The Outlaw

The evening progressed smoothly, everyone had a great time mingling around. Though I haven’t seen that hunk of a man, since we got here. Gerardo avoided me like a plague this entire time nor could find him anywhere. I was on my search to find him when my phone ringed, it was my boss. I excused myself from the part and picked up the phone making my way to the hallway.

“Good evening Ms. Bruton. I am sorry to disturb you but you have to return to work sooner that anticipated.” My boss said making me furrow my brows.

“It’s fine sir. But may I ask what has happened?” I asked softly so that my voice doesn’t echo in the empty hallway.

“I can’t tell you over the phone. You need to come back in next week.” He said sounding distressed. My mind went to the case we have been building against a strong politician for almost about a year now.

“Understood, sir. I will be there in no time.” I replied to him.

He cut the call after saying our goodbyes. I had extended my stay in Italy for an extra two weeks but seems like my boss needs me.

My mind went to all the scenarios that might have happened as I make my way back to the party. That’s dirty ass politician is one of the worst people I have ever had the illfate of meeting.

As soon as I stepped inside the party, my brother Kellian came to me, “Layla was looking for you! Go up stage, now!” He rushed me to the center of the room where the stage was. Layla stood at the foot of the stage with Flynn and his family and our family. When pops looked at me he gave me a wide smile and kissed my forehead, “Hey there princess!” He cooed me like a little girl making me giggle.

“You look fabulous, pops! Stealing everyone’s show” I winked at him making him giggle. He flipped his hair, “Of course I am!” He said as I laughed softly with him. While I was talking to pops I hear Flynn, “Where is Gerardo, dad?” He said making me look at him from my peripheral vision. He was on his phone typing furiously while Layla looked at him concerned. The two elderly couple who I guess is their parents looked rather bored. As if they’d rather be somewhere else than here.

Mr. And Mrs. Martera seem like they are not the typical parents you see or read about. The look cold and distant, like there is a void. Mr. Morton is on his mid 60’s, Gerardo is an exact replica of his father. They both stand 6 feet tall with broad shoulders and a very buffy body. Whereas Flynn is more like his mother lookwise, Flynn has dark black hair like his mother unlike his brother and father who have blonde hair. Flynn has blue eye from his mother while the other duo have hazel eyes.

Mrs. Martera looked at Flynn with daggers in her eyes, “Must be sulking somewhere in the corner, like the hapless bastard he is!” She snapped back at Flynn making him look at her as if he is done with her drama, “Don’t start again mom!” He said with a sigh. Layla looked at his future mother inlaw with wide eyes, nobody seemed to notice the little fit Mrs. Martera just had but I did. I looked at the woman as if she has lost her mind. Who talks about their child in this way?

“He won’t be coming anytime soon. Just make the announcement without him.” Mr. Martera said without a trace of emotion in his voice. Flynn pressed his lips together, “Fine!” He said throwing his hands up. He and Layla went up on stage taking everyone’s attention. He spoke very fondly of Layla and how their love had grown over the past year. All this while they looked at each other lovingly, stealing kisses sometime while the crowd awed at them. In the end when they were announcing their engagement, my eyes went to the far dark corner of the room where I saw Gerardo standing alone with a glass of wine in his hand.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

He smiled sadly looking at his brother and Layla. I furrowed my brows at him. Trust me when I say this, I have seen a questionable persona of that douchebag but never once I have seen his look this… heartbroken.

And this side of him isn’t sitting well with me.

They engaged couple announced their engagement making the crowd cheer at them. They stepped down the stage as people gather around to congratulate them. I took this opportunity to slip out and go to Gerardo. When I reached the corner, Gerardo wasn’t there anymore, a movement caught my eyes in the garden. Gerardo was standing alone under the moonlight near a big oak tree.

I took two glasses of wine and went to the garden. I slowly made my way towards Gerardo but I think he heard me coming because his head whipped towards my direction, “Who is it?” He said harshly. A smile made it’s way on my lips, that’s more like the Gerardo I know.

“Me! your arch nemesis” I joked stepping into the light with a smile. I saw him roll his eyes and mutter something under his breath. Something along the line not letting him stay in peace.

“What do you want, puttana?” He sneered at me as he went by the tree and sat on the bench under it. I skipped my way towards him and sat by the other end of the bench.

I gave him a glass of wine, “Wanted to have a drink with you, stronzo(asshole)” I said without looking at him as I dipped my wine while my other hand was still extended to him.

He took the wine from with a jerk, “Who taught you Italian?” He said. I smiled softly, “Flynn. Only curse words though.. only for you!” I said the last part with a wink looking at him. His face remained stoic but the corner of his lips curled up.

“So much effort? And for me? Honored!” He joked looking at me. I cracked a smile, he shook his head. We sat there in silence looking at the new moon shining brightly with all of the stars spread all across the sky like big diamonds. None of us said a word, just enjoying each other’s company in silence.