Built For Failure

Chapter 9

VERA



One week later...


I ended up heading home after the two nights I slept at Luca's, just because I promised my mom that I would be back and would stay there in preparation for homecoming. I still have no date, and I may just not go at this point.


Aspen and Raelyn have Jaxon and Kai, which leaves me by myself since Alex fucked me over. Sighing, I look at my emerald dress hanging up and instantly smile. The green just matches my skin tone very well and has a deeper meaning than what meets the eye.


My mom comes to stand at my doorway and leans against the frame. "What ya up to?"


I shrug. "Nothing much, just overthinking, per usual."


"What ya overthinking about?" She looks at me curiously.


"Homecoming. I'm going to be alone."


She puts her hand on her hip. "Let's go, we're going out." I smile at her and hop up, slipping on a pair of shoes to go with my outfit for the day. A simple t-shirt and ripped shorts will do, I grab my phone and my necessities, following my mom out the door.


Opening the passenger door, I see a note that's folded and has Vera with a heart next to it. Sitting down, I open the letter and smile.


Beautiful,

I hope you won't be mad at me for this small adventure you're about to go on, but.. Go to where I first laid my eyes on you. Here, you'll find me.


My mom automatically heads towards TGI Fridays, this is where we first met. I'm wondering what Luca has up his sleeve? I smile down at the note and fold it back up, putting it in my pocket.


Within 15 minutes, mom pulls into the parking lot at Fridays and we step out, walking in together as a hostess brings us to our table. Sitting down, I notice a drink and a plate of mozzarella sticks sitting there. Alongside it is a note.


V,

You just missed me, but you'll see me soon. This might be cheesy, but I kinda love you. I can only hope you'll be excited. Go where the water meets land, and there, you will see my hand.


I chuckle at the rhyme. "To the beach!" I box up my mozzarella sticks and take the to go drink, walking out to the car and hopping in. Mom pulls off and we head in the direction of the beach. "Do you know what this is about, mom?" She just shrugs and keeps driving.


In 30 minutes, we reached the parking lot at the local beach. I step out of the car and look back at my mom as she waves bye. "I love you honey!"


Walking towards the sand, I see a trail of green flower petals scattered out on the beach, ending at a towel that has a bouquet of carnations and a container of chocolate covered strawberries on it. I notice Luca standing and facing the ocean with a poster board in his hands and a smile on his face. Walking over to him, I look at him as he turns towards me, handing the flowers over.


Clearing his throat, he looks me in the eye as he speaks.


"I know you didn't know anything about this plan, and it isn't even all that elaborate, but I hope that you can see just how much I care about you, V. Soon, you will see all sides of me, and I can only hope that you'll accept me as I am." Pausing to take a breath, he continues.


"I know that guys have fucked up and let you go, but all I can say is thanks to them, because if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be standing in front of you right now, nervous as fuck. I enjoy every minute with you and I can't wait to see how far we truly go in the future. If you allow me to be in the future, that is." I sniffle as a few tears fall.


"Vera, I ask that you allow me to show you what love is, to show you that not all guys are bad guys, and to be the shoulder you use to cry on. I want to be the one to cook you breakfast in the morning, press warm kisses on your shoulder at night, and be your cuddle buddy throughout it all. I want to be your partner in crime, if you'll let me." I smile cheekily.


He turns the poster board around, and in big green writing, it says:


Vera Ashe, will you be my girlfriend, and allow me to be your date to homecoming?


I laugh and nod. "Of course I will Luca, to both. Yes." He smiles and wraps his arms around my waist, hugging me tightly as I hug him back. He's absolutely fucking adorable.


"You did all of this? For a homecoming date?" He puts his hands in his pockets and nods adorably. "I love this, thank you for everything." I sit down and he sits too, grabbing a chocolate covered strawberry and raising it up to my lips for me to bite.


Taking a bite, I look out past him at the ocean, watching the waves crash as I glance back to his beautiful eyes. "You're amazing. You know that, right?"


He places his hand on his chest. "Who, me? No, you're amazing." I shake my head. "Agree to disagree."


We both eat all the strawberries and I give him a hug again. "Thank you for being here for me. I really appreciate it." Standing up, Luca grabs ahold of the towel and shakes it, getting the sand off as he folds it and places it under his arm.


Holding out his hand, I hold his as we walk to his car, where he rushes ahead to get the passenger door open for me. I thank him with a smile and sit down, watching him run around the car and slide into the driver's seat.


Hopping in, he starts the car and places his one hand on the gear shift, backing out of the parking space and heading to God knows where. "Where are we going now?" He glances over. "You'll see."