About you

Chapter 24

Theo Elliot Baudelaire II

I notice the guys tense up when she asks about my family. That was a topic I usually kept hidden and often strayed away from. It's just something with her that I just cannot say no to.

My parents disowned me when I was eighteen and moved to the United States. They were set on me taking over my fathers business and marrying their best friends daughter, Lilah. She was pretty and my best friend growing up, but we just weren't attracted to each other that way. When I denied the marriage and explained that I wanted to move to another country they deemed me as disrespectful. They said I embarrassed the Baudelaire name and banished me from home and I haven't been there since. I rarely keep in touch with my little sisters and it kills me. I miss them so much.

On top of that, my relationship with my father has plummeted down to nothing. He's not a good man, nor a good person. Most people look up to and idolize their parents. He's no one I want to be like or compared to.

The waitress was flirting with me. I seen it in her eyes just like every other woman whose attention I seem to catch. She was decent looking, nothing compared to Melody's beauty. She would speak in Spanish to me believing I was the only one in the group to understand. When she implied that they would make my pizza with extra care and love, I cringed. I just wish people would act like them normal selves sometimes.

Maxwell knew what the hell he was doing. That bastard put his lips on her straw on purpose. He smirks at me. He's flirted with Melody since he met her. He may be attracted to her, but he would never cross that line. Especially that he sees my attention is fully on her and only her. He just loves picking with me. Gage tastes her drink as well but uses his own straw which makes me feel a bit better. After they all tasted it, I figured she would ask me. I did not even cross her mind and damn did that bother me.

Melody was curious to what the waitress had said to me. Maxwell begins to answer her for me but I cut him off. She didn't need to know that she was flirting with me, there was no point. I lie to her and say that she was just saying that they have good pizza here and that our food will be out soon. I glare at Maxwell, sometimes he just needs to shut up.

When the waitress returns with our food she asks if I had a girlfriend. I tell her no as I honestly answer her. I was about to tell her that I'm not interested when Gage cuts me off. Saying that Melody is my wife and we have seven children. I appreciate him for getting her to lay off but by him cutting me off made it seem like I was going to give her my number or some shit. Melody looks so confused and I know how bad this looks.

I was pissed off and needed to relieve myself. When I come back I do not bring up anything. We begin discussing work, since there will be a lot we have to catch up on when we get back. Melody was aware of everything happening since she forced herself into my business so discussing it in front of her was not a big deal.

"When we get back there's a list of victims we need to help. Some want to transfer out of the country and others just want a new identity." I explain. "Gage you need to make sure their new identities are correct. Have their passports, new license, and everything else prepared. Max you need to make sure their money coming in is all there and ready for them in cash or card when they are about to leave."

They nod in understanding and we eat as much as we can. I pay for all of our food and we get it to go. Walking downtown, some music catches Melody's ear. We follow behind her as she strolls upon this concert. I watch as her lips move slowly to the music. I could tell she wanted to stay, but knew she needed to get home. She scans the dates he will be performs as do I. I wanted to bring her back so she could enjoy it.

When we get back to the housing she heads straight for the bedroom. I set the pizza box on the table and the guys look at me and smirk.

"Someone's in trouble." Maxwell laughs.

Gage makes a whippow sound stating that I am whipped. I give them the bird and go in the room with her. She was in the bathroom. I eye her suitcase once more. She comes out of the bathroom with her night clothes and pulls out her laptop. God did I want to see what was constantly on her mind and if she was still writing about me. I felt dirty for invading her privacy and promised not to look again unless she allows me to.

I apologize for my behavior today and remove her laptop so her focus was on me. I wanted to touch her, I needed to touch her skin. She looked so pretty in that dress and I didn't even get to touch her once like I desired to. I barley laid one kiss on her pretty face today.

"I just don't like people spending time with someone who I have eyes for and them receiving the attention I rightfully deserve." I stare straight into her big dark eyes.

I feel the little goosebumps rise when I say that and I wanted to kiss her even more. I loved knowing I had some effect on her.

I invite her to come watch the movie with us when she's done. I have no idea what crazy, stupid movie Maxwell had picked but I heard them tussling over the remote a few minutes afterwards.

I sit down and check my phone. I had one message from Nellie.

Nellie: breakfast tomorrow?

Me: out of town for this week, rain check.

As I turn my phone off I get another notification.

"Damn, Nellie missing you?" Gage smirks.

I glare. I had told them about her recent coming on to me. They had encouraged me for years to try and settle down with her. But that have told me many times now that they prefer Mel.

"Don't go there. You know nothing happened." I open the new message.

Delphine: Look at Beluga, she's as big as a yacht!

She had sent a picture. Beluga is their Great Dane. She was only a pup when I left. I have no idea why my mother allowed the girls to name that poor dog that.

Delphine often speaks more English than Violette. They are fluent in English, French, and Spanish, but Violette prefers French. She thinks she's proper when she speaks French.

Me: She's huge. How's sissy?

Delphine: She's better. Jack was an asshole! He didn't deserve her.

Violette just broke up with her boyfriend. He was a disgrace and had punishments awaiting him.

Me: Good, I love you both very much.

Delphine: Stop trying to get rid of me so easily. Have you finally found you a nice girl?

Me: Stay out of my love life Del. Goodnight, I love you.

Delphine: You're so annoying. I love you too bubby.