Page 30 of Sexting His Son's Ex
“She’d want you to be happy, Dad. Mom has been gone a long time. She wouldn’t have wanted a lifetime of loneliness you’ve put yourself in.”
“The kid is right, Sir,” Lorenzo adds, not looking up from his phone. “Not that I’ve heard anything of what you’re talking about.”
I smirk. “Right.”
“Just be careful. I know you will be because you’re you but just be careful.”
I pat Omar’s knee, appreciating his concern. “I always am.”
Me: “I want a picture of you in nothing after the day I’ve had.”
Her: “Want to talk about it?”
Me: “No. I want a picture.”
Her: “Yes, Sir.”
I do love when I get my way.
9
JOVIE
I wouldn’t typically gointo a lingerie store alone. On a typical day, Marlowe would be with me, but I haven’t told her the truth yet about why I need lingerie. I know her too well. She’d ask if I was getting back together with Luca.
If my best friend asks me questions, I’m not going to lie to her. I have to keep the truth from her for as long as possible or she’ll talk too much sense into me.
I stand outside of Sheer Imagination, a lingerie boutique down the street from me.
But I’m too nervous to go inside.
I’ve never worn lingerie. I’ve never bought it before. I don’t know what I like or what Santino might like because, let’s be honest, I don’t know him very well.
“What the fuck are you doing, Jovie? You have no idea. This is laughable.” I twist my hands together, my fingers tangled with nerves and my heart racing as I stare at the door.
The outside of the building is painted a light pink, the window trim is a bright white, and there is a pin-up girl drawn onto the glass, wearing lingerie with a finger pressed against her lips.
I sit down on the wooden bench that faces the store, doing my best to get the courage to stand up and walk through those doors.
I’m a virgin in more ways than one. Luca cheated on me because I wouldn’t have sex with him, which isn’t the first time that’s happened to me, and it probably won’t be the last. Because I’ve never taken that step, lingerie is something I’ve never considered.
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “And you shouldn’t be considering it now.”
Santino makes me feel brave, though. I want to step out of my comfort zone for him. He hasn’t asked or pushed for me to be here. I want to be. All I need to do is open the damn door and step inside.
This bravery to try new things has my entire body trembling with excitement and fear. I like feeling this. I’m so used being inside the flower shop, cutting stems, perfecting bouquets, placing orders, etc.... etc.… that I’ve forgotten to live my life.
Santino energizes me. I want to live life to the fullest and take risks when it comes to him.
My phone vibrates and I sigh, digging into my purse. It’s a welcome distraction on my day off. The flower shop is always closed on Mondays so I can have the option to run the errands.
Santino: “What is my favorite secret admirer up to today, Ms. Smith?”
I smile, looking left and right to make sure I’m alone.
Me: “I’m shopping. You’re not allowed to know for what.”
Him: “That’s not fair. I’m sure I can be very useful. Do you need any money? I can send you some. Your day can be on me.”
