Page 37 of XOXO

“Levi really likes⁠—”

“It wouldn’t work,” I interrupted him. “Besides, I think you two would work out better.”

Matteo scowled. “You could stay for us?”

“Excuse me?” I coughed, choking on some spit.

That was not what I was expecting from Matteo.

“You don’t want me here,” I stated when he didn’t answer.

He took a deep breath. “But he does.”

“Wow, Matteo, don’t rush to tell me you want me here too.” I rolled my eyes. “The three of us won’t work either, plus I don’t want to be a beard. I mean, if I did, it would be with you two, but I deserve more than you would give me.”

“A beard? That’s not what you would be,” he scoffed. “I just think this might work for all parties involved.”

“Matteo, why don’t you and Levi work on yourselves?” I asked, walking up to him. “I think you guys would be great for each other and the whole best friends to lovers thing is hot.”

He rolled his eyes. “We are not a romance book.”

“I disagree. You guys could be, but you should talk to each other.” I cupped his face as he looked down at me with those soulful brown eyes. “You might be surprised at what you find and how do you know that’s a romance reference?”

“Ruining our friendship is not worth it,” he murmured, fear flashing in his eyes. “My sister reads romance and constantly ships us some.

“I really think Levi would surprise you,” I said, leaning forward to kiss him.

I expected him to turn his cheek, except he didn't. He kissed me softly, the perfect sad goodbye. If I didn’t know better, I would have thought he didn’t want me to leave. I sucked his bottom lip, pulling away, stepping back because if I didn’t, staying sounded damn good.

“I hope you talk. I think even if nothing comes out of it, you’d feel a lot better,” I said, grabbing my bag. “Thanks for an unforgettable weekend.”

Matteo nodded and he opened his mouth like he wanted to say something, but he didn’t. I left before I said or did something to stay. The cool morning felt great and I took a deep breath, telling myself I needed to keep going. I was collecting good memories and they were some of the best highlights. Why ruin a good thing?

11. Levi

Catching feelings like they are Pokemon, except I’m the only one playing.

It still felt early when I opened my eyes attempting to wake up. Looking to my left, the bed was empty but Vi’s impression was still there. I ran my hand over the spot she slept had in and it was cold. My heart dropped as I wondered if she had left in the middle of the night, again.

I looked at the nightstand and there it was, right next to my glasses..

“Fuck,” I murmured, running my hand down my face.

We were supposed to leave the festival today. I knew this might be the last time I saw her, but a goodbye or breakfast before she left would have been nice.

I grabbed my glasses, taking a deep breath, picking up the small note she had left.

Levi and Matteo,

Thanks for giving me an unforgettable weekend. I hope we see each other before I go back to the states.

XOXO

I grimaced, hating that she left this note. We had seen each other a few times now and she had reduced me to a goodbye in a note that she signed XOXO. I groaned getting up, trying to shake off the disappointment that cut deeper than I'd like to admit.

The weekend with Matteo and Vi had been perfect. It was more than I could have hoped for and seeing Vi gave me hope the weekend wouldn’t be such a disaster. Matteo and I were still a little awkward and the more time we hung out, I worried something might happen between us like a talk about what was going on with us. I hoped he was oblivious, but lately things had felt heavy with us with words unspoken.

Vi provided a great barrier and sex with her and Matteo was wild, better than I could have imagined. It was a connection to Matteo; I didn’t need it, but now I was grateful for it.