Captivated

Angelina

When I returned home, Jake was sitting on the sofa with Cassie. Her eyes were bright, and her cheeks flushed. The expression in Jake’s eyes was full of love for my friend. Something had taken place, and it looked as though they were waiting to tell me.

“I’ll put the kettle on.” Jake headed for the kitchen.

“So,” I said, seating myself next to Cassie, “what have you got to tell me?”

“Jake proposed, and I said yes.”

I grabbed her and held her tightly. I was so happy for her; she deserved this. We both sobbed and laughed at the same time. As we broke apart, I smiled with love and happiness.

“I’m so pleased for you. Many congratulations, Cassie.”

“Thanks.” Cassie went thoughtful.

“What’s up?”

“You do know what this means, don’t you?”

Of course I did. “You’ll be looking for a place of your own. That’s only natural, Cas.”

“It’s going to be quicker than you think though, sweetie.”

My heart dropped. There was no way I’d be able to afford living in this place on my own. Seeking another flatmate wasn’t an option. There was another possibility though…

“Angelina?”

I studied Cassie’s concerned expression. I’d been silent for too long.

“Sorry. Look, don’t you worry about me. I’m sure I can find another place a bit cheaper. There are some apartments not far from where I work. They’re farther away from the city so they will be much less money to rent. When do you move out?”

“Two months from now. Jake and I have secured another apartment in the city.”

I smiled. “That’s great.”

Cassie studied me and a secret smile crossed her face. “Have you had fillers in your lips, or is it something else?”

I blushed as she’d obviously worked out that I’d been kissed. My lips still felt swollen.

“Um… something else.”

“Hey, don’t hold out on me. We tell each other everything. Don’t you dare stop now.”

“Okay, a guy has been coming into the gallery quite a bit over the last few days. We had a lunch date today.” I hated lying, but there was no alternative explanation I could give.

“And…” she said with excitement in her voice.

“And we kissed. His name is Luca Salvatore, and he’s Italian.”

“Oh, wow. No wonder you weren’t interested in Sean. We’ll have to go out on a double date. I need to see this guy for myself. Is he sexy? Do you think he’ll be the one to finally pop your cherry?”

My blush deepened. “Stop it, Cas. Yes, he’s very sexy. Who knows, but if his kiss is anything to go by then having sex with him…”

“Will be bloody mind-blowing.” Cassie positively bounced up and down next to me.

Even though I’d miss Cassie, she deserved this. I really liked Jake, and they’d fallen in love almost from their first date.

Later, when I was alone in bed, my thoughts turned to Luca and Salvatore. I guessed that whichever one was guarding me from the rooftop, he’d probably overheard our conversation. It looked as though fate was having a hand in my future after all, because with my lack of funds to keep this apartment on, I was soon to be homeless. Whether I was ready for this or not, it would appear Luca and Salvatore’s home would soon be mine, too.