Page 25 of Lodged

“Look at us, sneaking out of places like two criminals.” I laugh at her joke, and she curtsies. We stay outside, looking at each other not really knowing what to do or what to say next. The moment is gone since we’ll be looking over our shoulders at every turn.

“I guess I’ll see you in class,” she says as she starts walking backward.

“I guess so,” I say as I shrug and put my hands inside my pockets, feeling awkward as hell that I couldn’t kiss her when we were clearly both dying to do so.

Once she’s turned the corner, I start walking toward the parking lot. A long cold shower awaits at home.

“Gio. What’s up? Glad you finally showed up.” My brother Luca greets me as his image fills my phone screen.

“Hey, baby bro. How’s everything going?” Luca flinches at the term of endearment, and I chuckle.

“I’m twenty-five years old and a married man,boludo. I’m not a baby anymore.” He groans and whines, which only makes me explode in laughter.

“But you’ll always be my baby brother,” I continue, riling him up more, and he groans in frustration.

“You’re making it really hard to like you, Gio. I wonder why I even called you in the first place.”

“I’m sorry, I just couldn’t pass up the chance to give you some shit. What’s up?”

“My wife is wondering if you’re coming for Christmas, and I decided to call and check on you instead of texting.” My eyes widen in surprise—it’s not even October, and they're already planning Christmas?

“Well, I’m planning to defend my dissertation sometime in early November, then I’m graduating in December.” I pause, thinking about Ruin and how I’m planning on dating her after I graduate. But she seems to be close to her family, so I’m sure she’ll spend her break with them. I don’t think it’ll be wise to meet them so soon. “Count me in, I’ll be free during winter break.”

“Excellent. I’m glad we’ll get to see you somewhat soon.” Luca nods while he thinks, and I’m wondering what else is going on. Can he tell I’m developing feelings for someone? “You know I’m not as smart as you, so excuse my ignorance. But should we attend your dissertation defense or something? It sounds like a big deal.” I love my brother—always trying to be present, just like I was for him and our little sister, Isabella.

“Nah, you can watch the stream if you want, but it’s definitely not required.” He exhales a long breath, and I chuckle.

“No offense, Gio but I could already see myself trying to keep up and being completely lost,” he says as he scratches the top of his head.

“Hi, Gio,” Karina, Luca’s wife, chirps as she comes to stand next to him.

“Hi, Kari, how’s it going?” I smile at her. She’s been a great influence on my brother and has helped him become a better man.

“You know, trying to keep this one in line.” She shrugs, and Luca looks at her, fake hurt in his baby blue eyes. I can’t help but laugh at their relationship dynamic. When Luca pouts, Karina rolls her eyes but gives him a chaste kiss, which he then deepens in 0.2 seconds. I let them have their moment because now thatI’ve hung out with Ruin, I understand how much you can feel for someone.

“Sorry, Gio, I didn’t mean for this to get X-rated,” Karina says, her cheeks turning crimson. I just wave her off—I’m used to my brother’s antics.

“Anyway, I just wanted to say that we’re so incredibly proud of you, and we’ll be there for your graduation. Just let us know the date when you have it.” I nod at her with a smile, suddenly unable to form words. My family might not look like a traditional family, but it sure is awesome.

“Okay, big bro, now that Karina is back from the field, I have some matters to attend to with her. We’ll talk soon.” Luca disconnects the video as Karina starts giggling. It doesn’t take a genius to guess what’s going to happen next in his office.

For the first time in my life, I find myself wishing I could have what my brother has—a happy, healthy relationship.

Chapter 12

Ruin MacAllister

We still have at least half the semester to go, and being around Gio without giving away how much I’m into him is getting harder and harder. I feel like a love-sick puppy, or in calf love—as Granny would call it. Gio is going over the lab experiment for today, but my mind is somewhere else—on that Ferris wheel where I was hoping he would kiss me.

“Any questions?” I hear Gio ask the class, but no one speaks. I think we’re at a point in the semester when everyone knows what to do independently.

As I’m about to start working on today’s experiment, I notice Alyssa’s shit-eating grin, and it’s directed at me, which is immediately suspicious. Does she know I’ve been chatting with Gio? Oh, hell.

“Oh, haven’t you heard? Ruin, the goody two-shoes transfer girl, has the hots for the teacher,” Alyssa whisper-shouts as soon as Gio leaves the lab. Collective giggling and chuckling bubble up throughout the class, and my face grows hot. I can tell I’m blushinghard. My lab partner gives me a look that says,Are you going to let her talk shit about you?And that’s when my brain kicks in.

“Are you projecting, Alyssa? Because last time I checked, you’re the one who melts everytime Gio is in the room. You ask the dumbest questions just so he can get close to you.” I raise a brow in defiance, and now it’s her turn to blush.

“Oh, Ruin can fight,” one of the guys says, and everyone starts chanting, “Ruin, Ruin, Ruin.” I guess Alyssa’s little attempt to embarrass me backfired. Suddenly, the lab goes dead silent, and it doesn’t take me long to figure out why. Gio is back. I’m pretty sure he knows what’s going on because his face is stern.

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