The First to Die at the End (Death-Cast #0)(35)

Valentino fights back a yawn. “Dalma is right. I’m tired and not thinking clearly. Having dinner in the middle of the night or attending a photo shoot shouldn’t outweigh everything you’ll get to do with my heart.”

I crouch beside Valentino, gazing into his reddened blue eyes. “What you want to do for me is so beyond beautiful that I’m already indebted to you, even if nothing happens. But I’m not going to live the life you want for me if it means you not living yours out while you can.”

Dalma is staring daggers. “Orion, can we talk outside?”

“Happily,” I say sharply.

I squeeze Valentino’s shoulder on the way out, closing the door behind me.

Dalma clasps her hands together, like she’s in prayer. “Please let this boy save your life.”

“Please stop encouraging him to drop dead fast.”

“You’re setting yourself and Valentino up for failure. Be logical. If Valentino can basically die in his sleep, isn’t that so much more merciful than whatever horrific tragedy awaits him otherwise?”

The longer Valentino lives, the closer he’s pushed to his death. I get that. But I can’t make peace with deciding when he clocks out. “This has to be his call, Dalma.”

“I’m sure he’ll be open to your input. It’s your heart now.”

“Nope, it’s still his heart.”

“It won’t be anyone’s heart if he dies.”

“Then it’s not meant to be.”

This little fairy tale might have an unhappy ending.

If only Death-Cast could tell us how someone was going to die so we could try to dodge it, or even what time it was going to happen so we know how many hours—or minutes—we’re working with here. The stakes are too high.

“Death-Cast already opened this one door for me. Maybe it’ll open another if Valentino’s gets slammed in my face.”

Dalma is tearing up. “I’m starting to think you don’t want this surgery.”

“You know I do.”

“Then what is it? Why aren’t you going to bat for yourself as hard as I am?”

I’m quiet, then: “When we met Valentino, I already couldn’t stop thinking about how much I want to get to know him. Hanging out at his place, inviting him to ours. Being his tour guide through the city. I just want to get to know him while I can, especially before I carry his heart for the rest of my life.”

There’s nothing like speaking your truths out loud. I swear by that.

It’s sinking in with Dalma, who sighs. “So what do we do? I’m all good with keeping him company, but we’ve got to bubble wrap him or something. And make sure he doesn’t do anything too crazy.”

I take a second, not wanting to start a fight right as we’ve chilled down. But in my stupid, busted, murderous heart, I know I’m in the right with this. “I think I got to chill with Valentino alone.”

Her eyes narrow. “What?”

“I want him to have a comfortable End Day, and I don’t know if you’re going to give him that space he needs to breathe, or if he’s going to be too on edge around you now.”

“I’m not going to slap linguini out of his hands if that’s what you’re getting at.”

“Does he know that?”

“Why are you punishing me for trying to protect you?”

“I’m not. I love how you got my back. I just want to have his and make sure that he doesn’t die without living first.”

Dalma and I are so used to doing everything together, and whenever we go our own ways, it’s usually her call. This is throwing her off big-time.

“If this is what you want, I’m set. I said my piece.”

I hug her so fast we almost tumble over. “Thanks, D.”

“What can I do for you?”

“Can you find Dr. Emeterio and clue her in? I want to get Valentino out of here before she guilts him into staying.”

Dalma nods. “You better keep your phone on you.”

“I will. Take a cab home and text me when you’re there, okay?” I kiss Dalma’s forehead and turn for the exam room’s door.

“Be really careful, Orion,” Dalma says.

“I’m not going to die today. Bright side of Death-Cast.”

“That doesn’t mean you won’t get hurt . . . or heartbroken.”

Suddenly, everything feels so tense it’s like I might pop into a thousand pieces. I’m embarking on a really dangerous journey to keep someone alive who is destined to die. For every minute I buy him, that’s more time getting to know him. The longer I know him, the harder everything will hurt.

I can’t predict the future like Death-Cast, but I already know that my time with Valentino will end in heartbreak.





Valentino


2:51 a.m.

Orion returns, alone. One star in this bright examination room.

“Are you ready?” he asks.

I’m not sure what he’s talking about. Has Orion changed his stance on how much time I should have before we begin surgery? Or is this Dr. Emeterio making the call? If that’s the case, then I’m not ready. Scarlett is finally on her way, and I can’t go now.

Orion smiles, and I know I must have it wrong.