The Aristocrat

“I was with Felicity.”

His eyes went wide. “Ginger? She’s back in the picture?” He rolled his eyes. “I should’ve known.”

“Why’s that?”

“Well, clearly you were on the verge of insanity before I left, what with your painting and taffy consumption. I knew you wouldn’t go much longer before giving in and groveling for another chance with her.”

“I actually hadn’t planned to see her again. We ran into each other at ShopRite yesterday, and one thing led to another.”

“You shagged her?”

“No. That’s not happening. She made that clear. But we had a moment. We kissed—in the carpark.”

“For Christ’s sake, you couldn’t have picked a different place to lay one on her?”

“It was like spontaneous combustion, really. I hadn’t a moment to contemplate whether it was appropriate or not. And I didn’t give a fuck. That was amazing. It was the best kiss I’ve ever experienced. Then she invited me over for dinner. I met Mrs. Angelini. And today, we spent the entire day helping renovate a local foster mother’s garage. We’re turning it into a therapy space for her special-needs son.”

“Well, that’s a noble way of getting into her pants.”

“That’s not what it’s about.”

“All right. If you say so.” He smirked. “In any case, that’s certainly a lot to have happened in one weekend. I hope you know what you’re getting into.”

“What I’m getting into is none of your concern.” I opened the fridge and grabbed a lager. “Anyway, how was your trip?”

“It was wild.”

“Yeah?” I took a sip. “You had a good time with… What was her name?”

“Maria.”

“That’s right.”

“Yes. I had a great time with Maria…and Maria.”

“There were two Marias there?”

He wriggled his brows. “Her friend.”

“They’re both named Maria?”

“Yes. Apparently, half of the Portuguese girls out here are named Maria. I had an equally good time with both of them.”

My eyes nearly bugged out of my head. “Wait, you messed around with her friend, too?”

“We all messed around together.”

“Jesus Christ.”

“Or even better, Ave Maria.” He winked.

I rolled my eyes. “And you accuse me of moving fast?”

* * *

Felicity

Track 10: “Maria” by Blondie

Driving home from work at the restaurant, I thought about the past few days. Because I’d had to work the last three nights, I hadn’t gotten to spend any real time with Leo, aside from working over at Mrs. Barbosa’s during the day.

Matt had only shown up again one of those days. I got the impression that working alongside Leo wasn’t what he’d had in mind when he volunteered to help. Leo had also seemed uncomfortable around Matt, so it was just as well that Matt skipped out. I doubted I’d see him again before he returned to Pennsylvania.

Each time Leo drove me home from Mrs. Barbosa’s, we’d say goodbye, and I’d hope he’d kiss me. I’d longed for that since that day in the parking lot and wondered why he hadn’t tried it again. Was it because I’d told him I wouldn’t have sex with him? Did he think I meant all physical contact was off the table? And did I even mean what I’d said about not sleeping with him? Or was I just scared that taking that step would mean feeling even more hurt when he left?

I was pretty sure it was the latter, considering sexual fantasies of Leo had been keeping me up at night. I wanted him so badly. More perplexing than him not kissing me was the fact that he hadn’t asked me to hang out after my shifts. Maybe he assumed I’d be tired? I sighed.

It was 10 p.m. by the time I got home and showered. Sitting alone in my room, I itched to see him. Looking out the window in my bedroom, I could see the lights at Leo’s house were on across the bay. Feeling restless, I opted to take a chance and head over there. If I delayed long enough to change into something nicer, I knew I’d change my mind. I looked down and cringed: a Hello Kitty T-shirt and denim shorts. But this getup would have to do because I had no time to think this through.

Grabbing my keys, I ran down the stairs and out to my car. Mrs. Angelini had already turned in for the night, so I didn’t bother letting her know where I was going.

My pulse raced as I pulled up to the front of Leo’s house. Exiting the car, I looked up at the dark night sky and got goose bumps. I knew what showing up here unannounced at this hour would look like. Can you say booty call? But the message I sent didn’t matter; I just needed to see him.

I knocked on the door, and a few seconds later, it opened. But the person greeting me was neither Leo nor Sig.

“Can I help you?” A petite brunette tilted her head.

I swallowed. “Is Leo here?”