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“Thanks for coming with me.” I sling an arm over Valentino’s shoulder, unbothered by the glances we get from the strangers on the train.
Valentino smiles. “You know I’m more than happy to.”
“Who wouldn’t be?” I shrug, teasing, “I’m pretty great.”
“You’re more than great. You’re amazing, remember?” Valentino leans closer to me, kissing my cheek.
I laugh as I recall the conversation he’s referring to.
“Thanks for the reminder.”
Valentino doesn’t move away, settling into my side. “Are you looking for a specific book?”
“Nah.” I shake my head. “I just want to browse. You know, it’s always been my dream to have a boyfriend that would carry my books for me, and you’ve got all those muscles…”
Valentino flexes playfully. “One strong boyfriend, coming right up.”
“Don’t change your mind when you’re carrying a stack of twenty.” I grin.
“Pfft.” Valentino scoffs. “Those books won’t know what’s coming for them.”
The train slows to a stop and we get up from the bench, making our way outside hand in hand. I lead the way to my favorite bookstore. It’s a local place and I love it. I spend a lot of time browsing the shelves here. I’m even on a first-name basis with the employees.
Valentino gets the door for me, and I fight the urge to blush in response.
He follows me around the store like a puppy. I love how close we are, but I want him to explore too. I shoo him away and encourage him to take a look at the books. I have another reason for it though. I’ve never gone book-shopping with anyone, and I don’t know how to split my time between reading the synopses and paying attention to Valentino. He’s pretty distracting. And just pretty.
“Orion!”
I look up, expecting to see Valentino but being met with Aaron, a long-time employee of this store. When we first met, we bonded over how similar our names sounded.
“Hey, man,” I greet him.
He comes to a stop in front of me. “Hi. Whatcha looking for today? Can I help you?”
“Nah, thanks.” I wave off the offer. “I’m just looking around. Knowing me, I’ll be going home with more than I need in no time.”
“And it still won’t be enough,” Aaron jokes.
I snicker in agreement. “That’s the bookworm life.”
“You haven’t stopped by in a while.”
“Just had a lot going on recently. Too much shit to get into right now.” I grimace.
I’m still so thankful that everything worked out with Valentino on what should have been his End Day. Even if that means I’m back to square one, unable to trust Death-Cast and wondering every day if my heart will give up on me.
“We can talk when I’m off the clock,” Aaron offers. “I’ll be done in a few. There’s a cafe I’ve been meaning to try, or we can go to my place.”
My eyebrows rise against my will. Is he hitting on me right now? Is this actually happening? I can’t remember a single time in my life where another boy has approached me. It’s flattering, and maybe I would’ve considered it before Valentino came into my life, but as it is I’ve got an amazing boyfriend and he’s all I’ve ever wanted and more.
I’m about to decline the suggestion when I hear a loud thud behind me. I startle and whip around, my heart beating faster than I’m comfortable with, and am met with a sheepish Valentino with three books scattered around him on the floor. He must have dropped them.
“Are you good?” I ask tentatively, concerned. I reach him in a few brief steps and kneel to pick up the books he’s picked out.
Valentino’s smile looks strained. “I’m fine.”
I’m not convinced, but I accept his answer for now. I’m not about to grill him in front of Aaron. That can wait for later. Speaking of Aaron…
I loop an arm around Valentino’s waist and guide him towards Aaron. They meet each other’s eyes with uncertainty etched on their faces.
“Valentino, this is Aaron,” I announce. Might as well breach the awkwardness before it becomes suffocating. “Aaron, this is Valentino.”
They nod at each other and I gently elbow Valentino’s side, urging him to say something.
“It’s nice to meet you.” Valentino says it pleasantly enough, but I don’t fall for the false authenticity in his voice.
“Nice to meet you too.” Aaron nods at him. “I have to get back to work. I’ll see you around.”
Aaron disappears into a room behind the front counter, and Valentino faces me, apprehension lining his face.
“That was awkward as fuck,” I say under my breath.
Valentino doesn’t say anything for a moment. “Is he why you wanted to come here?”
“What?” I’m stunned at the mere idea.
Valentino gestures to where Aaron had been standing. “How else would you explain that?”
“The dude is into me.” I shrug. “That doesn’t mean I’m into him.”
Valentino doesn’t seem satisfied with that response. “But if I wasn’t in the equation, would you have been?”
“Why are you entertaining hypotheticals? They’ll never happen.” I shake my head. I feel like he’s blowing this out of proportion.
“Just answer the question.” He frowns.
I don’t want to be the reason he does that.
“You weren’t in the equation until this summer, and I’ve known this guy longer than that. If I liked him I would’ve caught feelings ages ago. So no, I wouldn’t be into him and I’m not now either.” I finish firmly.
I need to get that into his head. I can’t have my man doubting my feelings for him.
Valentino sighs and takes hold of my hands. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to freak out like that. I’ve just been thinking about something lately.”
“Thinking about what?” I squeeze his hands gently.
“During my End Day—or what should have been my End Day—I was encouraging you to find love after I’m gone. But I’m still here somehow, and I feel like I might’ve insisted on it too much and put it into your brain that you should be with someone else. I guess it’s just made me worry that you’ll find someone new,” Valentino admits quietly, like he’s ashamed.
I pull him into a tight hug. “That’s never gonna happen, you’re the best guy I know. Who could be a better match for me than Valentino Prince?”
He sighs in relief, hugging me back even harder. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
“Do you think Aaron got the message?”
“Probably.”
“Good enough for me.”