Page 19 of Lodged

Ruin: Oh, wow. How long are you staying?

Gio: I’m heading back home tonight. I just came to see a friend.

Ruin: Oh, fun! What else are you planning to visit today?

Gio: Not sure. I want to walk around and find something good to eat. Maybe a football stadium.

Ruin: You mean soccer?

Gio: lol, yes.

Ruin: That’s what I thought. Are you a fan of a particular team in London?

Gio: Not really, but I’m a football fan in general.

Ruin: Oh, gotcha. If I ever visit London, I’d love to go to the Sky Garden.

Gio: Hmmm, I’ve never been. I’ll have to check it out.

Ruin: Yes! And send pics from there. *smile emoji*

Gio: Will do. *salute emoji*

I spent the rest of the day walking after visiting the Sky Garden, where I took an insane amount of pictures. The first one I sent to Ruin was from the view in the restaurant, which was glorious. Her reply made me laugh until tears spilled from my eyes.

Ruin: Love the view, but I kinda wanted to see a certain hot teacher in the frame also *blush emoji*

After that, I sent her every single picture with me in it, and she loved them all. I can’t wait to go to the fair next weekend with her. I got her a few souvenirs from London—I hope she likes them. As I visited each place, I couldn’t help but think about how much I want to experience them with her—someday soon.

Before I know it, I’m heading back to Vicente’s to grab my things and head home. His disapproval is evident as soon as I walk in the door and announce my plans.

“Are you seriously leaving now?” Vicente asks, not hiding his disappointment.

“Yeah, I have to be back at school tomorrow,” I say, even though I don’t teach until Wednesday, so technically, I could stay a couple more days.

“But we didn’t go out. We didn’t even have dinner together. Nothing.” Guilt and embarrassment hit me, and I can’t meet his gaze.

“I’m sorry, Vic. Next time I’ll come with more time to spare. This was a lightning trip. And I did warn you I wasn’t in the mood to party…”

“No joke,” he says with a humorless chuckle.

“Are you ready to go, Pen?” I ask my friend as she shakes her head, and I frown.

“Actually, I decided to stay a couple more days, and Vicente was gracious enough to offer me to stay here at his place.” I study her as I search for any indication that she’s staying to spend time with Vicente, but I don’t see anything out of the ordinary.

“Are you sure?” I ask.

They both answer in unison, “Yes.”

The perfect timing makes me chuckle.

“Okay, I’ll send the jet back for you when you’re ready to head home,” I tell Penny, and she nods with a grateful smile.

“Nonsense, I’ll have my jet take her home whenever she’s ready,” Vicente says, leaving no room for argument.

“Thanks, man. I owe you,” I say as I give him a bro hug.

“Yes, you do. Now, go and become a doctor so we can finally take you out of that damn school.”

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