Stone In Love

Chapter 45

Vincent slipped away sometime during the night, but he told me he would. A non-domus related obligation was due to happen at eight, but that didn't mean I wasn't upset he had left without waking me up. When my brain had engaged enough for coherent thought, I grabbed my phone to send him a text. There was a message from Monica waiting in the queue.

Are you f*ing kidding me? You're dating Vincent Valentino! I def need a recap on deets. I hope your chin didn't need stitches. Call me.

I couldn't help smiling at my friend's exuberant message. She had finally put two and two together, and I knew she enjoyed drama of any kind. It didn't even bother me that she was probably judging me for dating a well-documented player with a heart of ice, but Vincent was not the guy everyone thought he was. Okay, the ice metaphor fit, but I had hopes that my influence would thaw him. I scrolled to that handsome rogues' name and sent him a text to read after his obligation.

I never knew the meaning of alone until I met you. Wish you were here.

I dragged myself out of bed, engaged in a five minute stretch, then shuffled to the bathroom to check my teeth in the mirror. While I remembered Vincent helping me get rid of the fangs, I couldn't rule out the possibility that I'd dreamt the whole thing. Was it wrong to think fangs were freaky cool? Even as a kid, I enjoyed watching vampire and werewolf movies. Had I been tapping into my gollum nature or was that just human nature?

After brushing my human teeth and taking care of bathroom business, I checked my phone. Vincent hadn't texted back, but he was a busy guy, and I needed to get used to waiting my turn. I used the time to eat breakfast, and despite my increasing appetite, I kept my portions small. So far, not one gollum I'd met had a weight problem, and I figured the rigorous work-outs would start once I was back in the fold of the domus.

As I stood at the kitchen counter spooning yogurt into my mouth, I tapped out a text to Sylvie.

Missing my bestie. Tell me you did something last night besides takeout and a movie.

A minute later, Sylvie offered her reply.

Damn. Now I have to regret takeout and a movie? My life is def not as exciting as yours. How is Rizzo?

Oh, Sylvie. I often felt guilty for leaving my best friend in Baltimore when she went on the lamb from Heath. Baltimore was not Sylvie's hometown, and she let her other friendships wane when she and I started hanging out full-time. I owed her a lot.

He is back in NYC at Mt. Sinai. I'm visiting him today and will fill you in later.

Tell him I said to get well soon and he still owes me a night at the opera.

Will do. Enjoy your Sunday.

Taking myself to the National Aquarium. I'll tell the penguins you said hi.

I didn't escape my notice that Sylvie had not brought up Colin during our recent communications, and I decided to leave it alone. No sense stirring a pot that might never boil. As I dressed for the day, I went ahead and texted Vincent again to let him know my plans.

Heading to Mt. Sinai to visit Rizzo around eleven – FYI.

After checking on Mr. Pearlman and apologizing for not having his nasty robe washed yet, I headed out to catch the subway. I didn't make it far before Rafael caught up to me. As far as I knew, Vincent had told him to back off, so I had to assume Rafael didn't heed warnings very well. Apparently, this impromptu meeting was part of phase two.

"Good morning, Reese. Where are you headed?"

"I'm going to visit Rizzo in the hospital."

He bobbed his head automatically, as if my destination didn't matter. "Mind if I join you? I haven't seen Rizzo since his unfortunate injury. Emile says he's been annoying the nurses with his singing."