Page 103 of XOXO

“I think I might want in on this,” Matteo said, while drinking his coffee.

“I don’t know. Maybe I want the boat all to myself,” I said, grabbing a bagel.

“Yeah, don’t tie yourself to a man,” Matteo said, and I knew he was referring to my ex.

“I think I've learned that lesson well,” I said, regretting immediately when Ru and Levi looked at me.

I continued eating, praying they didn’t ask about it.

“What—”

“What are your plans after this?” Matteo interrupted Levi who was giving him a dirty look.

“I might head to Athens,” I said, taking a bite of my bagel. “I messaged Woosung, so let's see if he gets back to me.”

“And if he doesn’t?” Ru asked.

“Probably sightsee and a visit to all the ruins,” I said, glancing at him. “There is a lot to see in Athens.”

“Where will you be staying?” he asked, leaning his forearms on the table, clasping his hands together.

I narrowed my eyes, wondering why the hell it mattered. “Probably a hostel.”

I felt the shift, feeling stupid that I let it slip as Ru scoffed, “No.”

“Not happening,” Levi said.

Matteo just smirked at me, he knew his friends would make a scene.

I opened my mouth to say something, but Ru beat me to it. “We have a house we are renting for a couple of days. You can stay there. We have a few things we need to take care of there so you will have plenty of time⁠—”

“No,” I said, crossing my arms and leaning back on my chair.

Ru and I stared at each other as Matteo and Levi watched us.

“I’m a big girl⁠—”

“Obviously not, because you are putting yourself in danger,” Ru said, completely composed.

“Hostels are fine and I don’t have⁠—”

“After Athens, we can figure out better accommodations,” Ru said, going back to eating.

“Ru, hostels are affordable and I’m safe⁠—”

“Are you truly safe? You’re safe until you're not, and I think we all would like to keep you safe,” Levi said.

“Not you too,” I snapped.

“They are right. Just stay with us and we can figure out other accommodations for your next stop,” Matteo said calmly.

“I’ll pay for you to stay at a hotel if it means you don’t go back to a hostel,” Ru said, finishing his eggs.

“That is unnecessary,” I growled, standing up just as the boat caused me to sway.

Levi held his hand out to balance me.

“Sorry for the abrupt docking, but we are here,” Mark said, walking into the room.