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He sucks air through his teeth. “Whoever told you that writing isn’t a real job is a fucking asshole, Lil.”
If you’re going to amount to something, you have to think about college instead of writing your little stories all day.
My mind’s decision to host every asshole who’s ever doubted me is starting to get old.
Nico doesn’t have to tell me about the kind of jerk my first boyfriend was. I search for the words to tell him about every stinging ounce of pain I felt all those years ago, but the truth doesn’t come. I think that if I say the words out loud, it’ll give legs to the idea that Chuckstill impacts me after all this time.
I didn’t overhaul my life to allow another man to affect me that way ever again. Even if I’ve broken every single promise I made to protect myself this summer.
It’s Nico. He’s safe.
I think.
“I have another surprise for you,” he says, a warm glow returning to his face.
“Oh, yeah?”
“Stick with me,princesa.” Nico stands, extends his palm toward me, and helps me to my feet. “I’ll make every day worthwhile.”
Maybe it’s time for me to do the same.
* * *
We standat the entrance of a dome-like building outfitted in metal and glass. The inside appears entirely dark.
“Are we breaking in?” My voice lowers into a whisper even though no one’s around to hear us.
He looks back at me, a mischievous grin curving his mouth. “Up for a little adventure?”
“I don’t think I want to be an accomplice to a crime.” Nico raps a few times against a gray door with no handle. “What are you doing?”
“Shhh.” Nico brings his finger to my lips. Keys jangle behind the door.
A second later, an elderly gentleman outfitted in a brown tweed suit appears at the entryway. “Nico! It’s been too long.” The man pulls Nico into a hug and smiles over his shoulder at me.
“So good to see you, Thomas. This is Lily.”
We shake hands, and I try to ignore the fact this man is grinning from ear to ear.
What is going on?
Thomas takes us through a dark hallway, and he and Nico whisper conspiratorially.
“Here’s the key.” Thomas hands over a sparkle of metal, and Nico tucks it away in his pocket. “Drop it in the mailbox outside the front entrance. The thing we talked about is all set, and the cameras forthatroom are off.”
“Are you planning to reenact one of your horror movie scenes with me?” My brow quirks at both of them.
“Amateur.” Nico nudges his friend, who snorts in response. “There are cameras everywhere else; we’d never get away with it.” Nico pats the older man’s shoulder. “Thanks for doing this, man. I really appreciate it.”
“After you bailed me out of jail in Budapest, it’s the least I can do.” Thomas winks and exits down the hallway. “Nice to meet you, Lily. You’re in for a treat.”
When he’s out of view, I pinch Nico’s forearm. “What is this?”
He takes my hand, pulling me down a maze of hallways until we reach a stretch of open space. Artwork hangs off each wall.
“Van Gogh,after hours.” Nico cordially stretches out one of his arms.
I’m rendered entirely speechless.
