“Mom is the last word I need to hear come from your mouth while sporting that look.” He shakes his head as if he’s trying to clear something from it.
“Pervert! I was going to say the manual your mother gave me for the program at work.” He doesn't need to know I’m lying through my teeth.
“Thank goodness. I thought you were gonna say my mom gave you one of my aunt’s books.”
“Oh, Luca. That ship sailed the very first day you brought me home,” I antagonize him.
“Fucking hell. DJ and her damn porn.”
“It’s not porn,” I defend his aunt.
“No? Then what is it?” He places his hands on his hips waiting on my answer. The visual is quite yummy because he’s built in all the right ways.
“It’s romance,” I declare.
“Do people fuck in it?” he asks me.
I know my face is bright red as I shake my head no and answer, “Yes.” Dammit, that just slipped out, I meant to say the same as my head.
“Then it’s porn.” He makes me so mad when he says this as if he’s read the damn things which I know for a fact he hasn’t!
“No, porn is where all they do is uh, you know. Your aunt’s books have a storyline and that stuff that happens is just extra. Y’know, like a bonus.” I rush the last part out not wanting him to link the word bonus to me reading. He doesn't need to know that my battery-operated boyfriend has had plenty of working out here lately.
He grins at me and I realize that he’s been teasing me all along. Then his smile grows enormous and my eyes narrow at him. “Did you mean to say that last part out loud?” I gasp in horror. Hanging my head, I throw my arms out in anguish and feel my hand hit something. I hear an ‘oomph’ and look over to see Luca bent over in half and holding his ...no! Oh, my fucking God I nailed him in the dick!
“I-I’m so, so sorry, Luca.” Can this day get any more mortifying? I’m so freaking embarrassed that I grab Lucy’s leash and dart toward my room screaming, “I’m sorry, Luca!” then rush inside the safety of my room.
Chapter Three
Luca
The next morning, I find myself holding ice to my black and blue nuts. Why is it that I’m the one who’d happen to be in the way of flying hands? I swear these things only happen to me. “Fuck you, fate!” You can take a flying leap and land in a volcano of fire, you damn bitch. There’s no way I can walk today, let alone ride my bike around town. Deciding that my best option to avoid persecution from my peers…in other words my uncles and dad, I opt to take the day off. They can be mean sons-of-bitches. Judgmental pricks — every one of them.
Picking up my phone, I text Tig and inform him that I’m taking a personal day and he needs to take over my duties. Of course, Tig messages me back with a lot of flipping me off emoji’s.
Tig: Fuck you and your damn paperwork. You owe me whatever I want whenever I want.
Me: You owe me tons, fucker. Take it as me calling in on a favor that you already owe me. Then I send him back a few flip-off emoji’s.
Then he does the unfuckingthinkable… that motherfucker sends me a dick pic!
Me: Motherfucker, I’m gonna pay you back for blinding me with your micro-penis!
Tig: Ain’t nothing micro about me, you jealous fucker! Don’t worry, Luca, one day yours will grow big and strong too.
Me: Eat shit and die, Tig. You’re on permanent paperwork duty!
Tig: The fuck I am!!!!
Me: Bye, Tig. Have a great day. Don’t get a papercut!
Tig: Some best friend you are!
I don’t answer. I want him to stew on his shit and eat his words. He has a tendency to speak — or in this case, text — without thinking about the consequences.
Tig: Don’t ignore me!
A few minutes later.
Tig: Fine, you’ve grown into your dick, asshole! Now I no longer have anything to say to you.
A few minutes later.
Tig: Are you mad at me?
A few minutes later.
Tig: Fine, I’ll reinstate you as my best friend. Stop ignoring me, it drives me crazy!
Deciding he can stew a bit longer, I set my phone down and head into the bathroom. One cold shower to hopefully ease my aching balls coming up.
When I get out of the shower, dried off and in a pair of extremely loose boxers, I go and pick up my phone. I have twenty-seven missed texts and seven missed calls. All from my VP, my best friend, Tig. I open up the texts and the last thing on it catches my attention. It’s him with his bottom lip sticking out and a pouting look upon his face. Then my eyes go back up and read the messages. I’m bent over, this time I’m holding my gut instead of my balls. He’s promised me his first-born child if I’ll just talk to him again. He cracks me the fuck up sometimes.
