I start shaking my head, but August continues for him.
“It won’t, Sage. You won’t gain a singular pound if you finish that plate. I promise.”
I keep my eyes on my plate but look back up when August calls me again.
“Trust me.” He nods encouragingly, and I pick my head up and take another bite. I squeeze my eyes shut as I force it down, but as I bring another spoonful to my mouth, I quickly turn my face away before dropping the spoon.
“Okay.” Lis nods with a small smile. “You’re done. Good job.”
I cover my food before taking a few gulps of my juice, washing away the sour taste in my mouth. The boys voice their encouraging words, and I smile through the phone beforethanking them and wishing them a good day because while I’d love to keep talking to them, I feel drained.
August and Lis leave first, but from the look on Sire's face, I know he wants to say something.
“I'm sorry for before,” he starts gently. “I just can't stand Walker, and I hate the thought of him even looking at you, but August is right; we can't help who we fall for, and you're an adult. You're also very smart, and you know your worth. If you really do love him, it won't be the end of my world, but I'm telling you now, I'm never going to be his friend.” He adds that last part more harshly. His eyes bore into mine and I can see the finality in them.
I nod in understanding, reminding myself not to push my luck. They've hated each other for nearly ten years; that isn't going to go away overnight.
“I love you, Sage.”
“I love you more.”
We end the call, and his words reassure me that he isn't going to hate me for whatever I decide to do with Liam.
I get up from my seat but freeze at the note of paper on the floor. I know it's not mine, so I grab a shirt to pick it up in case this is some sort of trap and the paper is laced with something. I know that sounds ridiculous, but my dad has scared me into being extra precious ever since I started traveling alone.
When I flip the page over and see the nameDorywritten on it, my worries fade.
I'm not sure if this counts as speaking to you but I couldn't be so close and not say anything. I booked the room across from you and I'm staying with you for the rest of the month. We don't have to speak, but if you need me, knock on my door anytime, beloved. I know you miss the cats, and I didn't want you to be alone,so Moon lands with them tomorrow, and they're also staying for the month.
I love you. Have a good night, my perfect girl.
I glance over at the door, and when I see a shadow of feet from the bottom, my heart aches at how close he is. I walk over to the door quietly, and as I look through the peephole, there he is, soaking wet from the rain and holding his helmet. I think he's listening out for me, and I bite back a smile at how ridiculous we both probably look.
“Thank you,” I voice, and his head snaps up so fast, I'm sure he just gave himself whiplash.
A smile spreads across his face as he kisses his fingers and presses them to the peephole before disappearing into his room.
Somehow, one letter made my whole night better.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Sage
“So, what's up with youtwo? Because it looks like you're together but… not talking or having sex.” Moon goes still before turning to me slowly. “You guys aren't secretly having sex, right?”
“What?!” I break into a laugh at how disgusted he looks.
“I laid in both your and his bed. Please tell me you're not having sex, Sunshine.” He shoots up from the bed and quickly grabs Meeko.
“We're not having sex! We're broken up.”
One of Moon's hands shoots up in surrender as he holds Meeko in the other. “Hey! You can be having break-up sex.”
“We're not!” I tried to convince him for the last time, and he let it go.
“Fine, but I need some sort of update because you told me he was on hiskneesfor you and that was hard to believe. Now, he's actually listening to you and not speaking to you. It's weird seeing him so… in love. It's like you can tell him to jump off of a roof, and he'll ask which one.”
I let out a laugh, but he's not totally exaggerating. It's been two weeks that we've been in Italy and Liam hasn't said a singular word to me, but he's being perfect in everything else.
