Chapter Four
1293 Words
Luca
Matteo grabbed a taco and took a big bite, almost tearing through half of it. He must’ve been starving after that rough exercise.
“Hmmm. This one’s good,” he said, still fumbling with his trousers.
“You know you should be paying rent here—and compensation for constantly messing up this place,” I said, gesturing at the wrecked living room. “Just look at this place. I’m pretty sure this couch has PTSD.”
“Rent?” Matteo laughed like he’d just watched a stand-up special. “Please. If anything, I should be charging you for the entertainment I bring into this dull apartment. You know I’m the life of your party.”
“Oh, please don’t flatter yourself,” I muttered, picking up another taco.
He wiggled his brows. “You know what I mean.”
I threw a napkin at him. “You’re disgusting.”
He caught it midair and wiped his fingers with it, like he had asked for it. “That’s on you. The ladies think otherwise.”
He gestured proudly at the couch. “That thing should be honored. It witnessed an incredible performance tonight, a passionate one at that. You should’ve seen me at work—mmh. She’s sweet.”
I shook my head. “Please spare me the details.”
“Really man.” His eyes lit up like I challenged him. He leaned forward and placed his elbows on his thighs, shameless as ever. “Fratello, the things that girl can do—”
He pointed upstairs, lowering his voice. “She’s a spring, man.”
He bowed his head like he’d been struck by divine intervention.
Spring?
Oh no. My poor couch.
I jumped to my feet, panicking. “I swear, if that couch is wet, you’re buying me a new one.”
He burst out laughing. “Relax, bro. I wouldn’t ruin it. Can’t say the same for your bed, though. You might want to change the mattress after we’re done because I plan on bathing in that spring tonight.”
He bit his lower lip.
“No way, you won’t even dare.”
He grinned, wickedly. “She doesn’t even know what I’ve got planned. This—” he waved around the living room, “—this was just a preview. By the time I’m through, she’s gonna have her juice everywhere.”
I clapped my hands over my ears like a five-year-old, pretending I wasn’t listening, like I wasn’t craving something myself.
He laughed so hard he nearly dropped his taco. “My man’s gone soft.”
I snorted, lowering my hands. “Soft? Me?”
“Yeah,” he said, studying me. “You look… ready. I’m surprised.”
I rolled my eyes. “Says the guy who swore he was done being a playboy—right before bringing a girl into my living room like a caveman. Mr. I’m ready for something serious. Or did I hallucinate that speech? Wasn’t it just two days ago?”
His smile faltered, then he pointed his taco at me, defensive. “That’s different, and I meant it. I’m after true love now. Forever stuff.”
“Forever?” I laughed. “With no pants on? In my living room? With a girl you just met?”
He jerked upright. “Hey—love can start anywhere.”
“Sure,” I said, still laughing. “You get to know each other, take her somewhere. Maybe a bar, a park, or a decent restaurant. Not my damn couch.”
I gave him a flat look. “You can’t even remember her name, can you?”
“Carla, I think?” He shifted.
“Clara,” I corrected. “May God help whoever you finally settle down with.”
He shrugged. “That doesn’t change anything.”
Then he leaned toward me. “So? How’s it been for you?”
I hesitated, then shrugged. “Well, better than I expected.”
His brows shot up. “Seriously?”
I relaxed, brushing crumbs off my fingers. “Why do you sound shocked. You’ve met her before. Remember that night I told you about the date? I got to know her better. I thought she’d be a rich, spoiled brat, but it turns out I was wrong.”
I paused, then added, “She’s… humble. She doesn’t let all that beauty or the money get to her head.”
Matteo smirked. “I see, so that’s why you came back looking like someone handed you the moon?”
I chuckled, rubbing the back of my neck.
“We should all go out sometime,” I said. “So you can see for yourself. I think she is the kind of woman I could actually build something with.”
Matteo whistled. “Who are you, and what did you do with Luca?”
“Shut up.”
“No, really. Next thing you know, you’ll be buying matching pajamas and planning trips together. And where will that leave me?” He clutched his chest dramatically. “She’s gonna replace me.”
I laughed despite myself. That was Matteo—always poking, always dragging me out of my head.
He looked at me quietly for a while. “So you’re serious? You are not just doing this for Daddy’s sake?”
“Yes, I want to try,” I admitted. “I’ve got a feeling it could work.”
He went quiet, narrowed his eyes as he read my face.
My phone buzzed on the side stool, and we both looked.
Her name glowed on the screen.
Matteo grinned. “Speak of the angel. Go on, lover boy.”
I rolled my eyes and answered, my voice softened immediately without any effort. “Ciao, bella.”
“Hello, Luca,” she said. I could picture her smiling—she always was. “I was starting to think you’d forgotten about me.”
“Forget about you?” I settled into my chair. “Come on, you know that’s impossible. You’ve been haunting my thoughts all day.”
She laughed. “Don’t you think haunting is too dramatic?”
“True. I’ve just been distracted like an i***t… thinking about you, I couldn’t even get anything done.”
“Then maybe I shouldn’t have called,” she teased. “So you can focus.”
“Don’t you dare,” I said quickly, earning a gagging noise from Matteo.
Isabella laughed. “How was your day?”
“It was good,” I said honestly. “Better now. Tell me about yours.”
She did—meetings, lunch with friends, work again. I listened, imagining her pacing with a glass of wine.
“You handled all that and still sound this calm?” I asked.
“Why are you so dramatic?” she said playfully. “It must be your charm.”
“Charm?” I smiled. “So you admit you’re charmed.”
“I did not.”
“You did. I heard it.”
She sighed. “Fine. You’re… tolerable.”
“Tolerable,” I repeated. “Be still, my heart.”
She laughed.
“Can I take you out tomorrow?” I asked. “Somewhere quiet and relaxing.”
“That’s fine,” she said. “I’d like that.”
I caught Matteo miming tears. My boy’s in love.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” I said softly.
When I hung up, Matteo nearly fell out of his chair laughing.
I rubbed my face, smiling.
It was strange—how quiet my life felt now. I remember when I could go anywhere and do anything.
I was certain that I missed that part of my life, but I’m willing to move on.
- Writer
