Chapter: I Am Not Perfect

Chapter: I Am Not Perfect
Chapter 229: I Am Not Perfect 

Riccardo 

After leaving Angelia at her apartment, I couldn't stop thinking about the hug. It wasn't just the physical closeness although that had been enough to set my heart racing, it was what the hug represented. Trust, hope and a willingness to let us in even if it was only one small step at a time. I knew we had a long way to go but for the first time, I felt like we were moving in the right direction.

The next day, I met Marshall and Kingston at the club’s private lounge. It was early but the usual crowd began filtering in and the space was quite safe for the occasional hum of the bar staff peppering for the night. Marshall was sprawled across one of the leather couches, his feet propped up on the coffee table while Kingston leaned against the bar, nursing his ever present glass of whiskey.

“You are smiling?” Marshall asked, raising an eyebrow as I walked in.

“Something good happened?” He asked again and I ignored his teasing tone, grabbing a glass of water before joining them.

“I met with Angelia yesterday.” I muttered, Kingston’s dark eyes flickered to me but his interest piqued, though he didn't say anything.

“And?” Marshall promoted, sitting up straighter.

“We talked, went for a coffee. She is starting to trust us again.” I said simply, though the weight of those words was anything but simple. Marshall grinned, clapping his hands together.

“That is what I like to hear, the girl has got a good head on her shoulders. She just needs to know we were not going to screw it up again.”

“And are we?” Kingston asked, his voice quiet but pointed.

The room fell silent, it was a question we all needed to answer, not just for Angelia but for ourselves.

“No,” I said firmly.

“We were not. We have waited too long for someone like her, we are not going to let fear or impatience ruin this.” Marshall nodded, his usual playfulness giving way to something more serious.

“I agreed.”

Kingston didn't respond right away, but after a moment, he gave a single decisive nod.


Later in the evening, I found myself outside her building again. A bottle of wine in one hand and a bag of takeout in the other. I hadn't told her I was coming. Part of me worried she might say no if I gave her the chance but I hope she wouldn't mind the surprise. When she opened the door, her eyes widened in surprise.

“Riccardo?” 

“Hey,” I said, holding up the wine and food.

“I thought maybe you could use some company.” She hesitated for a moment before stepping aside to let me in.

“You didn't have to do this.” She said, gesturing to the takeout.

“I wanted to,” I replied, setting everything down on the small table in her living room. 

Her apartment was modest but cozy with soft lighting and a few personal touches that made it feel like home. I always felt homey each time I was in her apartment. As we ate, the conversation flowed easily, she told me about her classes, her work and the dreams she had for her future. I listened intently, soaking every word. I am so glad she has resumed back to school, her life coming up gradually. She paused, her fork hovering over her plate.

“Riccardo, why me?”  The question caught me off guard.

“What do you mean?” 

She set her fork down, her expression uncertain.

“I mean, you, Marshall and Kingston.. you could have anyone. So why go through all this trouble for me?” Her cheeks flushed and she shook her head.

“It is not just that you are beautiful, though you are beautiful.” I said, my voice steady.

“It is that you are real, you are honest even when it is hard. You challenge us in ways no one else has, you make us want to be better.” Her eyes softened and she looked away, clearly trying to prove my words.

“I am not perfect,” she said quietly.

“Neither are we.” I muttered.

“But together, we could be something extraordinary.”

The silence that followed wasn't uncomfortable, it was full of possibilities of things left unsaid but understood nonetheless.  As the night wore on, I found myself sitting beside her on bed, the empty takeout containers pushed to the side.

“Can I ask you something?” She said, turning to face me.

“Anything.” I replied.

“Do you ever doubt this? Us?” She asked and I didn't hesitate.

“No, I have doubted myself, I have doubted whether we would be able to make this work. But I have never doubted you, Angelia, not for a second.” Her eyes searched mine, as if trying to find any hint of insincerely. When she found none, she let out a shady breath.

“I am scared,”  she admitted. I reached for her hand, threading my fingers through her.

“That is okay,” I said softly.

“We will figure it out together, one step at a time.” She nodded, her grip on my hand tightened.

Without thinking, I leaned on, pressing a soft kiss to her temple. She turned her head slightly, our eyes met and the space because is shrinking. Her lips parted and I took the chance, brushing my mouth against her in a kiss that was as tentative as it was electric. When we pulled apart, her cheeks were flushed and her breathing unsteady.

“Riccardo”? She called but I shook my head, silencing her with a smile.

“No rush, Angelia. We will take this at your pace.” She smiled and then a real and genuine smile that made my heart ache in the best way.

For the first time in years, I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be. I felt like I was in the best hands. Angelia is my home, my life and my future. I am more than addicted to her and I am ready to do whatever it takes for her to be back into my life again. I will get our girl back.