Chapter 35 #2
“I think that’s perfect for you,” Romi replied.
“In class, you never liked to be tied down by the limitations of some of the projects, so I can’t see you being completely fulfilled working within the confines of company regulations.
With freelancing, you can choose the projects you want to work on. ”
That had been Eri’s thought process almost exactly.
While she didn’t mind following someone else’s guidelines, she hated feeling like her creative liberty was being taken from her, with as strict as they could sometimes be.
She wanted to deliver what a client wanted, but also wanted it to be something she was proud she had created.
“I saw pictures of Avian’s wedding on social media. Her husband is fine. I called her, but she didn’t answer. I’m assuming because the number wasn’t familiar, so I sent her a text.”
“I’m sure she’ll respond when she gets a second. She’s teaching dance now, and today is one of the days she has three classes.”
“Ooh, I’ll have to sign up for one of her classes.” Romi paused to take a bite of her chicken. “What about you? Are you dating anyone?”
Eri furrowed her brow for a moment because surely if Romi had seen Avian’s wedding photos on social media, then she’d seen the ones Eri posted.
However, she remembered that Romi’s initial page got hacked, and she had to make another one.
She didn’t think she ever added the new one to her close friends, and that was where she posted pictures of her and Elias.
“I am. He and Avian’s husband are cousins.”
“Then he must be just as yummy. Can I see a picture? It’s okay if you don’t want to.”
Eri didn’t mind. She went to the living room to grab her phone and pulled up the most recent picture she and Elias had taken. As she retook her seat, she handed the phone to Romi.
“Damn,” Romi said. “What were their parents putting in their food?” She passed the phone back. “Is there another one among their ranks?” she asked.
Eri snorted at that. “There is, but you don’t want him. He’d be a project.”
“There’s always one,” her friend responded before changing the subject.
They finished dinner, Romi helping her clean the kitchen before they moved to the living room with a second glass of wine.
“Are you staying with your parents for now?” Eri asked.
“I am. I’ll stay there for a few months before looking for my own place. If I tried to leave now, I’m sure my mom would try to chain me up.”
Eri laughed. “If that’s the case, I’m surprised she let you out of her sight so soon.”
“She had a work event tonight, luckily for me, or I would have felt like I was in high school sneaking out all over again.”
“When do you start your new position?”
“Not for a couple of weeks. I wanted to give myself some downtime and time to acclimate to the time difference before starting. Before I do, though, we’ll have to get together again. Next time with Avian.”
“We can do that. We’re actually going to brunch next Sunday. Me, her, and Nesiah. You should come with us.”
“If I won’t be imposing. Who’s Nesiah, by the way?”
“Oh, she works for Marco, Avian’s husband. She’s cool. You two have similar personalities.”
“Brunch sounds like fun.”
The front door opened, pulling both of their attention, and the sigh Elias released was easily heard.
“Amate, why is the door unlocked? Cosa ti ho detto riguardo all’assicurarti che sia bloccato?” Elias paused when he saw she had company. “Oh, my bad.”
“It’s fine,” Eri replied. “Romi, this is my boyfriend, Elias. Elias, this is my friend Romi.”
“Nice to meet you,” he said.
“You too,” Romi replied, then turned her attention back to Eri. “How is he more attractive in person? Aren’t people usually more attractive in pictures?”
Eri laughed while Elias shook his head. “Your guess is as good as mine,” she replied.
Romi pursed her lips as if she were thinking. “How big of a project are we talking about exactly?”
“Massive,” Eri responded. She refrained from adding that she didn’t think Vince got the same genes Elias and Marco were blessed with.
“Such a shame.” She downed the rest of her wine and stood. “I will get out of your hair and see you next Sunday.”
Eri stood and hugged her, taking the glass from her. “Text me when you get home.”
“Will do. See you later. Nice meeting you again, Elias.”
“You too,” he replied.
Once Romi was out of the door, Elias locked it behind her as Eri carried the glasses to the kitchen and placed them in the sink.
“The door, Amate.”
She’d honestly hoped he’d forgotten about that. “I forgot to lock it back when I let Romi in. How did you know it was already unlocked?”
“I always check it before I knock.”
She should have figured as much. It sounded like something he would do. “What made you stop by?”
“Did you not want me to?” he teased.
“I didn’t say that.”
“I have an early appointment tomorrow, and your place is closer than mine.”
“No, it’s not. If you missed me already, you could have just said that,” she teased.
Elias pulled her into his chest and dropped a kiss on her lips. “I missed you,” he told her. “Come on. Come shower with me, and we’ll watch a couple of episodes of that show we started.”
Eri let him lead her to the bedroom. Well aware that they probably wouldn’t get through half an episode before they were occupying the rest of the night with each other.