Love Me (The Elites of Cheshire shore #2)

39. Rome

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

rome

I hand Henley a beer and sit down on the couch next to him. We have the football game on with the Cheshire Shore Sharks playing against some other team. I love football, but I don’t usually get to follow as closely as I would like. Henley, on the other hand, is a mad Sharks fan. The other guys all bailed on us, leaving just the two of us to enjoy the game. Good. Better for me, I don’t want to be around anyone else tonight. And Henley couldn’t give a shit about doing a deep dive into my feelings, so that makes him the perfect company.

“This is going to be our year; I can feel it.” Henley takes a few pulls of beer, not taking his eyes off the screen.

“Hopefully,” I grunt, pulling from my own beer. I mostly just agree with him because I don’t want him to do a recap of how they were robbed of going to the Super Bowl last year. The TV cuts to a commercial break and it flips the switch in Henley.

“How are you finding things at your new office?” he asks.

“Manageable,” I reply.

“Are you going to keep giving me one-word answers?” He takes a sip from his beer.

“Nope,” I reply. The hole in my stomach only continues to grow. Flo didn’t come to me? It’s the only thought that’s been going through my head. She left me this bland ass excuse that she was going out for a girls’ night—like it was preplanned and she snuck out before I got home. Imagine my surprise when Dara called me up to berate the shit out of me because Flo is now on probation and I should’ve told her what was happening. She didn’t come to me. I’d thought after the other night, she was finally letting me in. She was finally realizing I’m here for the long haul. I can be trusted with her heart. But I guess she still thinks what is between us is just for show. She will use me to scratch an inevitable itch, but she doesn’t trust me to look after her, to care for her—that’s what is really going on here. Doesn’t she realize that she’s always been mine? I’ve had to keep her at arm’s length, love her from afar for so long so I wouldn’t do anything to hurt her or fuck with her and Luca’s relationship. They are both too important to me and to each other.

I take another hefty pull from my beer, the bubbles getting caught in the back of my throat, making me cough as the hops do nothing to numb the pain like I need—like what my fifteen-year-old single malt can do.

Then Henley goes and fucks up my perfect bubble of self-pity. “Wanna talk about it?” he asks.

“Wanna watch this at your place?” I grunt in reply.

“Naw, where would the fun in that be? You’d miss my beautiful face.” He smiles at me and throws a peanut in his mouth. “Besides, you have the bigger TV.”

That elicits another grunt from me. I slip my shoes off and recline back on the couch, sipping on the same beer for God knows how long, but it’s not working. The little numbers on the screen haven’t started to become blurry yet.

My phone beeps in my pocket. I rest my beer on the coffee table and fish my phone out.

Flo

Hey, roomie, so I’m a lil’ drunk and maybe a lot lost

I blink at my phone a few times, hurt pulling my lips down. Why is she calling me her roommate?

Rome

We’ll talk about the roommate term later…where are you?

Flo

But we’re roomies who fuck. I mean, you have a big dick and I like to ride it? The piercing really helps

I run a frustrated hand along my jaw. Flo is hurt and lashing out, I get it, but I need to know she’s safe wherever she is. I don’t care that she’s using me as her punching bag, but I just need to know she’s safe.

Rome

Let’s shelve this discussion. Where are you, Flo

I should be angry with her, I should be fuming, but I’m also man enough to let her work through what she needs to without pushing her to open up to me. I need to find her, especially as she’s messaging me because she’s lost.

Flo

Consider it shelved *Wink face*

Biting my lip, I decide to poke the bear. If her thumbs are as loose as her lips she might finally talk to me about what happened and what was going through that beautiful, brilliant mind of hers.

Rome

Why did you get drunk?

Flo

It’s not my fault. Blame Sof

That doesn’t help.

Rome

Where are you?

Flo

Outside

I roll my eyes and blow out an exasperated breath. When I get my hands on her, I’m going to spank her ass raw. I quickly type back.

Rome

Outside where?

Flo

It’s cold out here

No shit, lollipop.

