EVERYTHING I DESERVE

BASOREXIA

Basorexia (ba-sO-'rek-sE-a)(n.)): The overwhelming desire to kiss.

ENZO'S POV

I want to speak up, but she makes me speechless. She has her beautiful hair out, smiling ear to ear. I drink her in. She's wearing a skirt with some design and completely white shoes. Very impressive.

"Ahem." She breaks the silence, and I'm embarrassed by how long I've been staring.

"Sorry, you're so beautiful. I lose my words around you, Natalie." I nervously admit.

"This coming from the guy that tried to kill me." She says laughing, showing off her breathtaking smile.

"Very funny. And that wasn't me, remember?" I say with a smirk.

"Whatever, whatever." She says as she looks around Annie's.

"This place is really beautiful, Lorenzo. How did you find this place?" She says, looking up at me.

"Honestly, it found me." I say, reliving a memory.

"It's like that sometimes. Sometimes things are just meant to be safe havens." She says as her lips curves
into a smile.

"So how did you know I'm a lover of books? And I hope there's a non-stalker reason for it." She says, walking more into the library.

"Sorry to disappoint you, I stalked your Instagram. You shouldn't put so much of your life in the spotlight." I say genuine concern for her safety.

"You're right. I might run into a serial killer who lures their victims into cozy bookstores." She says, giggling.

As I was about to respond, I heard a voice speak. I turn around to see Annie, in all her glory. She radiates everything a grandma should. Her voice is as smooth as butter, soothing as a hug. And brownies that could give instant cavities. Her once-black curls are now gray, showing her wiseness. Without Annie, I wouldn't be here today. I owe her everything.

"I thought that was you Enzo! How have you been, baby?" she says as she brings me into a hug. She smells like lemon cakes and brownies, my favorite.

"I am doing well Annie, how are you?" I say, wanting good news.

"I'm doing better than yesterday." She says with a smile that doesn't meet her eyes.

"And who do we have here?" She says, eyeing Natalie up and down.

"Hello, I'm Natalie. Your shop is so beautiful, I could stay here for hours." Natalie says ever so sweetly.

I watch the two of them interact. They go from books, music, candles, and eventually baking.

"Well hey, I got some brownies, muffins, and lemon cakes in the bakery." Annie says, grabbing Natalie's hand.

"There's a bakery?!" She turns and looks at me, and I smile and nod towards her.

The three of us engaged in conversation about various topics. Of course, books are being talked about the most. I can't help but absorb everything Natalie says. She has stars in her eyes when she talks about her love for books, twilight, 90s R&B, and even knitting and crocheting. From the way, she smiles and blushes when Annie compliments her to the way she laughs when Annie makes a joke. I can't help but want to smile at her.

"It was so nice to meet you, Natalie. Do you want some treats to take home before I lock up for the night?" Annie says, gesturing to the platter of treats in front of us.

"I would love some. Thank you so much." Natalie says, grabbing her things.

Annie leaves us to gather supplies to wrap up Natalie's treats, and I take this as an opportunity to talk more.

"So, I'm guessing you'll be coming back again." I say in hopes of a yes.

"That is correct. I needed a cozy place to spend my time in. I spend way too much time alone in my apartment." She says, taking steps closer to me.

"Another thing we have in common." I say, meeting her halfway.

She looks up at me and smiles. It was only a few seconds, but I swear time stopped. It was as if the world had only consisted of me and her. She sees me and I see her. I take her hand in mine.

"I had a great time with you tonight." I say, wishing I could say more, something more flirty. I want to say something that would make her want to see me again.

"Tonight was nice Lorenzo. Thank you for inviting me. I-" She is interrupted by Annie rejoining us in the room.

Annie gives her the basket full of treats. We say our goodbyes to Annie and head out of the store. I grab her hand and walk us across the street. She starts to laugh, which causes me to stop and face her.

"What." I asked.

"You know, this is the third time we held hands. I'm beginning to think you like me." She says, fluttering her eyelashes.

"You're very smart Natalie. I do, in fact, like you." I walk closer to her and slowly grab her face with my hands.

"What now Natalie?" I say, watching as her eyes widen.