Page 3 of Did My Heart Love Till Now?

Taking a swig of my drink, I dragged the canvas to the other side of the room, laying it back against a wall. As I mixed paints, I noticed Joey was more quiet than usual. Getting a quick glimpse from the corner of my eye, I creased my brow, spilling the details of the meeting back at home. I began to stroke the white background with a larger brush. Black streaked the fabric. Joey remained silent. Snapping my head up to see why he was ignoring me, I rolled my eyes. He had not moved and was now tense.

Clearing my throat, I stood. “Yo, what the hell? Why are you so quiet?” I marched over to the window to see what had his attention. “What are you looki—”

Stopping dead in my tracks, I stared down at her. Sofia Barone. The visually flawless daughter of my father's biggest enemy. She was standing on the sidewalk outside the coffee shop across the street with two guys and a girl. I had heard the rumors about her. She thought her shit did not stink and fucked every guy she met. If she had not been who she was, I would have fucked her by now. I liked sexy, easy, and unattached. The last thing I wanted was someone who would cling to me afterward.

Unfortunately, Sofia was off limits. Anyone in her family and extended family was as well. Her father ran his family like a business. That was something our fathers had in common. Regardless, she was the enemy.

It was easy to tell Joey knew the guys. Glancing at him then back outside, I lifted the bottle to my lips. “Who are the others?” I took a big swig of my drink then wiped my lips with the back of my thumb.

“The shorter guy is Frankie and the other is Nick, her brother who just moved back from Verona a few months ago.” He took a sip of his own beer shrugging. “I don't know who the other girl is but she's sexy as fuck. Too bad she's with the fucktwats.” Taking a few steps toward the kitchen, he tossed his bottle in the trash can then got another.

Staring out the window I could not help but notice Sofia’s splendor. I had seen her many times, but we never officially met. My family was not allowed anywhere near hers. We also had no friends in common.

Her long and silky, honey-brown hair bounced as she chatted with her female friend. Suddenly, she tossed her head back, laughing. My gaze widened, shocked I was so captivated by her every move. The way she flashed a perfect smile when she laughed, made me question my hatred. She seemed so cheerful and full of life. Nothing like the things I heard.

Phone in her hand, she started to snap photos of the street, people, and buildings. I leaned on the beam next to me. Her beauty was unmatched. After she took each picture, she and her friend inspected her phone. They smiled as the two guys were lost in their own conversation behind them.

Sofia stepped into the street, turning her back toward my studio. Her friend took a quick photo before traffic honked, causing her to jump back on the curb. She playfully posed with her hands on her hips, swaying as her friend captured more photos. She grabbed her phone, swiping the screen. Just then, Joey groaned, summoning my attention. I peeled my gaze from Sofia.

“What's up?” I arched a brow.

He chuckled, falling back on the modern, aquamarine sofa. “Want to get drunk tonight?”

“Always.” I shrugged. “But why?” I turned back toward the window.

Whatever he said went unheard. Sofia was a statue, peering up at me, gripping her phone with both hands. Her deer-in-headlights stare probably matched mine. The other people with her began to walk away but she did not move.

Her brother glanced up to see what had her full attention. His eyes followed hers and widened when he spotted me. Mouth balled tightly, he clenched her wrist, dragging her down the sidewalk. She flashed her gaze back up toward the window twice, unable to let go of our stare. She jerked her arm up, twisting it out of his grip. Two more glances over her shoulder at me and she spun back around, walking next to her brother's side.

“Earth to Gavin!”

I twisted toward him, gliding into the living room. “You know I hate being called Gavin.”

“Why do you think I said it?” Grinning, he lifted his chin at the canvas. “Looks like a masterpiece to me.” He lit a cigarette, pointing to the few strokes I had painted.

Not providing him the satisfaction of a reply, I marched back to my work, composing nothing in particular. Joey chatted about the family business. I let him talk. While he supported my decision to remain out of the crime world, he still discussed it with me like I was. He wanted me to join.

The music was playing in the background, so I was able to half tune him out while I focused solely on my project. He did not care as he had his phone, alcohol, and cigarettes. That was enough for him.

“Oh shit!” I noticed the time on my phone while checking a notification.

Joey's head snapped up as he had talked himself into a deep slumber hour ago. “Huh?” He sat slowly, wiping his eyes with his knuckle.

“It's already nine.” I cleaned my art area and rinsed my brushes out in the kitchen sink.

“Fuck, we were here forever.” He groaned.

“I’ll go shower and get ready.” Grabbing my backpack, I strode down the hallway to the master bathroom. The great thing about having my studio in an old firehouse, I had an entire living space and could very well make this my home if I chose to in the future.

Hastily, I showered and got ready. I emerged from the bathroom to see Joey was ready as well. We headed downstairs and I locked up before we jumped into his car and headed to the club. The car ride was somewhat quiet. I could not get her off my mind. Laying my head back on the headrest, I took a deep breath. She was the enemy.

A valet hurried over, taking Joey's keys. We bypassed the line outside, exchanging a handshake with the bouncer at the door. Pulling the black rope back, he allowed us through. “Good to see you boys.”

Benvolio was always at capacity. If the doors were open, it was packed to the hilt with scantily clad, drunk bodies grinding on one another. All were entranced with the strobing lights and dancing lasers synchronized with the EDM music. I jumped when a red laser passed my chest, twirling across the crowd. I might have not been involved in the crime world, but I still carried the burden of a Don's son. There was always a target on me.

We made our way through the crowd to the reserved table. Our regular waitress appeared before us minutes later with the ritual drink we started every night with when we came to Benvolio. The Little Italy; rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Cynar with a skewer of maraschino cherries. She placed five drinks on the black coffee table, glancing around for the three other guys who usually accompanied us.

“They're meeting us here.” Joey shouted over the music.

---