Rome

That’s because it’s fucking winter. Where. The. Fuck. Are. You? And don’t give me some shitty answer you’re with Sof

Flo

No, it’s fall actually

I am going to bend her over my knee when I see her next. I truly am. If I can get past this stupid twenty questions game Flo is playing. Drunk Flo is sassier than non-drunk Flo, and that bar is already set really high. My patience is already thin, and she’s only making it worse at this point.

Rome

Lolli. Where. The. Fuck. Are. You?

Henley can sit here and watch his precious game. I need to get Flo.

Flo

In some grass. My butt is wet. Oh, I really hope it’s grass

I rub my temple, my pounding headache not being helped by her reply. It’s like she’s doing this on purpose.

Flo

Just checked. Yep, it’s grass

I start to type: Grass where? But my phone dings before I get the chance.

Flo

Wait, I see a building. I’m just going to walk home

My patience is blown. Cheshire Shore is full of fucking buildings, and in the state she’s in, she’s in no condition to walk home.

Rome

Where the fuck are Livvy and Sof?

Flo

Sitting in the grass next to me

Rome

Jesus fuck

Rome

Don’t move. I’m coming to get you

Flo

You’re not the boss of me. Unless it’s in the bedroom, then you can totally be the boss of me *crying laughing face*

Flo

I’m walking

Flo

But I’m pretty slow. I’m missing a shoe

Flo

Which sucks bcoz I really like these shoes. They’re the ones you got me for my birthday

Flo

I think I left my shoe at Club Trix.

Her rapid-fire texts stop and I press the Call button and swear up a streak when it goes straight to voice mail.

Rome

Florence. Answer the fucking phone. I’m trying to call you

No reply.

Flo

Oooo, he’s breaking out the entire first name. I think someone is going to be spanked tonight

Flo

How long does it take for someone to freeze to death?

Flo

Wait, I should know the answer to this

Flo

My brain is too fried. Imma google it

“Bro, are you ok? I can hear you grinding your jaw from here,” Henley interrupts me.

“Where’s your sister.”

“Not in Cheshire Shore, if that’s what you’re asking. Why?”

His reply is less than helpful.

“Fuck.” I rub my palm over my stubble, letting it bite into my skin. “I need to find Flo.”

The moment the words leave my mouth, Henley jumps up. “I’ll help.”

“I need to call Ryder; I’m hoping Livvy will be more coherent in telling him just where they are.”

I text Flo.

Rome

Send me your location. I’m on my way

Flo

Ooooooo. Are you trying to chat me up?

Rome

Florence

Flo

Rome

Flo

Has anyone ever told you, you have a hot voice, Rome? It’s so dirty too

Flo

You should be a phone sex operator. Women would sign up for sure

Rome

Fucking hell

“Venuccio, what’s up,” Ryder answers on the second ring. Henley is already putting his thick woolen coat on as I slip back into my shoes.

“Do you know where the girls are?” I don’t bother with a greeting.

“Club Trix, why?” I can hear his frown through the phone.

“I think they might have partied a little too hard.”

This gets a barked laugh from Ryder. “Meet you in the garage,” is his reply before hanging up.

Becks and Ryder are already in the garage by the time Henley and I make it down there.

“Did you get ahold of Livvy?” I ask the moment I see them.

“No.” Ryder shakes his head.

“Kendall, on the other hand, proved fruitful.” Beck’s eyes glitter.

“Frankly, I am surprised Kendall held her own so well against Sof. From how she explained it, Sof is going to be hugging the throne tonight.”

Henley snorts and I side-eye him. “What the heck do you find funny? You’re going to have to look after her.”

“What?” His jaw drops. “Why me?”

“Because she can’t stay alone, wise guy.” I pat his shoulder and move toward my Bentley.

“Text me the location.” I let the echo of the garage carry my voice, and a few seconds later my phone beeps with their location from Becks.

“No, seriously.” Henley jumps in the passenger side. “Why me?”

“Spare a thought for Ryder, he’s going to have Devin and Livvy.”

I start my car and peel out of the garage. Henley fiddles with the dial on my radio before settling on a song he likes. In Henley’s world, the most important thing is good car tunes.

