Page 45 of Straightened Out

All she sees is the man who took her son to the other side.

Sighing, I shove my hands into the back pockets of my jeans and make my way toward him. He lifts his head from the menu and drinks me in for a moment. The heavy intensity of his stare makes me recall the feel of his lips against mine and I feel my cheeks immediately heat.

On top of everything else, Rocco is a fantastic kisser.

Bastard.

I pull my hands out of my pockets and cross my arms over my chest. Trying to act as nonchalant as possible, I ask, “What are you doing here?”

But he speaks over me, asking, “Why aren’t you at the Academy?”

Neither of us respond for a moment, then I give in.

“I had a four-day weekend, that’s why I flew to Miami.” I point a finger at him. “Your turn.”

“One of us had to cave,” he says simply.

His gaze darts behind me and he lifts a hand to wave at my mom. Of course she doesn’t reciprocate the gesture.

“She fucking hates me,” he mutters under his breath before bringing his eyes back to me. “Think if I order something she’ll spit in my food?”

As much as she hates him, she’d never do that.

“It’s possible,” I deadpan.

He smirks at me.

“What’s with the tie?” I ask, motioning to the red silk tie he’s sporting.

Red is definitely his color.

“I’ve got an important meeting today and need to dress the part.” He looks to the kitchen again then leans his forearms on the counter and inches forward. “How are you doing?”

I shrug a shoulder.

“I’m fine,” I say evenly.

“Bug,” he sighs.

I hate that he can see right through me, almost as much as I hate the fact I can’t lie to him.

“I’m worried about my brother,” I admit. “I’ve tried calling him and texting, but he doesn’t answer.”

Not surprised by my admission, he settles against the back of the stool and fixes me with a look.

“I spoke to him,” he reveals. “He’s having a service for Pilar. I’m going to fly out tomorrow so I’m there for him but then I’m taking the red-eye home.”

“Home,” I repeat, shaking my head. “That’s going to take a while to get used to.” He smiles at me but doesn’t say anything. The silence stretches between us until I tap my fingers against the menu in front of him and ask, “Did you want to order something to go?”

“No, that’s okay. I just wanted to check on you and make sure you’re doing alright before I leave.”

I like that even though I was too stubborn to call him, he took the time to come here and check up on me, but it’s confusing and I’m tired of the games.

I’m about to tell him that when. He reaches into suit pocket and pulls out a long, narrow black box. He lays it on the counter between us and pushes it toward me with his index finger. Curious, I narrow my eyes and lift my chin.

“What’s this?”

He stares at me thoughtfully for a moment, contemplating his answer then his gaze drops from my face to the box.

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