ROMEO

13

E.V.A.

"I haven't seen you all day!" A red head squeals.

Alex groans. "Promise me we will never be like that."

I look over at the squealing group of teens, gushing over each other. "Pro-"

Zach runs over, interrupting me, squishing Alex in a tight embrace. "O-M-G! L-O-L! I haven't seen you all day!"

"Run," Alex wheezes as Zachary cackles, taking off with her right on his heel.

"Children," I say, shaking my head.

My phone dings.

Bad news -Watty

I groan, typing back.

What now? -E

Out of cash, need a sitter -Watty

I can't, hanging with Alex -E

"Tonight is the game, Eva," Watson says from behind me.

"Well, I'm busy," I say, turning around. "Did you run here?"

He throws his free arm in the air. "Yes and yeah, you're going to the game! The game Daddy has to practice for."

"Well, if daddy didn't spend all our money on designer onesies for a newborn, we wouldn't be in this situation," I say, scowling.

"I couldn't help it!" He groans. "I'll just ask Romeo. He should give me the best friend discount."

The hairs on my neck stand up at the mention of his name. "OK."

I follow him to the room, bouncing back and forth on my heels.

Romeo opens the door, stretching and yawning, his shirt riding up a little. "What, Watson?"

"We need a sitter!"

"Thought I told you no," Romeo says, moving so we could come in.

"Eva cant watch him! She's going to the game," Watson says.

Romeo sighs, glancing up at me. "Fine."

"Yay!" Watson says, running out the door. "Thanks, bye!"

I laugh, shaking my head and start to walk towards the door.

"Wait!" He calls, causing me to turn around.

"Yes?"

"I've been thinking about what happened." Romeo says, head hanging low. "I'm sorry."

His unneeded apology warms my heart and I smile. "It's OK, I shouldn't have asked. Not exactly my place."

He smiles back at me, face painted with relief.

"I remember you," I say.

"I remember you," He says back.

My stomach plummets. "What?"

"I know what you tattoo means too." He says, getting up. "Nicolas Newton Jr."

Just the mention of his name makes my eyes water. My stomach twists in knots but I force myself to stay strong.

It's just Romeo.

"He was so cute," I say, looking at the floor. "He was gonna break some hearts one day. That's what everyone said."

Romeo sighs, swallowing hard.

"Who knew it would be mine," I say, shaking away the thoughts.

"Why was he..." Romeo trails off. "Never mind."