Page 75 of Inside Out
“Not a chance,” I said firmly. “The huge smile I had on my face was all for you, love.”
“I thought you were reminiscing about your life with Peter.”
“I was at first, and then like always, my thoughts turned to you. Peter was my past, and you are my future, Julius. I’m always going to choose you.”
Tears swam in Julius’s eyes and his voice sounded husky when he said, “Damn, you English lit guys have serious game.”
Someone knocked loudly on the bathroom door. “Rome, are you in there?” Heather asked.
“Maybe,” I replied. “Who is looking for me?”
“No one,” she said sassily. “I’m looking for my new best friend. You get to see Julius all the time, and I’ve only just met him. Either send him out or let me hide in there with you.”
Julius tipped his head back and laughed before he pulled from my embrace to open the door. Heather slipped inside the bathroom, and Julius tucked her beneath his arm. “Miss me?”
“For Christ’s sake,” Heather groused. “I get called into the kitchen to put out the stupidest fire and—”
“Literal or figurative?” I asked.
“Really, Rome?” Heather didn’t bother hiding her annoyance with me as she cuddled closer to Julius. “There was a mix-up with the menu that apparently had a huge impact on the world. We have starving kids in this country, but these caterers only care about appetizers I can’t even pronounce. Anyway, I returned to the party and my Julius is gone.”
“MyJulius,” I reminded her. “How do you know the caterers aren’t as concerned as you are about the plight of starving children just because they’re wanting to please you? People can be upset about more than one thing.”
Heather tipped her head back and looked at Julius. “Why do you put up with him?”
Julius looked away from Heather and locked his gaze on mine. “I love him.”
“Awww,” Heather said. “He’s easy to love, even if it’s annoying that he’s always right.”
“I’m notalwaysright.”
“You’re planning your escape, aren’t you?” Heather asked, changing the subject. “I know how much you loathe these parties, but can’t you stay a little longer?”
“How about we make a deal?” I offered. “Julius and I leave now before I say things to these people that I’ve repressed for twenty years, and we’ll come back when it can just be the four of us. I know you’ve missed me, and I’ve missed you too. This party isn’t how I’d choose to spend time with you and Frank.”
“Are you telling me the truth, Romeo Bradley, or are you saying anything to escape?”
“While it’s true I’d chew my own leg off to free myself from the shackles of this party, I’d never lie to you. I’m sorry I’ve pulled away from you guys since moving to Blissville, and I—”
“It started before then,” Heather stated.
“Okay, yes,” I admitted, “but it doesn’t have to be that way. I can have my new life and still keep the best parts of my old one too.”
Heather dropped her arm from around Julius’s waist and launched herself into my arms. “I’m holding you to your promise.”
“I love you, Heather. I’m sorry if I ever gave you reason to doubt it.”
She sniffled against my chest. “You can make it up to me when I come stay at your house.”
“What’s that?” I asked, looking to Julius for answers. He grinned sheepishly.
“Julius invited me for a weekend visit. I get to wear leggings, my ratty sweatshirt, and curl up in a chair and read. Doesn’t that sound like heaven?”
“It does,” I agreed. “You’re welcome anytime.”
Another knock sounded on the door. “Heather, are you in there?” Frank asked. Julius snorted then opened the door for Frank. Instead of coming in, my big bear of a friend assessed the situation from the doorway. “Who made you cry?” he asked his wife. “I’ll throw them out on their ass.”
Heather released me and walked into her husband’s strong arms. They reminded me of Kong and Ann Darrow. “These are happy tears,” she said to her husband. “Rome and Julius have another party to get to, but they assured me that the four of us will get together soon so we can get to know the man who stole Rome’s heart.”