BAD GUY

Milo knew Elio, Elio knew Milo. They knew about each other because small towns weren’t known to give many other options. It seemed like the only thing they had in common was that neither were big on friendship groups, preferring to keep to themselves when possible. Milo found a mutual respect in that, but he would be lying if he didn’t admit to being surprised at response Elio game him. It strengthened his prediction about the initial look. Icy eyes moved with the object in Elio’s hand until he set it down then he met his eyes again. The amusement in Milo’s voice didn’t travel to his features. “Whatever you say.” It wasn’t like Milo to push it, but if he didn’t want people to know about his interests then he should be better about hiding them. Milo arched a lazy eyebrow as he walked past Elio to one of the big sectionals in the living room. His father didn’t have a shortage of sons to help him around the house so what was Elio doing there? “Must’ve missed each other.” He offered no explanation before he looked around the room. His mom’s purse wasn’t in its usual spot and his father’s shoes weren’t thrown around by his recliner so they weren’t home. “You usually here on your own?”

...

Elio took a few steps off the ladder, wiping his hands together as he let his eyes focus on Milo. Truthfully, the last thing he wanted to do was drag Emmi into something so soon after Leyla. He had been ready to spend the rest of his life with the Osman woman and he knew the one thing he shouldn’t do was jump into a new relationship even if the blonde was someone who lightened up his day. But he also knew that Emmi had her own demons to deal with and the last thing he wanted to do was put her in something she wasn’t ready for. It was a big mess. And messes weren’t something Elio was good at containing. He brushed his tongue along his lower lip as he tilted his head up towards the ceiling. He wasn’t really sure why Mr. Valentine always asked him to do the stuff around the house especially with all the sons he had. “Only by a few minutes.” He said as he turned his head to look back at Milo. “No, Emmi’s upstairs with those two girls she hangs out with... Uh, Fawn and Jude. I think.”

Emmi pretended to consider his offer for a moment before politely declining, she was used to this kind of thing from friends who knew her well but from Elio? It threw her a little off-axis, but her smile came as it always did. “How about a Jamaica?” The drink was sugary but Emmi was already working on an entire plan that would get rid of the guilt a few sips would surely bring her. It only took her a moment as they walked to settle on the solution without a hitch. She looked at the food truck and then at Elio was, to her surprise, already had his eyes on her. She felt herself blush but didn’t look away, everyone already knew she was constantly in a flushed state. Or was she? Not since everything happened with her ex but Elio didn’t have to know that. They stepped into line and the tips of her fingers tugged on his sleeve, making him bend so she wouldn’t have to ask so loudly. For a moment, Emmi wondered if Elio was used to having to crouch down for people or if he hated it and that’s why he wasn’t that much of a talker. Was he irritated that she showed up during what was clearly his lunch break? She pursed her lips for a split second, annoyed at herself for not being more considerate when she caught his smile again. It made her blink in surprise but she recovered quickly. 

“It’s Damien’s birthday soon.” Not until June but Emmi liked to be ahead of the game. She also assumed he knew who one of her best friends was so she didn’t bother explaining. “And I’m getting him tickets to this band he loves but the thing is…” They moved up in line and she tugged on him again so no one else would hear. “The only place selling them is this indie music shop in Williamsburg and I don’t have a car…” Someone had actually stolen it but she didn’t bother to mention that part either. “And I know I have like a million brothers,” Ten, “But they’re always doing things for me even when I don’t ask!” She added because she didn’t want him to think she was a little princess, but she kind of was. “And you’re the only one I know who isn’t friends with him, not that you’re unfriendly…” She grimaced and then smiled because her smiles solved problems. “But everyone else who can give me a ride will probably spill the beans!” She felt a little embarrassed.

...

Elio spent a lot of time observing. It was his go-to thing when he was a child because he wanted to know how many people  suffered in silence as he had. He picked up on tales that told him whether someone was lie or not, there was a slight crease in between her eyebrows that had him questioning her being genuinely considering his offer. Her signature smile came across her features and he wondered if that was her move, the move that told everyone she was fine. Her way of masking the world from the pain she carried. He never compared situations, everyone dealt with their lives differently and he considered the pressures of being the only girl in her family, the overprotective brothers and the fact her family was deemed as perfect to the world. He knew it was practically perfect behind closed doors too but it also made him think about how much each of them were suffering in silence. He blinked a few times, not realizing her suggestion at a sugary drink was said out loud because he had been so focused on observing her, every detail of her face. He also realized he had spent that entire time staring  hell practically gawking. He cleared his throat, nodding his head. "Yeah, that works." He stood in line, glancing over as she tugged on his sleeve. He took the hint and bent down slightly to be more on her level. If it had been before the sailing competition he never would have known who she was talking about but Damien's case was something he had followed closely. It was cute, her rambling and the needing to explain herself about why on earth she was asking him when he was sure any person in town would drop everything they were doing to help her. "It's okay, I can do it. I'm off tomorrow so we can leave early, maybe make a day of it." Why did that leave his mouth? Spending a whole day with someone was deemed little miss perfect. Why did it make his chest flutter at the thought of being with her for a whole day? "And I'm a good secret keeper." It wasn't a lie. Despite the fact the rumor mill went on about his step-father he still kept his drunken rage a secret even to this day which was why Elio was good at knowing when someone was lying. He spent his whole life doing it.

