Page 11 of Marcello DeLuca

“Not one word,” she admitted, shaking her head slightly.

“Damn, that cuts deep,” I said, placing my hand over my heart. “Maybe I can talk to him, get him to see that I’m not as bad as he thinks I am.”

She gave a small, sad laugh. “He’s not easily swayed, and since he thinks you’re a corner boy, it’s going to be nearly impossible to convince him otherwise.”

“I have to do something to win him over because I have to see you again,” I insisted.

Lanay looked down at her drink, her fingers tracing the edge of the cup. After a moment, she looked up at me, her brown eyes shining. “I think we’re getting out early again tomorrow.”

“Great,” I said, grinning widely. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow,” she agreed, and with that simple word, all was right in my world again.

We finished our drinks and left the cafe. As we stepped outside, the evening air was cool and crisp, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers. The streets were quieter now, the buzz of the city softened into a gentle hum.

We were less than a block away from the theater when Lanay glanced at me with a playful grin and asked, "Have you ever wondered why actors break a leg in auditions?"

I raised an eyebrow, clearly curious. "No, why?"

Lanay grinned, "Because they want to be in the cast!"

"Well, let's hope no one actually needs a cast in your cast!" I responded with a hearty chuckle. “But that definitely was a good one.”

She laughed, taking a small bow. “Why thank you. When I’m not on stage I double as Katt Williams.”

“You’re much prettier than Katt. But it’s good to know you’re both beautiful and funny. You’re making it hard to say goodbye,” I said with a warm smile.

Lanay chuckled, ready with her comeback. “That’s only because you’re turning from a Boy to a Man. Get it, ‘Hard to say goodbye’ and Boyz to Men?” she jousted.

I laughed, shaking my head. “Got it, my little actress and comedian extraordinaire.”

She smirked. “You have to admit, you dropped that one into my lap.”

Nodding, I replied. “I did and you hit it right out of the park.”

We had reached the theater, and I hated our impromptu date was coming to an end. “Thank you for having coffee with me,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

She smiled up at me, her eyes sparkling under the streetlights. “Thank you for the invitation,” she replied softly.

“Do you want me to wait here with you?” I asked.

“No need. He just texted me and said he’s less than five minutes away. So, it’d probably be best if we aren’t together when he pulls up.”

“Okay. Thanks again for spending time with me.”

Impulsively, I reached out and took her hand, bringing it to my lips. The touch of her skin was like velvet, soft and warm. I pressed a gentle kiss to her hand, inhaling the subtle fragrance that lingered there—floral, sweet, and utterly intoxicating.

She looked away, a shy smile playing on her lips. “Goodnight, Marcello,” she said, her voice a soft melody.

“Goodnight, Lanay,” I replied, reluctantly letting go of her hand.

As I walked away, the touch of her skin, the softness, the scent—everything about her lingered in my mind, leaving me aching for more. I knew then that I would do whatever it took to see her again, to keep feeling this way. She was worth the risk.

Chapter Five

Safia

Romeo and Juliet

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