The Perfect Lie

14

𝗦 𝗢 𝗙 𝗜 𝗔

I can't stop staring at him. I know I should, but I can't.

What is he doing here?

This can't be happening. Not now. Not in front of Amalia and definitely not while Matteo is waiting outside.

"What are you doing here?" I ask.

He shrugs, glancing around the café. "Probably the same reason you're here." He says nonchalantly.

I look behind him, realising he isn't with anyone. "You're alone?"

"No," he shakes his head. "My brothers are waiting in the car outside."

I'm supposed be feels comfortable enough to enter public places alone. Renzo rarely does that.

"I don't believe we've met." He says as his attention briefly flicking to Amalia. "I'm Nico."

Her eyes dart towards me before they land back on Nico again. "Nice to meet you, I'm Amalia."

Why is this happening to me right now.

Thankfully, before anyone else has the chance to speak, the cashier calls us over. "Hey, what can I get for you?" She asks politely.

I manage to tear my attention away from Nico, and pull Amalia along with me as we approach the counter. We give our orders over and pay, all while I'm still paying zero attention to Nico.

Maybe if I just act like he isn't there, then he won't be?

We take our drinks and the cashier explains that someone will be over with our food shortly. When I turn back around, I'm surprised when I notice Nico is nowhere to be seen.

Wow.

Am I like.. telekinetic?

"Where'd he go?" Amalia asks as she too, glances around the café looking for him.

I shrug my shoulders, trying to seem unbothered by the fact he's gone. I'm not. I'm actually very bothered.

I didn't really want him to go. I mean.. I did to an extent but I didn't really.

I don't understand these mixed feelings I get when I'm around Nico. It's like I want to be around him but I don't at the same time. Whether it's because I'm paranoid in case we're spotted together, I'm not sure. I just don't understand it.

"So, Nico?" Amalia quizzes as we approach our table.

"Nico.." I draw out.

"Nico as in the Nico that your brother works with sometimes?" She asks and I nod my head, swirling the straw around my drink.

"That would be him." I say nonchalantly.

I wonder why he left so quickly? He didn't even order anything.

"He's gorgeous." Amalia says, causing me to choke on my own own breath. "What? I know a good looking man when I see one. Wouldn't you agree?"