Page 130 of The Last Ones Standing, Part Two

“I was having the same thought before you called. I was going to stop to get some of those candles she likes. What did you have in mind?”

I chuckle. “The same, and I thought maybe we could pull out the journals.”

Gio groans.

“I know, I know. The last time didn’t go so well, she had a lot on her mind, but this will let us know where her head is now and you know, we can get our feelings out there.”

“Jace, it’s only three more months. It’s going to be fine.”

I sigh. “G, I know, but…”

“Marone. I get it. I’ll get a few bottles of wine with the candles. We can do the journals and I’ll get some bubble bath too.”

“Want me to cook?”

“Shit, either of us can cook as long as Ny doesn’t take her ass into that kitchen.”

I snort. “Let’s get her a cooking class or something for her birthday.”

“Bro, I really don’t think that’s going to help,” he chuckles.

I laugh too. “I’ll text when I’m leaving.”

“Caio.”

“Senere.”

“Senere, my brother, later,”he says and hangs up.

* * *

Nyla

I’m curled up with a book when I first hear the elevator. A smile comes to my lips as I hear the rumble of laughter that fills the apartment. Placing the book down, I look expectantly toward the sound.

Gio and Jace come into view, hands filled with bags. They both look so carefree, something I no longer see as often. Gio is in a suit and Jace has on a T-shirt and Jeans. I think I love spring, the way Gio’s lightweight suit molds to his frame and the sight of Jace in a tight T-shirt is just mouthwatering.

I watch them as they split up. Jace takes his bags to the bedroom. Gio goes to unload in the kitchen.

“What are you two up to?” I say from my seat on the couch.

“We’re going to make you dinner and then we can spend the night in.” He holds up his phone and shows it to me as he turns it off.

I scoff. “I know about the other one.”

“And if they’re calling that phone, you know it’s an emergency I can’t avoid.”

I tilt my head to the side. “You’d cut off your phone to spend time with me?”

“I’m here for you when you need me, you know that. I feel like I need to be here and present at the moment.”

I stand and saunter over to the kitchen. As I reach the island, Jace walks up behind me and wraps his arms around me. I look up at him and smile. He dips to peck my lips.

“What are we cooking?” I ask as I turn and beam at Gio.

He makes a sour face at me. “I have a bottle of wine. Pour yourself a glass and chill.”

“I want to help.”

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