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“So? We’re not friends,” I mutter, hating that I sound defensive.
“Jesus, Victorio, you seem so smart. You can’t be that stupid,” Melina mutters.
“Lina,” Antonio argues, trying to take up for me. I like Melina, but she can be annoying as fuck at times. I mean, not in a bad way. She’s perfect for the boss. I just prefer my women… Fuck, I prefer mywomanto be sweet, quiet, shy, sexy without knowing it, gentle, tender, and… exactly how she is. God, I care for Angelina more and more every day.
I love her.
“What? Do you know how heartbroken Angelina was? Emilia spent all night letting her cry on her shoulder. I don’t know what you weretryingto do, Victorio, I really don’t.
“Damn it?—”
“What you did, though, is convince her you don’t care about her at all. That you see her as a duty—someone weak that you have to take care of.”
“All I said was that we weren’t friends. I didn’t mean?—”
“That’s bullshit. If you don’t look at Angelina and see her as a friend, then you need to let her go now.”
“Hold up. I hate to tell you this, baby, but being your friend is the last thing I think when I see you,” Antonio laughs, and I grunt in agreement.
“Really?” Melina huffs.
“Absolutely,” he confirms.
“So, does that mean you don’t share your problems with me at night?”
“Of course. You know I do.”
“And I share mine with you, right?” she asks.
He nods.
“Do we talk every night about our days in general?”
He nods again.
“When my brothers piss me off or I get tired of Helen’s whining about Marco. Who do I vent to?”
“Emilia,” I interject.
“Me,” Antonio responds, ignoring me. He pulls his wife into his arms. She gives him a smile that holds secrets that I don’t want to know, but I’m envious of the two of them all the same.
“That’s right. I love Emilia, Zoe, and Angelina but you are my rock. Youaremy best friend because I know no matter what, I’m safe to let my guard down and just be me.”
“Always,” he breathes and now he’s kissing on her neck.
I’m about to disconnect the call. I’m pretty sure I know where this is leading, and I don’t need to see that. It’s well-known that before she got pregnant that Melina and Antonio were big into sex wherever and whenever—often with others watching. I don’t judge. To each their own, I think. Still, I never want anyone seeing my angel’s body but me. That’s a precious gift for me and me alone. Before I can disconnect the call, Milena turns to me—although she does it while tilting her head to give her husband more access to her neck.
“The point is, Victorio, if you are in a relationship of mutual love and respect that person is your best friend. They’re your lover, your joy, your reason for pushing through the bullshit this world sends your way. They’re everything to you. You can’t have one without the other. If you can’t look at Angelina and see her as your best friend, then let her go. She’s been hurt enough. She only needs a man who is willing to give her everything.”
By the end of her speech, she’s sounding more than a little breathless—which is my cue to say goodbye.
“Got it. Talk soon,” I mutter but as I click the chat off, Antonio is already taking off her clothes.Yikes.
I toss my phone on the mattress and lean back on my bed. I’m worn out. The time difference between Greece and the US sucks ass. I’ve not been sleeping just so I can talk to Gia. Today,I’ll sleep on the plane. I’m taking a commercial flight since the other jets are in use. I did buy first-class tickets just so I can sleep.
I think over everything Melina said. I can’t say she’s wrong. I still can’t look at Gia and see her as my friend. To me a friend is someone you have a beer with, shoot the shit and discuss work and life. The last thing I want to do is discuss work with my woman. However, Melina did say they become your everything and that I can absolutely see. Gia is already my everything. So, I can get behind that.
I’m not letting her go. Gia may deserve better than me, but I’m who she’s getting. I’m a lot of things, but I’m not stupid. I’m not giving her up.
