Divided

chapter TWENTY

The next afternoon, Vittorio called me to ask if I would join him at The Chapel that night.

“Of course!” I wanted nothing more than to see him again. It had only been hours since I left his house, but I missed him already.

“May I pick you up?”

“Of course. I’ll warn you, though, Kevin will probably want to meet you. He’s been hounding me about you since we met.” Silence. “Vittorio? You’re not jealous of Kevin, are you?” I’d told Vittorio about our close friendship, trying to make it as clear as possible it was strictly platonic.

“No, it is not that.” He paused. “How much have you told him?”

“Everything.”

“Everything?”

“Yes. I told you; he’s my best friend, and like a brother to me. He stuck by me through some really hard times. We don’t keep any secrets from each other.”

“You trust him?”

“Completely. Please don’t be mad I told him.”

“I am not upset, Elena, but you must realize how unbelievable our power can be to those who do not possess it. I am not the only person I know who has been committed by family or friends because of it. It would devastate me if anything happened to you.”

“You can trust Kevin. He’s always taken care of me, or at least tried when I wouldn’t let him.” I realized it should be my turn to tell Vittorio about my past. It was only fair, but I didn’t want to think about that just yet. Right now, I was more concerned about Vittorio being upset I had told Kevin. I desperately wanted them to like each other. “Please, Vittorio. Kevin’s all I have.”

“All?” The pain in his voice was almost tangible.

“Well, he was until I met you.” An image of him smiling appeared in my head. That was weird. It was so vivid, as if it had appeared on a movie screen.

“I cannot be upset about anything that is so important to you, mia bellezza. Of course I will meet him tonight. Shall I pick you up at nine?”

After I hung up, I went next door to Kevin’s to find him watching an old UFC fight on TV. “Hey, Kev. Guess what?” I sat next to him on the couch.

“You’re dropping the case?”

“No. Tonight’s your big night. Vittorio’s coming to pick me up at nine, so you’ll get to meet him.”

“About time I get to check this guy out.” He turned down the volume on the TV.

“Kevin, this may be a job for me, but I really like him.”

“I know that.”

“I’m falling in love with him, Kevin. Please behave. Don’t embarrass me.”

“Would I do that?” he asked with an air of amusement giving away his best innocent face.

I glared in response.

“I’ll be on my best behavior. Should I wear a suit and tie?”

I groaned in exasperation.

I tidied up my place a little before showering. I looked at the trash cans in the living room under the leaky pipes. I knew my duplex wasn’t the nicest place ever, but that was downright embarrassing. Kevin could easily move someplace else. He made good money at his job repairing cars. He just didn’t care, and figured it was easier to stay than go through the hassle of moving. I, on the other hand, had no choice. Cases were sporadic. Some months I barely made rent. I didn’t like how desperately I needed the money from Ms. Carmen’s case, but it was true.

I decided that after I showered, I’d put the trash cans out on the back porch for the evening. Insecure - who, me? I still wasn’t quite sure what Vittorio saw in me. He had everything, while I had nothing. I sighed, then went upstairs to get ready.

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