I swallow hard, nodding. “Yes, love is on her own timeline, no?”
“I think so.”
When I shift my eyes back to my mother, she smiles knowingly and sips her wine.
After dinner, Apollo insists on helping us clean up the dishes, praising my mother’s cooking. She excuses herself, leaving me alone with the object of my desire.
“That was really nice,” Apollo says.
“Thank you for coming. She is very pleased now.”
“It’s always nice to spend time with your parents. I guess I’ll have to subject you to mine at some point. They’re actually in Greece right now, on vacation.”
“Lovely.”
“Yeah.”
We stand across from each, gazing into each other’s eyes, until I break the silence. “Would you like to see something funny?”
“Yes.”
“Come.”
I lead him up to my bedroom, stepping to the side to let him enter. He chuckles, immediately looking around the space. “It’s 2010 again.”
“They changed nothing. Even my Bruno Mars poster is still on the wall.” I point to the other wall by the closet. “And David Beckham.”
Apollo laughs, sitting on the edge of my bed, running his hand over the purple material. “It’s kind of cool.”
I sit next to him. “Yes.”
“But you don’t fit in this room anymore.” He shifts to face me. “You’re too glamorous, too pretty, too...grown.”
“Merci. It is a bit awkward. I need a little more room to sleep.”
“Well, we can find a place soon.”
“Yes.” I take a moment to just experience this. Apollo Onassis is in my room, sitting on my bed.
“Did you ever sneak a boy in here?” he asks.
I laugh. “No. I was not like Lucien. I followed the rules. Besides, I had no boys to sneak.”
“Bet you would now.”
My body heats up, and I’m very tempted to throw him down, but instead, I stand. “I have something to show you.”
“Okay.”
I walk to my closet, stepping inside and coming back with the purple beret he gave me when I left for France. His eyes widen then soften.
“You kept it.”
“It reminded me of home. Of you. You were always a pleasant memory.”
“That’s really sweet, Felix. I’m excited to make new memories with you now.”
“So am I. Does Thursday still work for you?” I ask, changing the subject away from topics that will get me in trouble.
“Of course.”
“Wonderful.”
I walk him downstairs, and at the door, Apollo hugs me, holding me tightly.
“Tonight was awesome. Please thank your mom again for me.”
“I will.”
“I’m looking forward to hanging out again.”
“Me too. Very much.”
Apollo kisses my cheek, stealing my breath in the process. “Night, Felix.”
“Night.”
I watch him get into his car, waving before he backs out. Once he’s gone, I shut the door and lean against it. There was chemistry. I know it. I just have to try.
Let the wooing begin.
Apollo
On Thursday, I finish putting on my shoes, then grab a glass of water as I wait for Felix. His text said to dress nice but not too nice, so I chose a pair of black slacks and a baby-blue button-down shirt. I hope he isn’t planning to go somewhere expensive, an ongoing battle I have with his brother. Lucien makes okay money in Los Angeles, but a lot of his work is pro bono or for small nonprofits, so he’s set aside an amount from his trust fund he calls his play money. He blows it on expensive clothes and food but lives modestly and doesn't own a car. Balance, he calls it. I’ve yet to learn how Felix manages his money.
The doorbell rings, bringing a smile to my face. As I walk to the door, I don’t lie to myself and deny I was overly excited for this all week. I’ve seen him briefly here and there, with visits to the bakery I've never made before. I’m highly aware that everyone probably notices, but I also give zero fucks. I like Felix, and I make no secret of that.
When I open the door, I swear my jaw hits the floor. Whoa.
Felix looks worried. “Too much? I can tone it down if it makes you—”
“No, not too much. You look…” Fuck. What word can I use? “Amazing. Wow.”
“You’re sure?” he asks, smoothing his hands over his shirt.
“Yes, sorry for my reaction. I just wasn’t expecting it. I mean it though. Stunning.”
He bows his head slightly. “Merci.”
His hair, normally wavy, is bone-straight, falling well past his shoulders. He’s wearing heavy eye makeup, but with an unshaven face. His clothes are…wow. Form-fitting black pants that stop just above his ankles, with a white blouse that has a delicate ruffle on the sleeves. On his feet, an ankle boot with a wedge heel. He’s found the line between feminine and masculine, and seriously fucked with it. As for the effect it’s having on me…I want to rip his clothes off.
If he were anyone but Felix, I think I’d try to find the nerve to act on this swirling storm of chaos in me. But right now, it’s as if I’m frozen.
“Apollo? You’re staring at me. Are you sure you’re comfortable?”
“Yes. Sorry. I’m in awe of you.”
His face softens as a surprised laugh leaves his lips. “Awe?”
“Yeah. You’re gorgeous, Felix.”
“Merci, Apollo. You should stop looking at me like that. I might get the wrong impression.”
“As long as you think the way I’m looking at you is good, then your impression is right.”
His smile grows. “Come along, you. We have a reservation.”
“Lead the way.”
“I plan to do just that.”
I cock my head at him, noticing the way his voice dipped when he said that last part. Is he flirting with me? If he were, what would I do about that?
In the car, we laugh and talk and listen to music. More than once, I flinch from his erratic driving as he readjusts to life in America, but it’s not horrible.
We arrive at the restaurant, a place I haven’t heard of before.
Felix pats my thigh. “Please wait a moment.”
“Sure.”
He steps out of the car and walks around to my side. When he opens my door, I give him a confused look, but he extends his hand for me. Smiling, I take it, wondering what he’s up to.
“Thank you.”
“My pleasure, Apollo.”
He offers his hand, so I take it. This is nice, but I have no idea what is happening. Inside, the hostess finds Felix’s reservations and leads us to a table. It’s very nice, a booth for two against the wall. There are high walls between each table in this area, which makes it feel like we are in our own room.
Felix sits and scoots so that he’s closer to me. After ordering wine, we look at the menu. I’m happy to see the prices are reasonable.
“This is a nice place.”
Felix nods. “Recommended by Genesis.”
“Ah.” I decide on the pasta carbonara, then close the menu and lean back against the booth. “What is this about, Felix?”