“Just plug in your phone,” I grumble, hating that he keeps flipping stations. Henley’s a country music fan and I’m really not.

“I’m glad you asked.” He flashes me a smile just as a song from his playlist blares through my speaker. Henley and I spend the short drive scanning the streets in case Flo made good on her word and attempted to walk home but decided to rest somewhere. Three songs later, I pull up to the location Becks messaged me and find the girls lying in the grass.

Ryder and Becks arrive seconds after us. “I think there is some sort of joke to be had here,” Henley says as we step out of the car. The girls are bundled together in the middle of the inner city park a couple of blocks from Club Trix. They’re lying underneath a tree, giggling like schoolgirls.

The little brats haven’t even noticed us and it wasn’t like we were quiet when we all pulled up.

“Oh Jesus,” Ryder says as he takes in his girl.

“Rome.” Flo is the first to sit up when she spots me and immediately clutches her mouth closed.

“Flo.” I close the distance between us and crouch down beside her. Even in her half-frozen state she’s stunning. Her high ponytail has fallen slightly, and small whisps of hair now frame the sides of her face. I reach out to wipe the smudge of her lipstick on the side of her lip.

“Rome, I lost my shoe.” She pouts, holding up one black heel by its straps.

“I know, baby.”

“I’m bummed. It was my favorite shoe.” She sighs dramatically. I almost smile, but then I remember I’m still a little pissed at her. Sort of.

“I’ll get you another pair. Now, let’s get you up off the cold grass.” I slip my hands under her armpits and lift her.

“Whoa.” She holds her arms out to the sides like she’s steadying herself, her face ashen.

“I’ve got you now, baby. And I promise I’ll never hurt you.”

“I think deep down I know that, but I’m also really scared. I don’t want to end up alone like my mom.”

“But she’s not alone, she has you.”

“Rome.”

“Yeah?”

“I think I’m going to be sick.”

“Shit.” I bundle her hair up in my hand, ready to hold it back if she needs to hurl.

“I’m good, I’m good,” she says after a few deep breaths. She grins at me, then gives me a double thumbs-up. Oh for fuck’s sake. She looks ridiculous and fucking adorable. I flick my gaze up and see Ryder lifting Livvy to his chest and Becks following suit.

In the cold night air, I can hear Ryder’s gruff voice. “Way to party hard, killer.”

“I actually think I’m going to kill Sof tomorrow.” Kendall groans.

“I’ll help you bury the body. You just tell me what time to be ready.” Becks chuckles, running a crooked finger over her cheek.

“Good. Make sure you wear the black suit. It’s my favorite.” Kendall sighs and leans into his touch.

I look away, feeling like I’m intruding on an intimate moment. My gaze catches on Flo’s steel gray eyes so full of sadness and sorrow and I know that it isn’t about a lost fucking shoe. My heart cracks.

“Come on.” I place my arm around her waist, tucking her cold body against me so she can borrow my warmth.

“You’re always my hero, Rome.” Flo sighs, wraps both arms around my waist, and nuzzles against my chest. My heart squeezes.

The sound of Henley’s voice shatters our bubble. “Sof, whatever you do, don’t throw up on me, m’kay. I’m not ready to share those kinds of bodily fluids.”

“Oh, Henny, you should know me by now, I know how to keep my liquor down.” Sof bats his hand away as she gets to her feet on her own and promptly sways, until Henley steadies her.

I shed my coat and place it around Flo’s shoulders, but her chattering teeth won’t stop. I lead her to the car and open the back door, placing her gently inside. She’s already half asleep when I pull the seat belt over her. I recline the seat a little so she can rest. Henley opens the opposite door and places a now asleep Sof on the other seat.

“Sometimes I wish my dad didn’t die and make me become so scared of love,” she mutters as I close the door. My heart stops in my chest. I always knew her view on love was skewed, but hearing her say it’s actively held her back from finding love hurts so much more.

I’ve only ever loved you. I want to say. And I’ll wait for as long as you need to be able to see that.

You’ve been it for me since you were fifteen.