Page 94 of Quake

“Here, I’ll show you how it’s done,” he says. He spends a few minutes instructing me on how to hold it and which way is best to gain speed or change the sound, and when I feel sort of ready, he chooses a Latin playlist from his phone.

We laugh the entire time as I do my best to match his motions, but ultimately, I’m speeding up when I should be slowing down, and I think the fact that I’m left-handed makes it even more difficult for me to copy his movements. He tries to show me with his left hand instead, but that proves to be a waste of time.

Not becausehedoesn’t figure it out, but because, apparently, my middle school orchestra teacher wasright.

I may not have mastered a new instrument today, but I got to spend it with one of my newfound favorite people, and that makes my heart soar beyond the clouds.

Gianni pulls me into his arms, laying us across the couch as he buries his face in my hair. I have no desire to be anywhere but here. Having Gianni in my life makes even the most mundane things seem groundbreaking, and a peace I’ve never known until now settles into my chest.

I thought I’d known what love felt like, but I’m sure that I hadn’t.Until now.

1. I Found – Amber Run

2. Fuck it I love you – Lana Del Rey

Chapter fifty-three

Gianni

Friday, May 16, 2025

I’m seated at the end of the long dinner table, waiting for Dante to bring out the birthday cake for Dad.

As he enters the room, Ale turns down the lights, and we all start singing,“Tanti Auguri a Te.”

Even in the dim light, I can see Dad’s cheeks turning pink. We do this every year, and yet, he still seems embarrassed by something as simple as his family singing “Happy Birthday” to him.

He’s the epitome of not wanting to be the center of attention, and I guess that’s one of many reasons he and Mom are so good together. They share the same values, but their personalities contrast in ways that just seem to work.

Much like Lark and me.

Where I like to remain inside, watching reruns and doing something low-key, she likes to be out and about, exploring the world and just enjoying all that life has to offer. Knowing that I play somepart in helping her slow down, relax, and enjoy what can be found in moments of stillness has warmth flowing freely through me. In contrast, she makes me feel alive and encourages me to enjoy adventure, even if I’m uncomfortable at first.

Dad leans over to Mom’s chair, planting a kiss on her cheek and whispering in her ear before turning his attention back to the rest of us. “Thank you, everyone,” he says sheepishly.

***

When the kids are all tucked into bed, having their weekly sleepover a couple of days early, we’re all seated in the living room.

Mom turns her attention to me, and a wary feeling creeps in at the look of mischief playing across her face.

“Alright, sweet boy. Go ahead and tell us about your plans to make things with Lark official.” As she says this, my gaze catches on my dad’s. He shoots me a sly smirk, sinking back into his armchair with his arms crossed over his stomach. He’s looking entirely too damn happy that the attention is no longer on him.

Unfortunately, I don’t share the sentiment.

Everyone is watching me and waiting excitedly.

I shift uncomfortably in my seat. “I don’t know what you want me to say,” I tell them, my breath accelerating, and it feels difficult to sit still.

“We want you to own up to the fact that you fucking love her, you doofus, and then tellherthat so we can all stop talking about you in the group chat,” Luca informs me.

My eyesshoot up to his. “What the hell do you mean? I’m in the damn group chat.” I grunt. Hell, I wish I weren’t though. With the way my family talks all damn day, you’d think we never saw each other.

“Not this one,” he says and smirks.

“What is going on?” I groan, wanting to get this sorted so I can go home with Pickles.

“You’re clearly in love with her, and frankly, we’ve never seen you so happy, Gi.” Kat fills me in, her expression soft.

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