EVERYTHING I DESERVE

LOGOPHILE

Logophile (log*o*phile(n.)): The overwhelming desire to kiss

NATALIE'S POV~

As the night continues, I purposely ignore the intense stare that Lorenzo is giving and refocus my attention towards the stage. As I am intently listening to the singer covering Miguel and Mariah Carey's Beautiful when I feel his hands ever so lightly caress my thigh. He appears as if he's gonna lean in when he is interrupted. 

"How long have you been boxing? I mean you're too good to have just started." Jazz says drinking her illegal martini.

Using this as an excuse to scoot over, I take a sip of my raspberry lemonade while shuffling over. I watch as he clears his throat and takes a deep breath. I once again find myself lost in the sea of features. The way his jaw is clicking as if this is a sensitive topic to discuss, the way his muscles flex as he puts his elbows on the table, the way he smiled brightly at me- wait why is he smiling at me?

"Ahem." Jazz not so subtly clears her throat. And Lani smiles as she winks at me.

"I asked you what made you come to a boxing match tonight," Lorenzo says with the most annoying smirk known to man.

"Um yeah, my coworker gave me the tickets after her son got into trouble, she said someone deserves them," I said, hiding my nervousness.

The night is finally over when Lorenzo hails a cab for us after he insists on paying for our meals, which despite my efforts Jazz refuses to decline. I'm about to get in the car when I'm pulled back.

"Are you free tomorrow hermosa? I want to see you again?" He leans in closer and whispers "Alone."

"I'm busy working," I lie.

"After?" He says tugging on my shirt sleeves.

"I work 12-hour shifts, Lorenzo. Have a nice night." And with that, I take back my arm and enter the cab.

The cab ride was silent until Break From Toronto by PARTYNEXTDOOR both Lani and I were singing along. Jazz had yet to even crack a smile. Another moment where she has bummed out the mood.

"Jazz...you okay you've been quiet?" I say trying to ease the obvious tension.

"Don't worry about me. I'm just ready to go home." She says not sparing me a glance. I scoff and scroll on my phone.

The rest of the drive was short and sweet. When we arrived at my apartment, Jazz squeezed past me to the living room. Pissed the fuck off, I walk up to her.

"Is there a problem? You've been acting weird all night, I'm sick of it." I snap.

"Guys. . ." Lani trails off.

"Don't worry, I'll be gone tomorrow." She retorts.

"Why wait? Get the fuck out now hoe!" I say while stepping closer to her.

"You the hoe, all up under that man. Who doesn't even want you." She yells back.

I can't help the laugh that escapes me. "I want you gone before sunlight, and not a second later."

Hours passed and Lani tried as hard as she could be the mediator but it was no use. This exact situation happened right before Kelan and I got together. She constantly lets guys get between us. Last time I apologized and fought for our relationship. The "New Natty" ain't going for that.

The next day I hug and say my goodbyes to Lani, while Jasmine waits outside my door. It's a bittersweet reunion, we came into this trip as a trio and left as two separate duos. Brushing this off I began to clean the house and rid it of Jasmine's presence.

It's 5 p.m. when I am finally done. I get a call, and I'm left puzzled, because of the lack of calls I normally receive.

"¿Hola hermosa como estas hoy?" Lorenzo 's sensual voice reeks out of the phone.

"Who's this?" I say pretending not to know.

"Hello Natalie, I am calling to see if you could meet at the bookstore at 7:30. I know you know who I am." He says seemling stifling a laugh.

"I told you I had to work. I am not stopping my money for you."

"I understand mi amor, I hope I can convince you."

"I doubt it. Have a good day Lorenzo." I hang up the phone.

Every interaction with this man has been odd and unnerving. I need to unwind with some hot chocolate and Twilight. I humming around when I hear a knock at the door. I look through my peephole and see a guy holding flowers. His hat and uniform are consistent with a florist company. I grab my Taser and open the door.

"Hello, Miss. Natalie, these are for you."

"Thank you."

Woah, these are beautiful

There is a card hidden between the flowers.

"Don't worry, I only found your address when I paid for your hospital stay. I would love to see you again. I only had a sliver of your personality the other night but I know there's more to meet the eye. Annie's bookstore at 7:30 tonight, if you're able to.

Sincerely Yours

Lorenzo Santiago"

It's 7:27, and I'm inside Annie's bookstore which has a coffee store built-in. I am about to pick up a book and I hear a throat clear behind me. Without turning around I decided to speak up.

"Why did you want to meet and why at the bookstore?" I say with genuine curiosity.

"Because mi amore, you and I are what I call logophiles." He spoke.

Good riddance to Jasmine. She had been acting weird since the beginning.