Romani Prince

Chapter 3: The Smile

I can't stop thinking about last night. All of it...

As I take the shortcut through my next-door neighbor's backyard, to Mina's house, I try to revisit the whole discussion with Carl in my head...

And then, I get all distracted when Luka takes over my thoughts, remembering his warm breath in my ear, his touch on my skin, his intense eyes...

I sigh... He was the reason I barely got any sleep, last night.

I just can't seem to relax or focus on anything while he's in my head.

I desperately need advice from my girls.

What am I supposed to do about Luka?

Nothing...

Simple as that.

He's only here for the summer. He's got an entirely different life that I don't understand in Boston, with responsibilities and shit.

Plus, I'm done with relationships... No more. I just want my freedom and I'm almost there.

I've learned my lesson.

Stay strong, I tell myself. Luka is just another pretty face... with the hottest body that I have ever seen.

Oh, God... When he held me with his powerful arms, against his massive chest, and I felt surrounded by his masculine aura... It was as if... I finally belonged.

Stop it! Just stop it!

I'm acting like a ridiculous romantic sap.

Vigorously shaking my head, I walk up Mina's driveway. It's useless. I'm not strong enough to resist this pull to him, am I?

Before getting in, I look at my reflection on a window.

Today, I really look like my real self. No makeup and fancy hairdo. Just my year-round tan with my beach waved hair falling softly over my shoulders and back.

The tiny shorts hang low on my hips, the way I like it. The red tank top is big enough to only cover my bikini top.

Hell... It's summer in California. I have the right to be a beach bum on the weekends.

I definitely look very different from last night, though.

I push inside the backdoor to the kitchen, forbidding myself to wonder if Luka will like the way I look.

"Good morning!" Mina emerges from the open fridge.

"Morning."

Mina's smile disappears as soon as she sees my face. She slams the fridge closed. "Oh, no... What happened?"

I drop my backpack on the kitchen floor, not knowing where to begin.

Should I start by telling her all about the strange moments shared with Luka?

No... Focus on the Carl problem.

Noticing how lost I am, Mina takes my hand and drags me upstairs. "We need some serious privacy."

In her bedroom and behind locked doors, I go through every word of my discussion with Carl.

"So... Basically, he didn't let you say it..." Mina bites nervously on her nails.

"What do you mean? I said it all!" I frown.

"I think he really needs to hear the actual words: It's over!"

Dropping my chin to my chest, I stare at my crimson red toenails.

"I'll have to get it out, sometime today, I guess... God! I hate this! I can't believe we have to it all over again!"