are already there. The music is pumping. The terrace doors are open, and there’s a small crowd out there.
Lu emerges from the terrace in a white summer dress with a red belt and matching red platform sandals.
“Hi,” she says softly as she wraps me into a tight hug.
My heart whimpers, “Hi,” at her closeness and the smell of her perfume. The red lipstick in contrast with her blond hair in a high ponytail makes her look like a Hollywood starlet.
“Red and white, huh?” I smile, noticing she has the matching red nail polish.
“Homage to my mom’s friends back home,” she explains, which has something to do with the opposition movement back in Belarus. How she keeps up with all the world events is a mystery to me.
You can tell Pushkin is adopted. He doesn’t have Lu’s party genes in him, growls and barks when new people arrive, and runs to hide behind the furniture when someone attempts to take a picture with him.
So, I take him to my room and give him bacon treats.
“Sorry, buddy. You’ll have to stay here for a while,” I say, rubbing behind his ears and playing with him for a bit.
He has a little silver heart hanging off his neck that saysPushkin. That’s new.
“Look at us,” I say, “Now we both have dog tags.” He licks my hand and raises his adorable pitiful eye at me. “Be good, yeah?”
Good thinking, I tell myself when, two hours later, the condo and the terrace are packed with people. And no one takes their fucking shoes off or throws away their empty plastic cups. Guess who’s doing the cleaning tomorrow?
For a while, it’s loud laughter and chatter, rock music and Lu walking around, introducing people.
I can’t take my eyes off her. Her smile lights up my heart even when it’s meant for others. Like I’ve been walking aimlessly through life for the longest time, and a voice suddenly said, “Stop, stop, stop. Look, it’s her.”
Lu is sunshine on a gloomy day, and when I see her after the trip, something in my heart clicks into place. She is it for me. I just need to figure out my course of action.
Her eyes meet mine across the room, her smile flickering shyly. I might die if that smile ever touches my lips.
Jace is mine.
I gulp the third beer and exhale in relief when Tito comes over and makes small talk.
I really shouldn’t be drinking so much. The more I drink, the more I’m aware of Lu. Something between us changed after the disco night. And I’m patiently waiting for the next chapter ofSharkito confirm my suspicions.
Becky saunters over. She’s straight as an arrow, speaks her mind, and would probably make for a horrible spy.
“Are you gonna make a move?” she asks me, her eyes glistening from booze.
I fake confusion.
She rolls her eyes. “Or you just gonna stare at Lu from afar all night?”
Yes, for now.
“Seriously, Jace...” She swings her glass, scanning the room and looking bored. “Where’s your friend?”
That was a quick change of topic, probably the whole point of her approaching me.
“You like Roey?” I smile.
“Not my type.”
Liar.“Should’ve invited him if you wanted to see him.”
