Page 47 of Unruly Obsession
Romi blows out a whistle. “I didn’t realize he was helping you around the store as well. Remind me what he does for work again.” She leans in as I bend over to finish cleaning the mess we’d created.
Guilt slices through me. Romi’s been my best friend since childhood. She knows most of my secrets, but this is one I can’t share with her, especially when it’s not mine to tell.
“Investments and a lot of real estate. Nothing exciting,” I say, trying to sound as calm as possible.
Her gaze narrows. “You’re not pregnant, are you?”
“Wh-what? No!” I stammer. My God, we haven’t even had sex yet.
Yet.
That ominous word has me shaking my head.
“Not pregnant, just taking things slow. My father’s not too happy about it. He doesn’t think Lorenzo is the best candidate to date a Taylor, and has organized for me to meet with some guy on Friday for a date.”
Romi pulls a face. “And you’re actually going to go? You can’t be serious, Lily. Lorenzo is clearly besotted with you. And to be honest, I haven’t seen you thislivelyfor a while. What does Lorenzo think of it?”
“This was your punishment, Sunshine. At least now, when you’re on that date, wearing this dress, your own cum smeared on the inside from where I ate you out, you’ll be thinking of me.”Liquid warmth trickles into my core at the memory of his words.
“He hasn’t said much about it,” I lie.
“Hmmm. He doesn’t strike me as the laid-back type.”
“Well, I hardly think it’ll be a forever thing,” I reply quietly. Ara said it’d be easier to be under the pretense of a fake relationship, but it's me who will have to have the awkward conversations explaining why we supposedly didn’t work out when all of this passes.
“You never know. I like his vibe. Maybe he’ll give you the courage to seriously step up to your father. I know it’s hard,” she says softly as she places her hand on top of mine, her silent insinuation tangible.
There are so many things Romi knows about my family, yet so many things I keep to myself. But despite her quirky, aloof demeanor, she’s always been very observant. Must be the artist in her.
“You’ve been acting strange lately,” she notes.
My shoulders sag because I don’t like lying to her, but I don’t even know how to articulate half of what’s happening. If I say it out loud, I’ll sound like a crazy person. “There’s just a lot happening. That’s all.” I’m trying to cover for lies upon lies. Tired of their weight and how sticky they feel, as if they’re keeping me stuck in place.
“You always used to talk to me,” she says, sounding concerned. “So, when you need me, you let me know, yeah? Promise me.” The ends of her deep-red hair brush her shoulders, and I think about all the ways she’s growing while I feel left behind. Her paintings are getting notice, and she’s often traveling for her artistic pursuits. And I’ve remained here in my store, creating a safe haven, but perhaps I’ve become too reliant on its comfort.
“Promise. But you don’t have to worry about me. If anything, I’m worried about Sienna. Has she spoken to you lately?”
“Nice deflection, not,” she says, but lets it go, shrugging. “No, she hasn’t spoken to me, but something is definitely up with her and Michael.”
I throw the paper towels into the trash after soaking up the water on the floor. “Maybe I should do something for her. I want to make sure she’s okay and?—”
“Or you can focus on yourself for once,” Romi cuts in. “You’re always doing that. Offering to help others first and putting yourself on the back burner. Don’t pretend like this last year hasn’t been weighing on you as well.”
I don’t know what to say to that. It’s what I’ve always done, and I never thought it was necessarily a bad thing. Well, not until as of late.
“Maybe this is good for you.” She hooks a thumb in Lorenzo’s direction. “It’s time you focus on yourself, Lily. We’re all old enough now. If Sienna needs us, she’ll come to us. So for now, focus on yourself.”
The bell jingles, and Lorenzo looks unimpressed as the tiny terrier gazes up at him. “For such a tiny dog, he certainly shits a lot, and he got some on my shoe.” He points at his shoe.
Romi bites her bottom lip and turns, and we both burst into laughter.
“Oh, that’s so weird. I thought he just needed to pee. Anyway, I’d better leave you two love birds. But just so you know, I’ll be stealing her away for a night out soon, and to make it clear, you’re not invited,” she says, poking her tongue at him and taking Borris.
I wonder if Romi knew who Lorenzo truly was, if she'd be as bold to poke her tongue out at him. Most likely. She’s always been fearless in her own way. It’s why I was always drawn to her.
“Bye, kids, and don’t be in a mad rush to have any babies soon. It’s bad enough we have to deal with Luca’s mood swingswhile Ara’s pregnant, let alone yours, as well.” She gives Lorenzo a pointed look, and his gaze narrows.
She chuckles as she closes the door behind her. “What’s this about babies?” he demands the moment she's gone.
