it, what’s wrong?” Ari asked.
Nicco glanced at me. “It’s nothing.”
“I see.” My expression tightened, my stomach dropping. “How is Enzo by the way?”
“Fuck,” Matteo hissed, but I’d already taken off toward the doors.
“Nora, wait.” Arianne caught up with me. “He can’t…”
“I know. But it doesn’t change the fact I’ll always be on the outside while you’re…” I stopped myself. I wasn’t being fair. Arianne hadn’t asked to fall in love with a mafioso any more than I’d asked to fall for a guy who couldn’t give me what I needed.
Just because she’d got her happy ending and I never would, wasn’t reason to push her away.
“I’m sorry. I’m acting crazy,” I said around a strained smile.
“You care about him.”
“Yeah, well, it doesn’t matter, does it? He left and didn’t even think to tell me.”
“Maybe it’s time to move on. Enzo is going through some stuff…”
“You think I don’t know that? I might not know everything, but I know…”
“He’s gone, Nor. Enzo is gone, and from what I can tell, no one knows when he’s coming back.” She reached for my hand. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine.” The words spilled from my lips with a heavy sigh. “I’m fine.”
Ari nodded. “You’re one of the strongest people I know.”
Yeah. I’d thought so too.
But I wasn’t so sure anymore.
After two hours of Intro to Sociology, I met Arianne in the food court for lunch. But as I approached the table where she sat with Nicco, I could tell everything was not fine.
“Hey, guys, what’s up?”
“Oh, hey, I didn’t see you there.” Arianne smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes.
“Is everything okay?” I glanced between them.
“Yeah, it’s fine,” she said a little too quickly.
“If I interrupted, I can—” I thumbed to the direction I’d just come from.
“No, don’t go. Nicco’s just worried about Enzo.”
“Bambolina.” The word vibrated deep in his chest.
“She deserves to know. Besides, I’m not telling her anything, not really.”
Sitting down, I inhaled a deep breath. “Where is he?”
“Out of town, on… business.”
“I’m not an idiot, Nicco. I know what business means.” My lips pursed. “Did something happen?” Fear snaked through me.
“I don’t think so, but he hasn’t called me in almost three days.”
“Okay.” My brows crinkled. “He’s a big boy, I’m sure he can—”
“He’s never gone that long without calling me.”
“He’s ignoring Nicco’s calls.” Arianne tucked herself into his side.
“Maybe he wants some space?”
“Yeah, that’s what worries me.” Nicco’s jaw clenched as he stared off into the distance.
“He’ll be okay though, right?” The words felt like ash on my tongue. “I mean, it’s Enzo.”
“Yeah, I’m sure he’ll be fine.”
“Has Matteo call—”
“Has Matteo what?” He appeared out of nowhere, dropping down on the bench beside me.
“Spoken to Enzo?” I asked.
“Hold up, she knows?” He frowned at Nicco.
“Nice, douchebag, real nice.”
“Shit, I’m sorry.” He grimaced, running a hand down his face. “I didn’t… it came out wrong. I’m just surprised Nicco caved and told you.”
“Matteo,” Ari sighed, “you’re not helping.”
“Look, I get it. I’m an outsider. I’m not supposed to know this stuff. But Enzo is my… friend too.” God, that word sounded so stupid. Enzo wasn’t my friend.
“Friend, really?” Matteo’s brow lifted. “Does E know about your friendship?”
“Just because he’s gone, doesn’t mean you have to replace him as the snarky asshole.”
“I can see why he likes you.”
“Matt!” Nicco snapped.
“Yeah, sorry. I’m just trying to keep things light. E is… he’s E. He’ll call when he’s ready to call. If you’re that worried, call Gino.”
“Gino?” I asked.
“Shit, sorry.” Matteo grimaced, rubbing his jaw. “Just how much are we telling them?”
“I think we’re done here.” Nicco gently nudged Ari off him and stood. “I’m heading to the gym.” He stalked off toward the doors.
“The gym?” Ari said, leaping up, taking off after him.
“He’s really that worried?” The knot in my stomach twisted.
“Don’t look at me like that, Nora, you know I can’t tell you anything.”
“Right.”
He let out a frustrated breath. “Enzo will be fine. He’s just dealing with some stuff. He probably hasn’t called because he’s ass over elbow drunk and knee deep in pus—” I sucked in a sharp breath and he muttered, “Fuck, I’m sorry.”
“For what? Telling me the truth?”
His eyes dropped and he cupped the back of his neck. When Matteo looked up again, his expression softened. “You were good for him, you know? And for what it’s worth, I was rooting for you. But Enzo… he isn’t like me or Nicco.”
“So what you’re saying is, he’s a lost cause?”
“No, what I’m saying is… maybe you should focus on a guy that