Circles - Post Malone

Fifty Five.

"I have two questions. One, why the fuck have my nephew's made themselves cozy in the corner of my studio? Two, why the the fuck did my husband come home last night talking about your boyfriend with hearts in his eyes?" William asks. Dahlia looks up from her laptop and then sits back on her chair folding her arms. "What your family does with their time is not my problem and I would not have a clue what your husband is on about because I do not have a boyfriend," Dahlia says.

William smirks and sits down across from her. "Now I would believe that but that boy followed you around like a stray puppy yesterday and today he has sent his two goons to take up space in the corner of my studio...it's a love story as old as time," he says. "You have just described the plot of a mafia horror film," Dahlia says. William laughs, "trust me - love is just one long mafia horror film that you watch on repeat," he says. Then turns to look at the twins. "Hey, why don't you two fuck off? This is not your office," he shouts across the room at them. Orlando ignores him while Paris does not bother to look up at him but he does answer. "Can't. We are on strict instructions by Austin to stick to Dahlia like glue." William turns and looks back at Dahlia with raised eyebrows.

"Want to explain that?"

"Not particularly no."

"Are you in trouble? Do you need help?"

Dahlia frowns at him. He doesn't know what's happened, he has only known her for less than a week and he just dishes out help like the Red Cross. No questions asked. He may be an open book but Dahlia is not. She shrugs, "mafia is after me, you got a million dollars for me to pay them off," she says. William snorts and nods, "yeah. I will give you two just for shits and giggles,' he says.

"I will take a day's leave if you are offering."

"You want a day off and you haven't even worked for me for four days...you think you are that good?"

Dahlia nods and turns her laptop around so he can see the pictures she had just finished editing from the photoshoot yesterday. William leans forward and inspects the photos with an intense stare and critical eyes. Dahlia's confidence wanes slightly. She cares what William thinks. She has seen his work and she respects him. After what feels like hours William clears his throat and leans back in his chair.

"When I was at college I had to work my ass off, but there was this guy in my class. He never had to study or learn - he just knew shit. Shit that even the lecturers didn't. It was like his brain was wired to know the perfect angle or light. I fucking hated how easy it came to him. I have only met one other person like him."

"Who?"

"You."

"I am not good with compliments," Dahlia says and shifts in her chair uncomfortably. William smirks at her and leans forward. "I have a sneaky suspicion you will be better than me and that doosh from college," William says. Dahlia shifts uncomfortably again. She hates the spotlight and William is laying it on thick. "That's why I like you. Call me self-indulged but I see myself in you. You are going to go far in this industry," William says. Dahlia rolls her eyes and pulls back her laptop. "All I wanted was a day off. But you go and turn it into some soppy bullshit," she mumbles. William stands, "if I was not married, I would marry you. I almost hate you as much as I hate my husband," he says.

"Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them," Edward says. Dahlia and William snap their head to the side and see Edward and Austin standing near the doorway. "That's a Shakespeare quote that I think suits everyone in this room," Edward says again. "To thine own self be true," Austin says. Dahlia's eyes widen and Edward claps. "Yes, Romeo!" Edward says. "Come here, Edward. You have had heart eyes for that boy since yesterday and now he is quoting Shakespeare to you. Come here," William repeats. Edward giggles and plasters himself to Williams's side.

"Don't worry my love. I only have eyes for you. Besides he was telling me all about Daisy - our boy's heart has not belonged to him for many years," Edward says, sadness rippling through his words. Dahlia swallows the lump that forms in her throat. She knows Austin does not love her, that he will never love her but it hurts every time she hears about Daisy. She stands and gathers her laptop and stuff. The room has gone quiet, she knows everyone is looking at her. When she lifts her head she sees she was right.

"I will see you tomorrow?" she asks William, hoping to just move on from the stupid Daisy topic. William shakes his head. "No take the day off," he says and winks at her then takes his bag and tugs, Edward with him. "Goodbye fuckers" he throws over his shoulder as they disappear out the door. Austin reaches for Dahlia's stuff, but she batts his hand away. "Don't baby me," she says. Austin smiles and rests his hand on her shoulder. "That's a very grumpy face? Why?" he asks. Dahlia sighs and leans into his touch. Maybe it's because she is going to see her father tomorrow or because of the reminder that Daisy is very real, but she feels tired. Tired of holding up her walls and keeping her shit together.

"Free pass?"

"Yes. Go on."

"I...I know that you and I are just a fling. A no strings attached sex-only relationship-"

"But we go on a dates."

"And you are a good guy, thank you. But you know what I mean."

"Yes...your rules."

"Yes...but. Fuck! But! Daisy...the name makes me feel..." she says trailing off. She can't finish her sentence, she is so fucking embarrassed. Austin takes the things in her hands and places them down then leans on the table and pulls Dahlia into him. Cupping her cheeks with his hands and turning her face up to look at him. "What does that name make you feel, baby?" he asks. Dahlia tries to pull back but Austin is not letting her go. "Jealous," she says. "That's one of your rules, baby," he whispers, pulling her face closer to his. "I am on a free pass," she says.

"Do you love her?"

"Who?"

"Daisy. Do you love her?"

Austin watches her. His eyes feel like they are burning into her skin. She knows his answer already - why the fuck is she punishing herself?

"I do love her. I have loved her for a very long time."

"Doesn't love fade over time?"

"Not this love. This love grows."

"Do you think she will ever love you back?"

"I think she already does...she just doesn't know how to yet. She needs more time."

Daisy is one very stupid woman. If Dahlia was her she would tell Austin she loves him every day. "Daisy," she whispers. Austin pulls her even closer. "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet," he whispers. "Shakespeare?" she whispers. Austin nods. "I don't know what that means," she whispers back. Austin chuckles, "look it up, baby," he whispers then kisses her. She should pull back and stop this. He has never hidden that he loves Gina, he has a sweet nickname for her for fucks suck. But she can't stop. She loves him and melts into him.

"It's weird that you are quoting Shakespeare," she says. Austin shrugs and stands them up straight. He takes her things and then holds out his hand for her to take. She takes it. "Songwriting is just modern-day poetry," he says tugging her out of the studio.