Broken Ex-Bully by Victoria Pinder

9

Renzo

After a quick stop at my suite to grab my white pants and pink shirt, I was ready for the luau. The empty elevator gave us a second alone. Her lips were like magic. I tasted her and couldn’t get enough. The doors opened, and then I realized we were on the first floor.

We headed out to the beach area near the palm trees, and when we got there, Chloe let the hotel clerk put beads around her neck. Then we walked through a straw market. At the end, we were given palm tree crowns and drinks.

We took our beverages, and the luau music hopped. We continued toward my family, but I was sidetracked by a request to show off my spear throwing. This wasn’t a sport I was familiar with, but Chloe held my drink, and I joined in. At least my spear went into the ground.

I returned to Chloe, who’d taken my picture while I was tossing the spear. She handed me my drink, and we made our way to a private spot just as the host blew into a shell. I scanned for my mother among the people in the wedding party then stopped near the stage. The sun was about to set.

“Are you ready?” I took out my phone and snapped a picture of us together.

“Sure. What’s going on?”

I typed out how she was the love of my life. “My turn. I’m posting on social media how you’re the one for me.”

Her eyes widened, and she blocked my screen. “Wait!”

I kissed her cheek, and she lowered her hand. “Why?” I asked.

“You don’t have to do this.”

I winked at her and hit Send. “I need to prove myself to you.”

“Okay,” she said.

I put my phone away. Defriending any negative person online would be easy. Whoever didn’t approve of Chloe didn’t need to work with or see either of us again.

I rested my hand on her back. “I love you.” I finally saw my parents near the buffet line. I took Chloe’s hand. “Now, come with me to see my mother.”

She slowed down. “Seriously?”

I winked at her. “You need to see that I’m not listening to them either. You’re it for me.” I held Chloe’s waist as we went to stand in front of them. “Mom. Dad.”

My mother gazed at us. “Renzo, did you lose your tie?”

I squeezed Chloe’s side. “It’s a luau, and I wanted to ensure that you both knew my new girlfriend.”

My father gazed at her chest. “Does she have a sister?”

I stepped in front of her. My dad’s perversion wasn’t something she needed to see. “No, Dad. But Chloe’s the one I love.”

My mother threw her hands up like I’d disappointed her. “Why are our children all cleaving to this fantasy of love?”

“Because it makes us human. Chloe is special.”

“Wasn’t she the fat girl you went to school with?”

Chloe said over my shoulder. “I was.”

I squared my shoulders. No one would ever insult her again in front of me. “I don’t care if she gains weight. I loved her then, and maybe one day she’ll marry me and have my children.”

Chloe squeezed my shoulder. “Wait. Seriously?”

I turned and shook my head as I took her hand. “Sure, but let’s start by you moving in with me.”

My mother and father took their plates, and my mother said, “We’re going to go.”

Neither of us moved. Chloe said, “Can I ask how far you live from the hospital?”

We stepped out of the way of people going for their dinner, and I said, “You can, or you can just focus on me, and I’ll ensure that you’re taken care of.”

She tilted her head and stared at me like I was strange. “You mean not work?”

I held her tight. “I want you to myself.”

She patted my chest. “Let me think about it. For now, let’s just enjoy the night.”

I kissed her hand. “Sure. I promise you’ll never lack for anything, and it would be fun if I could whisk you off to Venice or the Forbidden City in China, if we get the urge, without waiting for vacation time.”

She laughed, breaking the tension. “That does sound nice, but now it’s time to watch the dancers.”

We got in line and filled our buffet plates. I needed to think quickly about how I could win her over. I didn’t want to share Chloe with anyone ever.