Me: I don't want your first-born child, Tig. I can barely handle you; I can’t imagine raising your mini-me. No fucking thank you.
Tig: Does this mean we’re on talking terms again?
Me: Not for the rest of the day. I need a break.
Tig: You got it, boss man. This time he sends me a picture of him saluting me. I just can’t even with him sometimes!
Gypsy
I called into work sick today. Then I threw my pillow back over my head and have stayed hidden. I just can’t even bring myself to look Luca square in the eyes after running away like a scared little girl last night. I was mortified, I cannot believe that happened! I need a day to recover from my humiliation and have a strong game face tomorrow when I run into him. Today, I’m gonna stay locked up tight in this room, watch bad daytime television, have some food delivered and only leave to take Lucy for a quick walk. I will run her to her favorite spot and back. I’m not much of a runner, my endurance isn’t strong, but I’ll force my legs to go as fast as humanly possible.
Moaning as I toss the pillow off of my head where I’ve been hiding throughout the night, I hop over a sleeping Lucy and head toward the bathroom. “Good guard dog,” I say as she growls in her sleep. I have no idea who she’s guarding, but it sure as hell wasn’t me last night when I needed my girl to have my back...or Luca’s front as it turns out. If she’d been doing her job instead of sniffing all of the weeds, my life would be tolerable right about now.
I wonder if he’s still in pain and then worry that I might have done irreparable damage which will have Braxton and Cara after me. I’m sure they want grandkids at some point but based on his reaction, that may now just be a memory. I take care of my morning routine consisting of showering, shaving, washing my hair, brushing my teeth then combing out my hair. I look in the mirror and realize it’s as good as it’s gonna get today. I shrug my shoulders and walk out of the room to find a hair tie. At least I can be comfortable since I won’t be going into work.
As soon as I’m put together, I grab my tennis shoes and wake Lucy from her blissful slumber. “It’s time to do your morning routine and take care of your own duties, Lucy. Wakey-wakey.” I swear that dog opens only one eye to growl at me while giving me her best I’m gonna bite your ass look. “Aww, I’m sorry, Lucy. I’m not much of a morning person either, but that’s life, girl.”
She finally rolls over, grumbling the whole time, and then wanders over to her water and food bowl to get a few bites. Apparently, she needs the energy in order to do her morning thing. Crazy dog. Clicking my tongue against the roof of my mouth, she finally glances at me, huffs, then walks over so I can clip her leash on. I grab my room key and head out the door to the pet area. While Lucy meanders, I peek around at the parking lot and my eyes widen when I see Luca’s bike parked outside of the room he’s staying in. Wonder if Braxton picked him up today in the company truck?
“C’mon, Lucy, you don’t need to sniff every damn blade of grass in order to go! Humans use the same place every single time, dammit!” She grumbles at me and I roll my eyes at her insubordinate attitude. “No treats for you today, little miss,” I call out. As if she understands what I just said, she finally squats and does her thing before
scratching at the grass, a futile effort I might add, and then trotting her way over to me. I may not have a lot right now, but I make sure that I’ve got everything I need to take care of my girl.
I used my last few dollars to get Lucy her favorite treats. She hasn’t been as spoiled as most dogs are, but she’s been well loved and cared for. She has never gone without anything she needs…including her inoculations. One time I had the flu pretty bad, but shots needed updating so she came first, and I suffered for weeks. But at the end of the day, I survived and she’s healthy. Good thing I got paid today so I can order something to be delivered for lunch.
This won’t last forever; I chant to myself as I haul ass back to my room. I was shocked when Luca told me what my salary was going to be. I’ve never made that much in my life and I have already started a list of things I need to get once I make sure the essentials are taken care of. One of the things I need to find is a local vet because I’ve only got one more of Lucy’s heartworm preventatives. They’re expensive as hell, but I don’t want my baby to get that horrible disease. The one I found also protects against fleas and ticks, which is good because I’m allergic and end up looking like an Oompa Loompa when I get bit. Excluding the green hair that is, that’s definitely a look I can’t pull off. But I wish I could be expressive with my hair color. I’ve seen some beautiful shades of blue, pink and purple I wouldn’t mind having.