Emmi was waiting in anticipation as Elio inspected the goods, eyes bright and spirits high. She wanted him to smile, but even as she thought that she also told herself that she would’ve done this for anyone in town. In fact, she had. She was always doing things to bring a little sunshine into everyone’s day. However, the tiny little skip her heart made when he actually cracked a smile didn’t go unnoticed. He smiled! Because of her! Had Elio ever smiled? Not that she’d seen. Actually, hadn’t one of her brothers talked about how standoffish he was? Emmi almost laughed at how silly that notion seemed because he’d never been anything but friendly with her. And didn’t he have a girlfriend? Oh. She dropped back to the flats of her feet. Right. Oh! oof. Several thoughts crossed her mind and etched the look in her eyes as she remembered that they broke up for whatever reason: disappointment, mortification, sympathy, and relief that she hasn’t truly stepped on any toes. “Hm?” Emmi went doe-eyed and her lips softened into a small ‘o’, managing that innocent look on the outside while she scrambled for an excuse on the inside. But Elio didn’t know her, not like her family or friends did so he wouldn’t be any wiser to the small little white lie that slipped through her lips. “I had a big breakfast.” She patted her stomach to really sell it. “But I’d love to join you!” She beamed again. “Actually, I wanted to ask you something.” She let him lead the way. “But, um, maybe you should eat first. That way you’re more likely to say yes!” She was naïve enough to explain her entire plan to him.

...

Elio tilted his head to the side ever so slightly when she patted her stomach, suggesting she had actually had a big breakfast. He thought back to her kitchen when she didn't drink the lemonade she had poured for the both of them. His fingers curled around the handle of the basket as he pressed his lips together, the desperate need to ask her if she was actually eating dared to escape his lips. "Are you sure? It's my treat. These tacos are the best thing I've ever had." He admitted as he turned to start walking towards the food truck only a few feet away from them. He turned his head to look over at her, angling his head to look down since she was shorter than he was. His eyebrow arched up when she mentioned she had to ask him something. He chuckled and another smile crossed his features as he shook his head. "Go ahead, Emmi. Ask away. I might end up surprising you." He winked as he walked over to get in line at the food truck.

Estelle leaned over to punch him in the shoulder, albeit softly. She enjoyed seeing this side of Elio after how much he’d gone through with the break up. “You called it a date Elio.” She laughed softly at him shaking her head. But when he explained the situation she through her head back leaning on her heels as she now understood, “Okay first of all, Denise’s sentiment means a lot. And second of all, just use it as like, getting back in the saddle or something–ugh that’s a gross saying.” She made a face, “But you know what I mean, it doesn’t have to lead anywhere, but it can still be good for you.”

...

“Your voice says more than you think it does.” Bellamy’s words were soft, her teeth sinking into her lower lip once his eyes landed on her. “I’d put something down to bet on, add something in that makes each shot matter more than the last.” The blonde had finally gotten his attention, that much was clear and she wasn’t planning on losing it.

...

“I will have to keep that in mind.” Luca replied with a small chuckle.  He was usually up for something like a game of pool because it was a nice break from his usual routine without getting himself into too much trouble. “I could definitely use the practice.” Luca added as it was clear that he wasn’t that great at pool anymore. Not to mention he didn’t mind the others company, and he was never against spending time with people that he enjoyed being around. It was much better than just leaving work and going straight home.

...

Elio nodded his head as he reached back, grabbing a glass and bringing it to his lips to take a sip. He let a small smirk come along his features, shrugging his shoulders. “Well, I’m here pretty much all the time and I can always give you my number and you can call me if you want a game of pool sometime.”

“I’m just teasing you, don’t worry about it. I think you’re pretty funny, actually,” Dani commented, not one to want to make anyone feel bad about themselves. “I like to give people a hard time, but I promise I don’t mean anything bad by it,” she said, starting to line up another shot as they continued to talk. “I played all the time when I was a kid. My grandparents had a table in their basement so that’s what I did during family holidays. I know, it’s not an exciting story.” 

...

“Really?” Elio shoved his hands into his pockets, nodding his head at her words. “Glad someone finds me amusing around her.” He lifted his eyes up towards her, shaking his head. “Believe me I can handle myself.” He teased as he let his eyes drift towards the pool table then back towards her. “Sounds exciting. You seemed like you had that family life sort of deal.” 

“Okay, well, are we playing professionally here?” She asked and smiled at him. “Exactly. Now let me focus, boy.” She said before taking the shot and missing anyways. She was never good at pool. “There. Happy?” She asked before taking a sip of her beer. “I don’t see why you all wanna play pool with the owner anyways. I always lose and you all get a free…” She paused. “Oh, I see. Free drinks. Smooth. You all are real smooth.”

...

“Should we?” Elio teased as he leaned against the bar, watching her as she took the shot and missed it. Pressing his lips together, the male remained silent as he chuckled lowly at her comment about how most of the people only played games with her to get free drinks. “I truthfully didn’t even think about that but that’s pretty smart.” He chuckled.

“Doesn’t that sound a little bit like you right now?” Dani asked, raising a brow at him. “I don’t know, you’re giving me cocky rabbit vibes for some reason.” She was opinionated and wouldn’t hold back when talking to people. She had no reason to. If people liked her, they liked her. If they didn’t, they didn’t. “Thank you, I appreciate that. I’ve been playing pool since I was ten years old. I’m not sure why I take as long as I do, I guess it I just like to make sure everything is lined up exactly how I want it.” 

...

“I don’t think so.” Elio shrugged as he held the stick between his hands, drifting his gaze towards the pool table with a little smirk on his features. “I guess I’ll have to start looking more into the vibes I’m giving off because something about being labelled a cocky rabbit rubs me the wrong way.” He chuckled lowly as he let his eyes drift to the table. “What got you into pool?”