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It’s a sickness that has seeped into every aspect of my life the past few months, and I feel like all I do is worry.
The only moments of pure escape have come when I’m with Vinny, which is why I’m willingly getting ready for our date tonight.
He said to dress warm, so I don’t exactly know what that means we’re doing, but I’m assuming it isn’t a fancy dinner or a show.
If I was spiteful, I would dress in my favorite sweatsuit, but I like the way he looks at me too much to do that. Although, he looked at me like I was his favorite dessert he couldn’t wait to devour when I was in an oversized t-shirt and yoga pants, so I think I could get away with sweats. But after last night, I’m feeling less spiteful and more…compliant.
I’m sure it’s just because I’m still riding my post orgasmic haze. I didn’t even mind seeing Lindsay at the deli this morning. In fact, I loved her suggestions, and had no problem spending whatever I wanted since it was money I already earned.
We chose the paint color for the walls, the new flooring, and the new tables and chairs. I even decided to splurge and had Lindsay order booth seating that will line the far wall to create a comfortable, old-school vibe.
Nonno was surprisingly agreeable to everything.
He told me he’d be fine with whatever I chose and that he trusted me, but I still made sure I saw genuine excitement in my choices before I gave Lindsay the final okay to order everything.
When I asked her how much the total was estimated at, I decided to inquire about updating the small half bathroom we have for the patrons. She said it would be no problem at all and that she’ll make sure it matches the new interior seamlessly.
Work is going to start on Monday already with prep work and removal. I know nonno is going to go a little stir crazy not having anything to do for almost a week, but it’ll be good for him.
Going through my closet, I pull out my faux leather leggings that are comfortable, but also warm since they don’t exactly breathe.
I tried to be casual about asking Lindsay how she knew Vinny, but she gave me a knowing smile and told me she worked with him and his cousin, Alec, on redesigns of The Aces’ suites a few years ago.
“Don’t worry,” she said. “I don’t mix business and pleasure. It’s bad for business, and Vinny believes the same.”
I was glad to hear they didn’t know each other because they used to date. I know it’s a little petty, but I really wouldn’t want to be faced with a woman from his past right now. I can already guess it consists of a long string of beautiful women I would inevitably insecurely compare myself to.
Ugh, I grunt, pulling an oversized cream knit sweater from its hanger and tossing it on my bed.
I shouldn’t care about who he’s seen in his past, but I can’t help it.
Because you want to be different, my subconscious tells me. You want to be a part of his now and his future.
My subconscious can be a real bitch sometimes. But also correct.
I know it’s a bad idea to want him, and an even worse idea to get involved with him, but that train has already come and passed us by, I think.
I finish getting ready and look at the clock. 5:45. Great, I still have fifteen minutes to kill.
I walk around my apartment and clean what’s already clean, needing to keep busy. Except I start sweating instead, and decide a pre-date drink is in order.
I pull an open sauvignon blanc from the fridge and forgo a glass, choosing to chug what’s left straight from the bottle.
There’s a knock at my door a few minutes later, and my heart lurches, knowing the man responsible for turning my life into a crazy mess these past couple weeks is just on the other side.
I put the empty bottle in my recycling bin and take a deep breath before I open the door to a smiling Vinny.
“Good evening, beautiful.” He holds out a bouquet of pink roses for me.
“Thank you. They’re beautiful.” I hold the door open for him and he closes it behind him while I go in search of a vase.
“I had to get them when I saw them. They’re the color of your dress from the club. It’s a good color on you.”
“It was Cassie’s dress.”
“Doesn’t make it any less of a good color on you.”
I look over my shoulder at him, giving him a small smile. “Thank you.”
