TONY: Book 1 of The De Luca Brothers Series [COMPLETED]

36:

"So he's gone?" Morgan begins, raising an eyebrow at me. "And he hasn't called you since yesterday's little tantrum?"

"Yeah," I groan into my hands. "Why is everything so flipping complicated? I agreed to join the gang for us. So we can be together. What does he do? Run away like a baby."

"Perhaps he's scared of what could happen to you?" She questions, standing up from the floor and laying down beside me on my bed. She plays with my hair, braiding strand together and leaving them to hang. "You don't join a gang everyday Zac, it's a massive commitment, especially since you told him you want to stay with him."

"He could've been supportive," I mumble.

"He could've, but he hasn't. Give him some time to wrap his mind around the idea, he'll call you when he's ready. Don't be clingy, let him have a breather, perhaps focus on studies instead?"

"About that..."

"What is it?" She freezes. When I don't reply straight away, she grips my head and forcefully turns it upwards, causing me to let out a weak groan. "Don't tell me y-you're leaving now, are you?"

My throat swells and thick emotions cause my eyes to well up with tears. Looking into hers, they become shimmery as well before a tear rolls down her cheek and a sob climbs up from her mouth. I hug her, the two of us lying on my bed as she cries and I try not to, but I'm a sympathetic cryer, so I start beefing as well.

"I'm going to miss you so much," she mumbles into my chest. "Don't be a prick and lose contact now, just because you're becoming a badass dealer."

I chuckle and sniffle, "Not a dealer, more like a gang mother who listens and supports members."

This causes her to cry even harder, "You're going to so rock that job. You're so kind, supportive, sympathetic, empathetic, brilliantly loving, caring—"

"Okay, Okay," I chuckle sniffling. "You're going to make me blush."

She laughs and hugs me tighter, sniffling and spreading snot and tears onto my hoodie; I don't mind. Her red hair tumbled over my chest as she continues to cry with me, reminiscing about the good times of college life.

"If I ever have a break up, I'll call you so you can help me get my revenge."

"Damn straight bitch, I always want you to give me their full name so I can run a check with Gufo on the computers," I chuckle. "Apparently he's quite the tech genius."

"We should go to a party," she tells me out of the blue. "This can be our last hurrah together, before you move into the mansion with your hunk of a man."

I frown, "A party?"

"Oui, now get up, freshen up and let's get going before it's too late."

–•–

Loud, pulsing music fills the air and vibrates through the jumping mass of college students. Strobe lights fill the dark room, creating a somewhat mysterious but exiting atmosphere since it's difficult to recognise the person next to you.

Even though this is not my ideal seen, I drink, I dance, I sing and I party. The booze provides a buzz like a warm hug as I sway and scream with the drunk red head in front of me. She's wearing a tight dress that compliments her physique, whilst I'm wearing jeans and a plain top.

"Let's play beer pong!" She shouts over the music, grabbing my wrist and stumbling through the crowd, shoving people out of the way. I follow willingly, loving the haziness and the carelessness in my head.

"Can we join?" Slurs Morgan.

I look at the boys and notice one of them is a sober Derek, he looks at me guiltily and purses his lips. Suddenly the happy feeling is gone and I feel really sad.

"...Morgan, are you sure?"

"Yesss," she hisses. "Beer pong is fun."

Not wanting to dampen the mood, I begrudgingly agree and stand awkwardly next to Morgan as Derek watches keenly, ur he doesn't participate. Two jocks stand across from us and before I know it, the games begin.

Turns out Morgan is shit at beer pong and she relied on me to try and win- we definitely don't. I manage to shoot three pongs accurately, Morgan one whilst the two guys laugh and holler, perfectly scoring. Perfectly making us drunk.

"Sho showy," she slurs.

"Shokay, dorm?"

"Yesh," she replies. We stagger outside of the pounding house, tripping towards the dormitories. Only to be stopped by a certain somebody.

"Zac?" Asks Derek, materialising from the dark.

I frown, "Nope. Go fuck ya mom ya little devil."

He sighs, "You're drunk."

"Weally Einshtien?" Morgan questions, pointing a shaky finger at him. "Go'way."

"I just want to say that I'm sorry. I'm sorting out my life and I'm really sorry it took me hurting you to realise that I need to get help. Let me take you two to your dorm to make sure you get back safely?"

I purse my lips and look at him, realising despite my drunken state that he is being honest. "Okay dokay."

He escorts us to the dorm, taking Morgan from me and helping her walk. After all, she is a lightweight. I sway behind them, the buzz of the alcohol disappearing and leaving me thinking of Tony. Tony. How sad, the only man I'd ever want and he's not here to take me home. Not here to help me nurse my soon to be hangover: not here with me. To think he's picked up the pieces of what's left and he's just gone.

I feel lonely again.

Remembering him walking out on me and leaving me confused, nervous and mostly upset is strange. Before I know it a tear leaks down my cheek. I hastily (if s drunk can be fast) swipe at my cheek, hating the fact that I'm clingy. Ew. To say I used to complain about clingy couples who are practically attached by the hip, here I am crying about mine. My man. My Tony.

Derek doesn't ask any questions, he drags me into my dorm- when did I get here?- and takes off my shoes and jeans, tucking me under the quilt next to Morgan. The lights switch off and I'm dead.