Page 117 of Someone Exactly Like Me (Wounded Hearts 1)
I grab my pajamas then head to the bathroom.
“I won’t be long,” I say, passing Angelina sitting in the cozy chaise.
“Take your time. I’m going use the time to read.” She smiles, settling into the chair.
The warm water feels soothing on my skin. Though I’m a little shaken, I really do feel okay. They’re so sweet to worry about me.
I close my eyes, letting the water run through my hair, down my body. Nicco’s words from our conversation last night play in my head. He said things I could never have imagined him saying to me.Someday, a man worthy of you will come along and see all of these things I see in you.What did he mean? Those aren’t words you say to someone without some emotions behind them.
Ugh. I leave in a few days. What does it matter anyway?
I wash my hair and body, towel off, and put on my pajamas. A quick blow dry of my hair and I’m done. Walking out of the bathroom, I go to where Angelina is on the chaise and sit on the floor next to the bookshelf. She closes the book she’s reading and puts it back on the shelf.
“I love that you have all these books for your guests. This is such a cozy corner.”
“I love reading. Now I have to get some of your books.” She smiles.
“Well, I’d be honored.”
“How are you feeling?” she asks, putting her feet on the floor and her elbows on her knees, clasping her hands and leaning forward.
“The shower felt nice. I’m okay, I promise. And I promise to let you and Nicco know if I don’t feel okay.”
“Good.” She pauses. “He told me what you did for him. Finding Ana.” She looks down, shakes her head, then lifts her gaze. “You took such a heavy burden from him. He carried so much pain. Thank you for what you did.”
“It was really my dad. I’m just happy we could give him closure.”
She tilts her head with a little side smile. “He cares for you.”
“He’s a good man.” I smile.
“I think maybe you care for him?” She leans her head toward me.
I pull in my lips with a shrug of my shoulders. “It doesn’t matter if I do.”
“Of course it does.”
“I leave in a few days. Besides, look where his life is headed. There’s no room for me. He’s on a path to fame and he’ll have his choice of the millions of women who swarm at his feet.”
She shakes her head. “You have much to learn about his heart, ragazza dolce.” Standing, she holds out her hand to help me up. “Come, let’s find some movies for you to watch.”
I quickly put on my sweatshirt. When we go into the living room, Nicco’s sitting on the sofa, strumming his guitar, with his notepad and pen on the coffee table. Franco sits next to him, watching him. He stops strumming when he sees us.
“How are you feeling?”
“Good. Honestly, I feel fine. The shower felt good.”
“Yes, I showered too. I’m just faster.” He winks. “I got some movies for us to pick from,” he says, pointing to a stack on the coffee table.
“Okay, great.”
“Thank you for your help, Franco,” he calls out as Franco runs to Angelina. He hands me the stack of movies then takes his notebook, pen, and guitar and walks toward my room.
“Thank you, Angelina.” I wave to her in the kitchen where she’s helping Franco with a toy.
“I’ve been working on your song,” he says, sitting on the side of my bed.
“Can I hear it yet?” I ask, closing the door.