Once back inside, I slip my shoes off and turn the television on to see what I can find to watch. I nibble on a pack of Pop Tarts, wishing that the room had a toaster because I love it when the brown sugar and cinnamon is warm and toasty. I finally find a channel that has an all-day movie marathon of Tyler Perry movies, so I settle in to get some hard-core laughs.
Two movies later and my stomach is growling so I pull up the delivery app on my phone and find a pizza place that has several specials going on. If I do it right, I’ll have food for almost a week, plus I can get some much-needed caffeine in the fridge. I’m not a coffee drinker, but I’ve been eyeballing the coffee pot that comes with the room because I do need that morning jolt and water doesn’t cut it. But water’s free so I’ve just sucked it up and carried on, just like always.
Before I can order, Lucy barks and lets me know that she has to go out again. I get up and put her leash on, then grab my key and head back outside. While I wait for her to do her thing, I see movement at Luca’s door and my eyes widen when I see him walking, almost bow-legged, to his bike. The guilt that washes over me…again, has me wanting the ground to open up and swallow me whole. “Please don’t see me, please don’t see me,” I chant as Lucy does this weird three circle thing dogs sometimes do before dropping back and pottying. I swear she nearly sighs with relief and I can’t stop the giggle that escapes. “You’re like a little old lady in a fur coat,” I tell her as she walks back over to me.
I turn to take us back to our room and Luca is standing there, a weird expression on his face. Fuck, now what do I do? I decide to brazen it out; I’ve had a lot of practice faking it living with my mom. “Hey, Luca, did you just get back?”
“Uh, no, I took today off,” he replies. “Gypsy, why aren’t you looking at me?” Shit, he caught me. I tried the old look over the shoulder trick, but he’s onto me.
“I was!” I protest.
“You weren’t. Wait, why are you home today?” he asks.
Deciding to take the bull by the horns, I admit, “I was embarrassed by what happened last night. Figured you could use a day without having Queen Klutz running around. Plus, I don’t want your parents hating me.” All of my current and earlier thoughts go flying out of my mouth. Now, I’m debating if I should pack my bags and hit the road before I die of complete and total humiliation.
“Why would my parents hate you?” I see the puzzled look on his face and groan because now I have to tell him that part of it.
“Because of what happened. I’m sure they want grandkids someday.” Fine, I can always leave in the dead of night. I’ve got enough money on me to get a few states away.
“I’m fine, Gypsy,” he says, walking closer to me. I see the wince he tries to hide and raise my eyebrow.
“Then why are you making faces? And walking funny?” I’d like to see him explain this one with a strait-laced face.
“Okay, let me rephrase. I will be fine. Not the first time my nuts have ended up in my gut, or clamped together with a C-clamp, and I’m more than positive, it won’t be the last. Stop worrying, okay? I mean, if I’d have had my preference, I would’ve liked a different touch, but it is what it is.”
Wait, what? What is he rambling on about? A different touch? I feel my face redden when it dawns on me what he’s referring to and I see his grin widen. “You jerk!”
“Just speaking the truth is all.” That still doesn’t explain his statement to me. I have a hard time dealing with things that are not bluntly stated.
“To think I was willing to order pizza and share it with you,” I blurt out. Granted, I didn’t know he was here when I had that thought, but now I want to spend time with him.
“Pizza? What kind? I could do pizza,” he excitedly stammers out. I guess when he really wants something he talks quickly.
“They’ve got some specials, let me see what I can remember. I know they have a meat lover supreme and also a Hawaiian delight.” Those stick out in my head because I love both kinds.
“Don’t tell me you like pineapple on your pizza?” he hisses out, his voice sounding almost horrified.
“Only when I get the Hawaiian delight,” I reply. What’s wrong with pineapples? They’re yummy and good for you. At least I’ve heard that they are.
