Page 20 of Rome: The Ballerina

Chasing a dream since a young girl that seemed to be intangible hurt. However, chasing a love so profound it followed you in every lifetime, yet it seemed utterly intangible was a different kind of pain. A never ending pain. An inexplicable pain. A pain that reminded you of its presence almost every time you closed your eyes.

A pain that reminded you of its presence almost every time you encountered the male species because in the back of your mind, in the back of your heart, you knew it wasn’t the man who could cure you of the aches. But, after all the years and all the pain, he was here.

“In this lifetime,” she swooned.

“And in all the others.”

“So, how did this happen? How di– God, I have so many questions.”

I was prepared to tell her all of my business until the business startled me.

“Iced matcha caramel macchiato with oat milk.”

The rasp of Sac’s voice hardened my nipples. I squared my shoulders and straightened my spine. The vulnerability I expressed in his absence because my sister provided the space was quickly shoved deep down into the soles of my shoes.

“Ahhhhhhhh!” Royce screamed on the line.

The contortion of my features worried Sac. His head reared back before tilting.

“You good?”

I nodded, tapping the AirPod to end the call. I accepted the cup he was handing me.

“Yes. I’m fine.”

Slowly, he took the seat in front of me. His eyes were still curious, wondering if I was being honest with my response.

“I’m fine.”

With pursed lips, he nodded. I placed the cup to my lips and sipped without haste.

Ummmm.

My nostrils widened at the smell of Sac’s freshly brewed coffee. Naturally, my eyes landed on the cup.

“Black. No sugar. No cream. Nothing.”

Nodding, he tittered. “Black. No sugar. No cream. Nothing.”

“Sounds like someone I know,” I said, kissing the skin of my teeth.

“Yeah?”

“A few people, actually.”

“Do they include you?”

“They do,” I admitted, thinking of all my sisters.

“Fair enough, but you’ve got it all wrong. A little.”

“How so?”

“Sugar–” he added.

“Sugar?”

“You’re as sweet as they come, Rome. Maybe not as much this morning because I am a complete stranger, but it’s there. I sense it. You’re as sugary as they come. I know because I have a sweet tooth. The dentist and even my parents have warned me about it over the years, but I just can’t help myself. I love the rush.”

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