Page 128 of Rome: The Ballerina

Gardening.

Ballet.

Family.

I’d learned they were Rome’s entire world. Every minute of her day was dedicated to one or the other. She lived, breathed, and adored the art she practiced day in and out. Unconditionally, she loved those who shared the same blood and beyond. Gardening, she’d grown an appreciation for as a child. It was an escape.

The slowness and patience it required was comforting. She was excited at the mere idea of starting her new garden at her new home.

Richie.

He was the sorest subject of our conversation. Even saying his name was painful for her. Losing my father at twenty-eight would have my heart on the pavement without a possible solution for returning to its rightful place.

So, I couldn’t imagine losing him by twenty-years-old. If felt unfair–to any child. Because, at twenty, that’s exactly what almost everyone was. Children. There was hardly an exception.

Rhea.

She missed her dearly. Her mother’s absence wasn’t as tough as her father’s absence. She could pick up the phone and call or board a plane. With Richie, things weren’t that simple.

Teddy.

Teddy had Rome’s heart. The way her eyes glistened and her breath hiked her chest as she spoke so highly of the man whose ground she worshiped and vice versa. His influence was heavy in Rome’s world.

She cherished every second he spent on earth. And, I’d bet my last dollar she’d rather her life end first so she didn’t have to suffer through the rest of it without him. Their bond was tangible. Touchable. Evident.

And, those sisters.

They were hell on wheels. A bunch of fucking wheels. I’d be paying my credit card off for the rest of my NBA career after their shopping spree on my dime. They were in possession of my card for less than an hour and had managed to run up over six figures. Their audacity was intriguing. It reminded me of the woman on the other end of the phone.

“Baby–”

Although it was barely above a whisper, I heard Rome’s voice call out for me. She halted my breath completely. I watched as she opened her eyes, still cradled in the fetus position in the bed that was eight times her size. She looked as lonely as she was.However, she couldn’t bring herself to tell me no when I asked her to keep my bed warm in my absence.

“I’m here, Mellow.”

“Uhhh–” She yawned.

“We’ve been on the phone this entire time?” She asked, genuinely confused.

“Yes, baby.” I chuckled. “We’ve been on the phone this entire time.”

She grimaced. “Is this how teenagers used to end their nights? I’ve heard stories.”

I nodded, confirming. “Yes, baby. This is exactly how teenagers used to end their nights.”

“I guess I won’t be missing out on too much, then, huh?”

“I won’t let you. I promise. But, I’m missing out on you right now and that shit is fucking with my head.”

“Which one, baby?” She asked, finally releasing her arms.

She’s cold. As I made the mental note, I opened the application on my phone that controlled the heating and air conditioning system in my home. It was one of the few things I could control from my phone, no matter where I was in the world. I increased my bedroom’s temperature by four degrees, hoping that would help her find comfort.

“Both,” I admitted.

A smile tugged at her lips.

“It feels illegal to be talking to you right now and I haven’t brushed my teeth or even washed my face.”

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