“It’s like I don’t even know you,” he murmurs.
“Well, actually, you don’t. Not really, anyhow.” How’s that for the truth?
“Since we’ve got the day off, let’s change that then, huh? Here, let me download the app and I’ll get the pizzas ordered. Do you want any soda? What about garlic knots or breadsticks? Oh, and they’ve got marbled brownies too!” Well, he’s obviously excited about the pizza place.
“Wait, I was going to order! I owe you, Luca, for all you and your family have done.” My words come out whiny, but I need to be independent here. I need to not feel like a kept woman. They already pay for my room, gave me a pay advance in the beginning, and always make sure Lucy and I are well fed. Until I put my foot down that is.
“That’s not how it works, Gypsy. I’m the guy so I pay.” Oh, no he didn’t! Caveman much? I am man, I beat chest, hear me roar, mind me woman — he has a lot to learn about women and how to speak to them. Jeez Louise, I can’t believe him right now. “So, decide. I’ll get one of your Hawaiian delights for you and a meat lover’s supreme, garlic knots and breadsticks because they have the dipping sauce, brownies, Coke and Sprite. How does that sound?”
“Well, you’ve got everything I would’ve ordered. Can I go in halves at least?” I mean, I don’t want to take away from his manliness or anything, but I’m a modern woman. We’re not in a relationship, so I should pay half of the bill...it’s only right.
“Nope. Not happening.” He pushes a few more buttons and says, “Done, it’s ordered and should be here in the next thirty to forty-five minutes. That gives me time to run to the store and grab some plates and shit. Can I borrow your car? Riding is a little...challenging today.” I try not to snicker, but it slips out and I see his lips tilt up.
He follows me into my room so I can get the keys to my car and I see his lips tighten when he catches a glimpse of my food stash, or should I say lack thereof. I don’t open my mouth to defend myself, just hand him my keys. I try to place some cash in his hand, earning myself a glare for my troubles. He glances over his shoulder at me before walking away, saying, “Lock the door. I’ll be back before they get here.”
While I sit and wait, I straighten up my room and gather my dirty clothes so I can hit the laundry later on. I don’t have much but saw a second-hand shop and figure when I get my nex
t pay, I can check it out and hopefully, supplement my meager wardrobe. I’ve grown accustomed to doing without and definitely don’t feel sorry for myself, but sometimes, it wears on my soul that I’ve had to struggle so hard to get what I do have.
Chapter Four
Luca
I get into Gypsy’s car and the minute I turn it on, I realize that shit is harder for her than I realized. Nearly every single light on her dashboard comes on, from her fuel gauge to her brake fluid. Fuck, I need to fix this somehow. I know she’s only been going back and forth to work, so it’s probable that she’s still running on the same tank of gas I put in when we first moved to Fallen Creek. I pull out of the parking lot and head to the little auto parts store in town. Once in there; I grab the brake, windshield wiper and transmission fluids her car needs, then once I’ve paid, I quickly get everything filled up. Even though the light wasn’t on, I check her oil and see that she’s low on that as well, so I go back inside and grab some oil and take care of that task. Now, to fill her tank up. While I have the car filling, I go inside the gas station and grab a store gas card so she can fill up as she needs to. There’s no way she’s going without on my watch. Not happening.
I don’t question this pull I have to her. I can see she’s independent, but I still want to take care of her, and I quickly realize that I’m gonna have a fight on my hands. While I wait for the car to finish filling, I check her tires and realize they’re nearly bald. Fuck! I don’t have time to take care of that right now since the pizza will arrive at any time.
Now at the store, I grab paper plates and napkins and as I’m checking out, I see that they offer an online ordering and delivery service. I grab the information so I can get her stocked up and head back to the motel. She can’t kill me if she doesn't know what I’m doing ahead of time. She’ll have to wait and accept my offer of food. I’ll make sure it isn’t delivered until I’m safely tucked inside the safety of my own room. I’ll even order it anonymously, but I’m sure she’ll quickly figure out who did it.
Reviving Luca: New Beginnings Page 3