Chapter 4
Elisabetta was surprised to see Giacomo sitting comfortably next to the purple-haired girl from earlier when she entered the packed room. He was laughing at something she said, eyes bright with amusement. She appeared equally amused.
I am so grateful for him always seeing me before anyone else.
And why, initially, did I think that?
"Hey everybody! This is Elisabetta.” She was brought back to reality by Penelope's voice. "Get to know the group, Elisabetta."
Nine people looked. Giacomo and the girl who was practically glued to his side were among the four guys and five girls. Elisabetta made a tiny wave.
Penelope grinned and added, "I found her alone in the kitchen," as though that clarified everything. However, Giacomo did notice it. At last, he turned to face her.
"You're there. I searched all over for you.
Not challenging enough.
As Penelope dragged Elisabetta into the seat next to her, across from Giacomo, one of the men said, "You know her?"
Yes, she is a friend of mine. We got together. He responded quickly and firmly.
With her breath warm against Elisabetta's ear, Penelope leaned closer. "So, this is the friend you mentioned to me?"
A nod. There was a quiet laugh in response.
"A pleasant surprise."
With a smile, Elisabetta turned back to look at the girl beside Giacomo. Was that couch too small?
Elisabetta, stop it.
Someone said, "All right, let's continue playing now that we're all here." "Elisabetta, are you in?"
She gave a shrug. Yes. What is the game?
"Truth or dare" has strict guidelines. Get out right away if you're afraid.
She glanced at Giacomo. His smirk dared her to do what she really wanted. Penelope placed her hand on her thigh.
"It will be enjoyable."
There was a slight sensation of pressure. A hesitancy. Then, a nod was given. "All right. Let’s play.”
Before slowing, the bottle in the middle spun wildly. When it hit her, her stomach twisted.
"Oh, this will be enjoyable. Gisella has the opportunity to pose the query.
A dark-haired girl with keen eyes smiled slowly and knowingly. She opened her mouth to say something, but Penelope interrupted.
A white-haired man complained, "That's cheating."
"Loser, I said nothing. Accept it.
Elisabetta hardly noticed their back-and-forth arguments. The space appeared more compact.
"Dare or truth?" Gisella inquired.
Remember, it wasn't a dull night.
"Dare."
Poor decision.
"Make love to Penelope." Five minutes.
There was laughter. Whispered remarks surrounded her.
“I knew you had something planned.”
"Making the vaccination call before she is removed?"
"Stop talking, or I'll take your girl away."
Oh. So that’s why Penelope kept touching her.
"I... um." The room became quiet. She looked over at Penelope. Her chest constricted at the hopeful smile. "I apologize. I am unable to.
Instead, she snatched the cup in front of her and drank the flaming booze. She swallowed every drop even though it burned her throat.
"Cold."
"Gosh. That must have been painful.
"Right to the heart."
Penelope whispered, "It's okay." She greeted Elisabetta with a grin that fell short of her eyes and a gentle squeeze on her arm. Elisabetta's eyes fell to the table as she attempted to return it. The game continued.
"Did you see that, Elisabetta?" Penelope muttered.
She raised her head. Everyone was watching her. This time, the bottle was on Giacomo rather than on her. However, he was looking at her while holding a text that she was unable to read.
"What?"
"I dare you to kiss me," he said.
She gasped.
Was he telling the truth?
Everyone in the group whispered.
“The bottle landed on me,” he clarified.
Was he really going to give her a kiss? Giacomo was her best friend. She had feelings for someone she shouldn't have.
Would this make a difference? If it did, could she take it?
He's taking the cup, I see.
She jolted back to the present. The red cup was raised by Giacomo. He had no intention of kissing her. He was removing the out.
"Boring."
"From you."
He grinned at her after dropping the cup. However, the sinking sensation in her stomach persisted despite his best smile.
Giacomo had simply refused to kiss her, even though he kissed any girl he could.
Am I really that unappealing? That dull?
The purple-haired girl picked that exact moment to pull him in for a kiss, as if the embarrassment wasn't enough. He did not retreat.
Something broke.
Ignoring Penelope's cries, Elisabetta pushed out of her chair and hurried away. She went down a hallway, which was the furthest away. A door stood slightly ajar. She entered and closed it.
darkness.
Excellent.
With her chest rising and falling too quickly, she whispered, "Damn you, Giacomo."
There was a tiny creak. Then there was a roar.
She whirled around.
The door had shut. In front of her was a tall shadow.
A step back was taken. a breath that was caught. "Who—who are you?"
"Oh, I'm sorry." A deep laugh echoed through the shadows. There was a movement before the lights came on, revealing a tall, attractive boy with dark hair and bright green eyes.
"I didn't intend to frighten you." A smile flashed across his white teeth. "I wanted to make sure you were okay after seeing you go earlier."
"You were present?"
A nod. "The match. I was present.
Then it hit me. "Oh. I apologize for not recognizing you.
That's alright. You wouldn't have because I was silent the entire time. There was a brief pause before a faint smile appeared. "I'm not a biter."
She gave a little chuckle. It was a simple sound, a release.
You also have a sense of humor. Excellent. He stepped forward and extended his hand. “Louis.”
She put her hand in his. He beat her to it before she could say anything.
"Elisabetta." I am aware.
A laugh. "All right."
"Elisabetta is a lovely name." A thumb gently touched her knuckles. "Has anyone ever told you that?"
"It wouldn't be the first." There was a slight tilt of the head. "But I'm grateful."
A grin. She released her hand slowly. "I noticed you back there."
Did I? I was a complete mess. I barely did anything but run away and embarrass myself.
He gave a headshake. "No. You weren't disorganized. Those games aren't very popular. They are intrusive and uncomfortable.
"That sounds about right." She chuckled. He joined in. Then there was silence once more, but it wasn't awkward.
He took out his phone a moment later. "Is it okay if I have your phone number?"
She paused. "Why—"
"You're there! I've been searching all over for you.
Giacomo.
Giacomo emerged, panting a little, and Louis moved aside.
“What are you doing here?”
"What are you saying? You took off. I became anxious. I glanced at Louis for comfort. A smile.
“Shut up.”
Giacomo burst out laughing. "Complete whatever it is, then come meet me outside."
Louis gave his phone to him. Elisabetta hesitated for just a second before typing in her number.
"It's nice to meet you, Louis."
"Elisabetta, it's a true pleasure."
