No Strings Attached

Chapter Twenty-Five

"I'm fine. You?"

"Hanging in there. There weren't reporters outside of my place, so I think that's a good sign. We have to be more careful."

"I agree."

I look down, remembering Norman's words from earlier. I haven't been able to stop thinking of them. "I need to slow down, Gio. I mean, Norman was saying things earlier and I..."

"I know. I know. I've been thinking about it too."

"I don't want this to end," I confess nervously. Out of all the moments of panic tonight, that has been a constant fact in my head.

"Neither do I."

"So, we agree?"

His pause is long but eventually he answers. "Yeah, we agree."

***

I look up from my computer as Carlos walks into my office, his hands carrying new shots he took for the website.

"I just need your approval before I send these to the net department."

I nod, taking them. They are shots of the building, a few of the staff.

"These are really good, Carlos."

"I'm glad you think so, babe."

I stare down at the pictures, feeling melancholy. It's been days since I've spoken to Giovanni. Nearly every member in this building has gone home to their families for Christmas weekend. I'm usually not this emotional. I'm usually fine to be alone.

I hand Carlos back the photos with a sharp nod, my eyes remaining downcast as I swivel back towards my computer. "Yeah, send them. Tell them they need to have it uploaded as soon as they return after the break."

"I'll be off too. My mother has already begun cooking and Christmas isn't for another day." He smiles when I finally look at him again. "Are you okay, Scar? You've been quiet lately."

My immediate reaction, as it always is, is to fake it till they believe it. I smile softly, leaning back. "I actually think I'm coming down with something."

"It's all this fucking snow. I couldn't even get out of my apartment this morning. I had to call someone to shovel it from the outside," he chuckles, sitting down across from me. "I got a date out of it, at least."

"No one can resist you," I hum and he nods.

"Damn right."

I smile, my eyes flickering to my work. There's barely any left to do, which unfortunately means it's time to go home. I don't have an excuse to stay.

"You sure you don't want to come home with me?" he asks softly and I immediately shake my head.

"No. You have eight siblings. That house will be full enough."

He laughs. "My mother really wouldn't mind another mouth to feed... I don't want you to be alone here, Scar."

It's strange that I actually contemplate it, only for a moment before I realize it's not my place. Their home... it's not my place. I'd be uncomfortable there, among a real family.

I swallow deeply so I can smile. "I've got my own traditions, Carlos. Good ones. I'll be fine."

"Babe—"

"I'll be fine."

***

I stare out my office window, holding the drink in my hand that I haven't taken a single sip of. The glass is cold against my cheek, having been placed there for so long.