Page 94 of Never Say Never

"The girls weren't expecting you to look like a gangster. If you're going to insist on being here then do something about it."

I spread my arms. "Like what?" Who was I supposed to be? Was I supposed to play Paolo out there and Paul in here? Did I abandon everything I knew for everything I had grown accustomed to? Which was right, which was really me? Although I changed my outward appearance back, I still felt off.

"Figure it out." York walked away.

He came back shortly after making two bowls of cereal and a bagel. He carried them to the room without another word my way. We were back to the no talking thing. Nothing could be worse. I punched the wall. My knuckles dragged against it, radiating with pain. I did it again. At least it took some of the edge off.

I went to punch the wall again but the door opening stopped me. York walked back into the living room with files and papers in his arms. He plopped down on the sofa, not looking my way as he started going over documents.

"Need help?" I asked cautiously.

No answer.

The wall was looking promising again, but instead, I took a seat on the opposite couch, fine with watching him instead.

There was a knock at the door, and I was up. York went stiff on the other couch but made no move to get up. I opened the door, and pink fluffy curls were the first thing I noticed.

Melony was a sight for sore eyes. I hadn't seen her in forever. She glanced at York before looking my way. Her eyes widened and a huge smile came over her face. At least someone was happy to see me.

"Paolo." Melony pushed her way in. She sat her bag down before she wrapped her arms around my neck. She pulled me in for a hug, her cotton candy pink hair tickling my nose.

"Hey, Mels."

She pulled back, and for a split second, the smile was gone. She punched me in the arm, the same one Enzo had cut.

"Ouch."

"You deserve it. I thought you were dead. I can't stand your family for this shit. I'm charging you extra for emotional distress."

That was fair, how come everyone else couldn't react like that? She ushered me to the kitchen where she instantly got to work.

"Not deep enough for stitches, but Enzo has a knack for handing out damage. Just be happy he held back."

I felt eyes on me and looked up only for York to turn away.

"Hey, did you have to check up on Gin?" I asked.

Melony shook her head. "No, was called in for you and that's it. Why?"

"Him and Benito went at it. Just making sure it didn't get too bad."

Melony finished with wrapping my arm and not so gently patting it before she started packing her things away. "I’m sure things will get better.” She hugged me like when we were teens. “I’m glad you’re alive. “

“Thanks,” I said.

Warmth blossomed in the middle of my chest. I walked her out, locking the door behind her. For a minute, I stood there, sucked in a deep breath, and tried to calm down.

I turned to look at my boss. "York, are you going to keep ignoring me?"

The man said nothing, flipping through notes he had. I wanted to shake him. Instead, I cleaned up the mess in the kitchen before heading to my room for a shower and maybe some rest. I plugged my phone up and like the masochist that I was, I turned the camera feed on and watched York.

I'll give you this space but you will never get rid of me.

I didn't expect to wake up everyday with an ache in my chest. As I stared up at the ceiling, I wondered if I was having a heart attack. It sure felt like it. My arm wasn't numb, but I could barely breathe and the pain was the worst. I closed my eyes again.

This is all in my head. I'm a grown man. I should be able to handle this.

And yet I was laid out in bed, wondering when the other shoe was going to drop. I couldn't trust Paul—Paolo—anymore. Truth be told, I couldn’t confide in anyone because who knew if someone on my team was involved? Worst of all, I was on high alert day and night, wondering if some criminal was going to shoot me in the head while I slept. I had no one to turn to, no one to talk to.