Sadie (18+)

Chapter 6

I wasn't sure if I was really going to stay at Julia's every night—I couldn't help but still feel like I was burdening the sweet family, though Gina has reminded me more than once now that she was pleased to have me.

It wasn't exactly difficult to stay, either, not when the heavenly aroma of Gina's famous spaghetti and meatballs wafted through the air.

The apron hugged Gina's shapely figure as she stirred the contents in the pot, then pulled the spoon out and held it in front of Vincent, who sipped gently, then nodded in approval.

"Perfect," he replied, his tongue swiping over his lips, the remnants of sauce glimmering upon his defined Cupid's bow. Gina smiled, then tasted from the spoon herself.

"It needs a bit more salt," she commented. "Don't you think?"

Vincent shook his head. "I think it's perfect, dolcezza."

Gina and Vincent seemed to sparingly use their Italian tongue, but when they did, it was never in public as I'd only heard it a few times. It was secretive and entirely romantic; I found myself feeling envious of Gina, wishing Vincent was calling me 'dolcezza', whatever that meant, as I could never understand it.

I would be surprised if Julia knew any words at all, so I searched it up on my phone instead of asking her.

Sweetie.

She was busy talking to Justin on the phone, her tan legs draped over me on the couch in the living room. She gently nudged me with her foot, and I tore my gaze away from Vincent.

"Do you still want to go out tonight?" she asked, her phone perched on her collarbone.

"Is Justin coming?" I asked, though I already figured he would.

"If that's okay with you," she said. "It'll give you a chance to find someone." The right side of her face contorted as she gave me an overly dramatic wink.

I loved Julia to pieces, but I hated when Justin came with us to the bar. He was obnoxious, loud, and a sloppy drunk.

I missed when she was single, back when we would scope out the bar together, searching for the most attractive guy upon the dark sea of heads. She had a knack for spotting them, while I unfortunately didn't.

After a dinner with light chatter, Julia and I helped Gina wash the dishes before going back to her bedroom to get ready for the night. I looked back as we went up the stairs, Vincent scooping from a tub of ice cream, Gina beside him, my insides twisting at the sight.

"Are you drinking tonight?" I asked when we were inside, pushing hangers along the metal bar as I sifted through Julia's closet.

"I didn't think about that," she replied, staring intently into the mirror as she applied her makeup. "I guess I can't drive us if we do."

"Ask your dad," I suggested casually. "He's taken us plenty of times."

"Not with Justin in the car," she said, frowning. "I wanted him to come with us, but Dad doesn't like Justin. It'll be awkward. I wish Tony was home from school so he could take us."

"Ask Justin to get a ride," I said, making sure to express my distaste. "He can manage."

Luckily, he did manage. Justin was having a friend drop him off at the bar. Julia didn't mention how he would get home, but I didn't care enough to ask.

I began to slip on my chosen dress in her bathroom, but stopped moving the fabric when my eyes fell upon my reflection. I traced my finger along the slope of my drooping breasts, frowning. I cupped them and lifted, then watched them bounce back to their original shape when I released.

A soft knock on the door startled me. I spun around to a stony-faced Julia. A loud, disapproving sigh emanated from her as she stood at the entrance, hand on her hip.

She approached me slowly, shaking her head, then tugged at the fabric of my black dress, pulling it up over my chest. She gestured for me to spin—I turned around submissively, allowing her to zip up the back.

"Stop doing this to yourself," she said quietly. "Every guy you've ever slept with loved them. Why can't you?"

"I don't know," I mumbled. "They're too big, and not in the sexy way. I need a reduction."

Julia's pep talks were short and simple, but always enough to pull me out of my funk. She retrieved a flask from her bedroom and handed it to me. "You're hot, Sadie," she said. "Embrace it. Now drink."

I downed the bitter liquid. "Thanks."

We made our way down the stairs soon after, Vincent hovering in the foyer. I was already feeling tipsy, warmth spreading across my cheeks.

"What time do you want to come home?" he asked when we approached him. He shrugged on his coat, the faint smell of his musky cologne floating around us. I found myself ogling his sharp, attractive features, but averted my eyes away from the handsome man when I remembered that Julia was beside me.

"We're going to stay out all night," I teased, slipping my arms through the sleeves of my jacket. "And do coke. And maybe try shrooms, what do you think, Jules?"

Julia draped her arm over my shoulder, smiling at her father. "Hm, I think that sounds like a fun night."

"Very funny, girls," he replied dryly, though a smile crept on his face. "Don't push it. You're lucky I let you go to the bar."

Julia planted a kiss on his cheek. "I know. We're always careful. I'm honestly surprised they haven't caught us yet. My fake doesn't even look like me."

I let out a loud laugh. "Right? Yours looks so weird."

Vincent shook his head. "You two are crazy. Please watch the alcohol."

I shoved him playfully. "You're the one that allows it. And yes, obviously we will."

"Yeah yeah, get in the car," he mumbled as he opened the front door to a burst of cold air. Julia and I hurried down the steps, our heels clacking amongst the concrete.

Once we'd arrived, Vincent rolled down the window as we hugged our bodies, shivering. "Call me when you're ready to come home."

Julia was already on her way inside, squealing and complaining about the weather. Before I turned to follow her, Vincent's voice stopped me.

"Keep an eye on her," he begged. "And be careful with the drinking, especially you."

I rolled my eyes dismissively.

"I mean it, Sadie."

"I'm fine," I mumbled, huffing out a breath. "I'm not an alcoholic, Dad."

"I didn't mean—"

I planted my elbows on the car door, tipping my head inside the vehicle. I studied the hazel of his bright eyes, my heart thumping wildly. Shadows fell over his face, but those beautiful eyes—they still twinkled in the dark.

"There's gold in your eyes," I said, giggling. "I never noticed. It's pretty."

The alcohol was taking hold of my rationale; I knew I had to back off before I said something regrettable, but he was so nice to look at.

"I didn't mean to offend you," he mumbled, ignoring my actively diminishing sobriety. "Call me when you guys are ready, alright?"

I gazed at him, drinking in his lovely features, feeling the warmth of his breath not too far away, nor close enough. His eyes flickered between my eyes and my mouth, and I briefly wondered if such a glance were innocent. Probably just wishful thinking to assume otherwise.

"I know," I said quietly. "We will."

Laugher erupted from behind me, evaporating the moment. I clumsily backed away from the vehicle. I took this as my cue to leave, goofily saluting him before running inside, wishing I could have done a whole lot more.