Giorgio (Vigilance #1) - Silvia Violet Page 0,52
my collection. I’ll use them eventually.”
“How big is your collection?”
“This box”—he tapped on a box that was intended for storing files—“is full of objects, and I have five more of these in my apartment, plus larger objects I might use in sculptures stored on shelves in the studio’s closet.”
I imagined him going to stores all over the city, looking for things that spoke to him. I wanted to go with him on those trips and watch as inspiration lit him up. “That’s impressive.”
“I like knowing I have a lot of things to look through if I get an idea while I’m in the studio.”
“I can see that.”
He grinned. “It’s my turn to ask questions now.”
It was only fair, but while I’d enjoyed listening to him explain his artistic process, I never liked talking about myself.
“What are you reading?”
At least that was an easy question. “It’s the second book in a series called The Wentworth Saga. It’s set between the world wars, and it’s about a large, wealthy family in England, their servants, and all the crazy things that happen to them.”
“So a bit like Downton Abbey, just a later timeframe?”
“Yes. Very much like that.”
He tilted his head and studied me for a moment. “Did you watch Downton Abbey?”
“I did.” I hoped my answer didn’t sound as defensive as I thought it did.
“Hmm, that’s unexpected. I would’ve guessed you read mostly nonfiction and liked to watch shows with a lot more action.”
“I have plenty of action in my regular life, so that’s not what I go for when I read or watch TV.”
“I’m trying to imagine you curled up under a knitted blanket with a cup of tea, watching Downton. What other shows do you like?”
I scowled at him. “I’ll only tell if you promise not to mock me.”
He rolled his eyes. “Where’s the fun in that?”
“Lane.”
“Fine. No mocking.”
“Schitt’s Creek.”
“Oh yes! I love David and Patrick so much.”
I could just imagine him cheering for them and talking to the characters as if they could hear him.
“What else?”
Did I dare say the next one? “Jane the Virgin.”
“No way.”
“No mocking. You promised.”
“We are totally watching it together tonight.”
I was already enjoying being with him way too much. “I thought you had work to do.”
“I do, but this opportunity is way too good to pass up.”
I rose from the floor, intending to go back to my book. “You can work for a while now, and we’ll see about watching something later.”
He grabbed my hand and pulled me back down. “I’m not done asking questions yet. We’re supposed to be getting to know each other.”
“I’m not sure what—”
“Have you ever had a serious relationship?”
“I…” I nearly lied and said no, but I hated lying to Lane, so ultimately, I told the truth. “Only one, and he… died.”
“Oh God. I’m so sorry. I wouldn’t have asked if I’d known.”
I shook my head. “It’s okay. We were both in the military, and it happened when we were on active duty.”
“That can’t have made it any easier. How long were you together?”
“About six months, but it wasn’t the same as a relationship would’ve been as a civilian.”
“That doesn’t mean losing him didn’t hurt.”
“I know. His name was Thomas, and I cared for him a lot. I might have loved him, but things didn’t work out. Since then, it’s just been hookups for me. That’s all I can handle.”
“I’ve dated a few guys for a couple of months here and there but nothing really long-term, and I’ve never been in love, not until… I mean… not yet.”
His cheeks were bright red. Did he really mean he might… Fuck, we were playing with fire.
“Um… what’s another good question? Music? I know you claim not to like my pop divas playlist, but I’m fairly sure that was a lie.”
He was no longer looking at me, and he was twisting his fingers together over and over. I’d never seen him that nervous, not even when the stranger had come to the cabin, so I confessed a truth few people knew. “Country. My favorite genre of music is country.”
He looked up and narrowed his eyes. “You’re playing with me.”
“No. I’m dead serious.”
“Wow. Next time we’re in the car, I’ll put on my country playlist.”
“You, Mr. Velvet Jacket and Glitter Shirts, have a country playlist?”
Lane scowled. “Yes, I do. Haven’t you figured out that I have eclectic tastes?”
I had, and I loved that he wasn’t predictable. Every time I thought I understood him, I learned something new.
20
Lane
That night after dinner, Giorgio called some hacker