He nodded in agreement. “Exactly. I can’t tell you what it means to me you get that about him. From what he’s told me, you understand him quite well, despite knowing him for such a short time.”
“I’ve lived a lot of life in my years. It helps me understand how people tick, so to speak.”
“Tonight has been amazing. I’ve never seen him so relaxed and having such carefree fun before, especially not after traveling yesterday. It’s amazing when he’s the type who needs a vacation from his vacation to recover.” He studied me like he was trying to solve my mystery. “I’m not sure how you did it, but you’ve already made an enormous difference.”
“He knows I accept him as he is, which takes off his internal pressure to be somebody that he’s not.” I held Luca’s gaze. “I’ll never ask Zio to be anyone but himself. You have my word that I’ll take good care of him.”
“I’ve thought about quitting my job so many times so I could stay here to be closer to him. I hate leaving him alone when I go away for months.” He sighed with a heavy weariness. “But it would make him feel too guilty if I did that. Since he moved in with Rigby, I haven’t had to worry as much. But knowing he has you to watch over him, to protect him, to love him, it means everything to me.”
I clasped him on the shoulder in solidarity. “He’s lucky to have such a devoted older brother.”
Luca gave me a small smile. “Thanks. I used to wonder if maybe I was too overprotective and that’s why I hated all of his girlfriends in the past. I feared he would resign himself to being with somebody who only put up with his quirks to be accepted as being normal. But he was so miserable when he was in a relationship. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t glad he remained single most of the time. There were fewer chances for someone to break his heart.”
“I’m not interested in playing games with him.”
The relief on his face betrayed how grateful he was for that. “Anyone with eyes can see you love him with all that you are. It’s what I’ve always wanted for him but never thought he’d allow himself to have. But he needs a partner like you that he could trust to take care of him. That’s why I wasn’t completely surprised when he told me about you.”
“I’m strong enough that he doesn’t always have to be.” That was important for Zio, who needed to surrender his burdens when they were too much to bear. “But he’ll also be stronger because I’m there to support him, too.”
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being what my brother needs. I can worry a little less now that he has you to rely on while I’m gone.” His radiant smile made it easy to tell the two men were siblings. “But we should head back in before he gets worried.”
“I’ll follow you so he doesn’t think we were out here talking about him.”
He grinned. “Wow, youreallyknow him, don’t you? I’ll see you inside.”
I lingered outside a little longer. The talk with Luca made me feel good that by helping Zio, I was helping him, too. They were fortunate to have a close bond, especially considering how their parents treated them so differently. When I returned, I gave my boyfriend a kiss on the cheek before sitting down beside him.
“Is everything okay?” he asked with a worried expression.
“Everything is perfect.” I meant it in every sense of the word, thanks to him.
