I am a little startled by my friends' sudden attack. Why would they assume that I am crushing on someone? I am not! Absolutely not!

   Sunny starts fidgeting, splashing foam everywhere, in an attempt to sit more comfortable facing me.

   "Kitty, stop moving so much," Em mutters. "You will leave no foam in the tub. Do I have to remind you that we are naked?"

   "What's the problem?" he shrugs his shoulders carelessly. "We are only boys here. Jamie won't be impressed anyway. He is straight."

   "I doubt that," Em sneers. 

   "What do you mean?" Sunny peeks at me puzzled. "He hooks up only with girls."

   "It doesn't mean that he doesn't like boys too," Em states.

   "What?" Sunny shrieks, pointing a finger at me. "You are straight, right? Cause you were licking Em's abs and..."

   "I am straight," I interrupt him. "I apologized and you said that we were friends. It was not sexual at all. We were just dancing and..."

   "Oh, please!" Em rolls his eyes and starts gathering the remaining foam over Sunny. "That was only us being stupid at the party, but otherwise..."

   "I think I know better than you what my preferences are," I glare at him.

   Sunny grabs a pair of boxers from the nearby vanity countertop and starts putting them on under the water, gazing at me suspiciously.

   "Are you both insane?" I shriek. "Even if I was attracted to boys, which I am not, it doesn't mean I'd jump every male I see. Sunny, you're safe, I assure you." 

   "Kitty is not every male," Em winks, "and has a really fine ass."

   "Stop it!" Sunny slaps his thigh. "Jamie, I am so sorry! Honestly, we are being total idiots. I was just so surprised that you like..."

   "I do not!" I huff desperately.

   "Oh, yes! Right!" he nods energetically. "Sorry! Is it the girl from the airport? Did you ask her to go out with you?"

   "If it was the girl," Em doesn't give up, "he would be bragging all the time and not running around the garden in a bath robe in the middle of the night. Who was texting you at dinner?"

   I frown and remain silent.

   "What is so bad about liking a guy?" Sunny mumbles. I hear the subtle reproach in his tone

   "Nothing, of course," I answer. "I never said it was bad. Everyone can be with whoever they want."

   "That's exactly what I am saying," Em raises a brow at me. I decide to pretend I didn't see it.

   "So, what's the plan for tomorrow?" I assume it's safest to change the subject. 

   "Oh, we are spending the day in Bologna," Sunny instantly beams. "Right, Dārin? I didn't know that the oldest university in the world was here. We are definitely visiting the Archiginnasio*. I can't wait to see the  Anatomical Theatre. They started performing public dissections for the anatomy students to learn the internal parts of the body back in the 16th century. Can you imagine! I read all about it. It is going to be awesome."

   "That's great!" I smile at his enthusiasm. "Em told me that we are also climbing the Asinelli Tower** Do you know that it has 498 steps?"

   "No way!" he giggles. "I should have worked out more. That's a lot of steps."

   "Don't worry, kitty," Em places a kiss on the tip of his nose. "I'll give you a piggyback ride if you get tired."

   "That is not really possible," I grin. "You know that the passage is very narrow."

   "We will take a walk along Piazza Maggiore***, of course, and have lunch in Em's favorite Trattoria," Sunny adds. "Oh, and we can do some shopping as well."

   "Wow, that's pretty much for one day." I can already feel my feet aching. Sunny is such an enthusiast when it comes to sightseeing and buying souvenirs, especially fridge magnets. "In this case, it's time to go to bed. Thank you, guys, for warming me up in your tub."

   "Put on some of my clothes," Em offers. "Don't go out naked again."

   "Thanks!" I unwillingly get out of the warm water and head for the door.

   "Hey, Jamie," Em calls after me. I turn around. He smiles softly. "Don't stress so much about who you like. Everything will be ok."

   "It's your fault," I pout. "Next time you better ask me before giving..."

   "I know," he doesn't let me finish. "You are going to thank me later. I promise."

   "Smart-arse," I grumble. "Good night!"

___________________________________

* The first unified seat of the University of Bologna, built in 16th century

** One of Le Due Torri, the leaning towers which are also a symbol of Bologna, the other being Garisenda Tower

*** The largest square in the historic center of Bologna

A/N

Hello everyone at the end of Chapter 9!

Thank you for reading and supporting! ❤❤❤

You're amazing!

Do you think Em guessed about Jamie crushing on Gio? 😉

Share your thoughts, be free to express yourself and criticize, if you feel it's necessary.

And don't forget to vote, if you enjoyed the story.

Love: Anny

Photo 76399257 © Rosshelen | Dreamstime.com

Photo 330644841 © Ranta Images | istockphoto.com