I cast a curious glance over my shoulder to Paris, who was clearly battling back hunger while eating with forced slowness. Why was he so hungry? I could barely stomach the slice of cake in front of me…
Angelo, with his cool, assured smile, gave a nod of thanks. "I'm glad you're enjoying your meals."
Veronica gave me a look. One that told me I better speak up or get punished for my silence. “It’s been an honor, sir.” I spoke clearly, much to my own surprise, hiding my shaky hands on my lap.
Angelo's smile took on an ever-so-slightly threatening edge. "You seem like a very nice young man, Paris. I'm pleased to have met you tonight."
Verónica watched my every move as I dipped my head respectfully. “You as well. Your hospitality has left nothing desired. I look forward to getting to know you and Juliet better in the near future.”
A harsh glare from my father sent six horrible words speeding from my mouth. "And in the far future, hopefully."
My heart plummeted.
My heart rose, hopeful now that I had made a good impression on Juliet. I smiled at her. It wasn’t the wide and flashy one I’d been giving her all night, but instead small and thankful.
“It is getting rather late. I’d hate for us to take our leave already, but Paris has some planning to do tomorrow.” Veronica clearly meant mafia business, something I didn’t, and wouldn’t, know about until last minute.
As much as the woman terrified me, at that moment, I could have hugged her in relief. Somehow mustering a regretful expression and a cautiously saddened smile, I brushed a loose curl behind my ear. "I'm already anticipating our next meeting."
“I am as well.” I was desperate to find a way to avoid going back in that limousine with my parents. Here I was safe, a cautious illusion of protection to shield me. But once we were out of Angelo’s sight? Anything was fair game.
We all rose from the table, and it was with a note of both horror and relief that I registered the adults exiting far quicker than Paris and I….. giving us a much-dreaded moment alone. I cleared my throat awkwardly, fishing for words to say but coming up dry.
I looked down at Juliet, trying to find the words to explain myself. What could I say that wouldn’t condemn me to a bearing when I got home? I quietly gave her a sliver of truth, my mouth dry. “I wish I didn’t have to leave you so soon.”
I wish you thought otherwise. I wish you hated the whole idea of marrying me.
Instead of voicing my thoughts, I offered a slight, sorrowful smile. "You'll see me again."
Please don’t make me leave.
“I hope so.” I echoed my sediments from earlier, silently pleading with my gaze. My eyes flicked between Juliet and the door every few seconds.
His panic was evident to me—he didn't want to leave. Didn't want to return to his parents.
Unfortunately for him, I, for once, felt the exact opposite.
"Goodnight, Paris," I murmured, sweetly, pulling my hair over one shoulder.
“Goodnight, Juliet.” I replied softly, reaching for her hand so I could lightly kiss it in farewell. A cold sweat broke out in the back of my neck.
Please don’t…
My jaw clenched just enough to be visible, but I slipped my hand into his anyways. "Until we meet again…"
I pressed my lips against her knuckle. “I’ll await that moment eagerly.” I squeezed her hand one last time before dropping it, drifting out of the room like a ghost.
The moment that Paris's family had departed, my father's expression hardened. "You will perform better next time, Julieta," he growled, causing me to flinch backwards. Had I done something wrong?
The ride home was silent. Tension building with each passing moment. When was it coming? I almost wish it had happened immediately. But waiting? This was the worst part by far,
(A little more of this, or should we skip to Juliet texting Romeo?)
(MORE I NEED TO KNOW HOW THIS PLAYS OUT)
(BUT I WANT ROMEOS REACTION)
(OH MY GOSH YOU GUYS ARE SO FREAKING AMAZING)
(Unless you want to see Paris get slapped around a bit we can move on. And thanks Joy! It means a lot!)
(Thank you, Joy! And yeah, let's move on
I can start? unless you want to)