ROMEO

14

R.O.M.E.O.

"Thanks," I tell the cashier as I walk toward the cafe doors.

I toss the candy bars around, backing out of the cafe doors.

Evie wanted candy. Obviously that means I'm going to get it.

She needs fuel to work on the second song.

I stop playing with the bars and stick my key into the door. As it opens, I see Evie dancing and bopping her head to a random song on my radio. Sounds like Bieber.

I smile as she sings, sounding amazing.

Who knew?

She spins around, coming to a halt when she sees me, her eyes widening. "Hi."

"No, keep dancing. It's cute," I say, leaning against the door, eyes never leaving hers.

She shakes her head, a red flush creeping up her neck. "This is so embarrassing."

I laugh, tossing her a candy bar. "Let's make another hit."

I plop onto couch, her body lifting a little. She grabs onto the edges of the couch, steadying herself.

"Give me another word," She says, looking at her sheet of paper.

I scan the room for inspiration but nothing sparks my eye. Nothing but her.

Gorgeous.

But this song is about Blair, not Evie.

I try to think of all things Blair likes but nothing comes to mind.

She's had like fifty million cats but that's not song worthy. Plus they always die. Nobody wants to hear a song about dead cats.

I tug my hands through my curls, feeling defeated. My stomach growls, causing Evie to look at me.

"Damn, Rome. I heard that out here," Watson laughs, walking in the room.

Evie scrunches her nose up at the smell of sweat. "Jeez, Watson go shower."

"I will, only if you agree to pizza with us."

My eyes light up at the mention of food. "Pizza?"

"Yes, puppy," Watson say, stalking closer to Evie.

She looks at me, eyes wide. "Help!"

I shake my head, shrugging. "You'll just have to come eat with us."

"Fine!" She screams as Watson gets closer.

I scrunch my nose up, the smell too close for comfort. "OK, now you're too close to me. Get in the fucking shower."

He smirks, rubbing his arm on Evie's head then mine. "OK, I'll go."

I groan, disgusted. "Asshole."

***

"We're only getting older, baby," I sing in a low voice as we enter the restaurant.

Evie hums the next verse, tapping her finger on her damp jeans.

"Stop fucking singing," Watson sings, matching the tune.

Evie's blank face breaks into a grin as the hostess points us to our table. "Sorry."

Our security detail sits at the table next to us, trying to blend in.

We take our seats, Evie in the middle, and pick up our menus.

"A waiter will be with you in just a moment. Can I get you started with any drinks?" She asks, placing warm towels in front of us.

"Milk is fine," Evie says, smiling.