The Anonymous

Chapter 16: Italy

I awoke later that day, feeling semi-relaxed. Ashton was spread out next to me. I don't understand how he can sleep on his back, I always get nightmares. He always looked so peaceful asleep. I carefully got up from the bed, trying my best not to wake him up. I have walked to the kitchen to make some coffee. Jérôme was already seated at the kitchen island drinking coffee.

"Morning."

"Good morning, How was your night", I asked.

"It was ok. I spent the night gathering some information for Ashton."

"I thought you were with Kendal all night?"

Jérôme stared at me with his glass to his face, "No, Ashton wanted me to gather more intel on Adam Eastwood," "apparently, Kendal and Amanda Eastwood are best friends." "I was with them for that reason alone."

"On the other hand," "I can see that you and Ashton have taken a liking to each other, much to my disappointment anyway."

"What are you talking about?"

"Your neck."

"I held up the silver spoon to my neck to see all the love-bites"

"I took my head in shame". I was so embarrassed. I can't believe I got out of bed and forgot to put on a hoodie. I found myself getting angry at Ashton.

"Hey, it's cool. I get it."

"No, you don't get it."

"I do. Ashton is very territorial. Especially, when he sets his eyes on something he desires"

"But that's the point, I'm don't belong to anyone... it's just not complicated."

"I believe you,". Jérôme said sending a wink my way.

Just then, Ashton walked out of my room, rubbing his hair and walked into his room. I don't think he even notices us staring at him. He was completely out of it. Moments later, I heard the shower running.

Jérôme's voice reaches me from across the island. Must have been a hell of a night."  He joked.

Nothing happened between us." "He's just stress and, I hesitated with my next words. "he told me about his mother."

Jérôme's eyes widen and his eyebrows raised up. Then he must really like you or trust you." That's a topic that Ashton hardly brings up even with me, and we've known each other since Prep School. He has always been secretive, guarded, and hard to read.

"Yup, that's Ashton."

That afternoon, I ate and took a shower. Ashton walks into my room as I was reading my text messages "Aeon pack your bags we are going to Italy.

Italy?"

"Why are we going home?"

"There is something I need at my father's house"

"Pack up and be ready in 1 hour."

I packed my backs. I decided to wear high waist sweat pants and a long sleeve shirt. I might regret this outfit when we land in Italy.

Jérôme was already in the living room texting on his phone. He saw me struggling to carry my suitcase and immediately came to my aid.

"So, I hear you're going to Italy." He spoke taking the bags from me.

"Yea, you're not coming?"

"No," "I need to get back to New York." "I have business there."

Ashton seems to have come from nowhere drying off his hair with a towel. He went to the kitchen area looking in the fridge.  I went back into the room and looked around, just in case I  a per birthday gift. My keys were on the other side of the floor. I'm not sure why I still have them, I don't have an apartment anymore. I guess, I just love hanging on to them. My father got me this small little violet neutral-stone pendant; when as, on a business trip. I just couldn't part with it. It's too pretty. I picked it up and place it in my bag. I should check my cell phone.