Page 63 of Mob Princess

No problem

I look up at Jesse as I drop my phone back into my purse. “Completely.”

“They aren’t going to tattle?”

“What would you think if you just started dating someone, and they found out you’re staying with a guy?”

He shrugs, but I see a flash of remorse. “Sorry.”

“It’s fine. I’m starving. What’s for lunch?” I shoot him a smile as we head to the hallway with the bedrooms. I know where to go since I’ve stayed here plenty of times before. He brings my larger case while I have my roll aboard and hand luggage. We leave the bags there and head to the kitchen. We chat about everything but my family. I tell him what I can about Sean, and he’s genuinely happy for me. He apologizes again for any problems he created.

After we eat, I head to my room to get out what I need for the next couple of days until my apartment is ready. There’s an en suite, and I’m just putting my makeup bag on the counter when I hear my phone ring in the bedroom.

“Hi, nounours.”

“Hi, cailín. Did everything go smoothly getting home?”

“Yeah, but Ewan and I had an argument right after you and I texted. I left and came to a friend’s place.”

“I know. Cormac told me.”

Fuck me.

I wait to see what else he says, but he stays quiet. It’s my turn to speak.

“I’m with a friend from college. Jesse’s always let me stay here whenever I want, even when he’s out of town. It’ll be a couple days before my apartment’s ready. I didn’t want to stay in a hotel when I could be somewhere comfortable that I know.”

“I get it. Did Ewan do anything beyond argue?”

“No. Why?”

“Lina, I’m in Boston.”

Ummmmm. Okay.

“You came straight here like you said you would.”

“Yes. I’d like to see you.” He sounds hopeful.

“I’d like to see you, too.”

“If you just got to your friend’s place, I don’t want to interrupt.”

“Jesse and I hang out when we’re both here. But we’ve always kept our own schedules. He really treats me like I live here rather than a guest. I come and go whenever I want. He’ll get it. When can I see you?”

Did I sound too eager?

“As soon as we can be in the same place. Cormac said you’re in Belchertown.”

“I am. Do you know where that is?”

“Yeah. I have a friend who went to Amherst. I would fly into Hartford before visiting her. I’ve seen the road signs.”

Ouch. Was that a dig? It hurts, even if that was like at least eight years ago. I wince because he knows I’m at a guy’s place right now.

“Lina, I didn’t say it to hurt you. It doesn’t bother me that you’re staying at a guy’s house. Gay or straight. He’s your friend, and you’re away from Ewan. That’s what matters to me.”

“Thank you.”

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