Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 56378 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 282(@200wpm)___ 226(@250wpm)___ 188(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56378 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 282(@200wpm)___ 226(@250wpm)___ 188(@300wpm)
“It’s fine,” I tell Lilly.
“I shouldn’t have drunk so much. He hasn’t come by your house, has he?”
“He doesn’t have my address. You?”
She shakes her head. “He was probably just trying to freak us out, act tough, right?”
Her voice wavers when she says right. I place my hand on hers, smiling tightly. “Yeah, I bet you’re right. I don’t think we should even worry about it anymore. He’s out of our lives, and that’s that.”
I haven’t told her about his threats of legal action or the apology I have to give him. It would just make her feel even worse. It’s not her fault some weirdo targeted her and made our night miserable. He contacted me through Dad, probably finding him on his company’s website. A simple email with “Legal Action” as the subject is all it took.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Lilly asks.
“Why?”
“You just seem quiet.”
I force a smile. The last thing I need is to mope because Nico never texted me back. What was he even supposed to say? He made a joke. I sent laughing emojis. Did I expect a love poem in response?
My aunt, Lucy, is here for the party. She stands across the firepit with her business partner, Giancarlo. Gian has high cheekbones and wears thick-framed hipster glasses, reflecting in the firelight. Lucy laughs at everything he says as she sips her glass of wine. Lucy’s here, but not her husband. No Nico. It shouldn’t matter. It doesn’t.
I busy myself snapping candid shots at the party. I aim to capture people at their most genuine, unposed moments. I get some heartwarming ones of Mom and Dad holding each other near the fire. Then, a funny one of Mom giving Dad cooking advice at the grill, which he clearly doesn’t think he needs. I move through the crowds, saying hello to old acquaintances. When I head inside to snap some more, my screen shows a low battery sign, so I head upstairs to change the batteries.
“Gian…”
Is that Aunt Lucy’s voice? I stop in the hallway, the hairs on the back of my neck standing up. People say that, don’t they? But I don’t think I’ve ever actually had it happen to me. Lucy sounds like she’s enjoying whatever’s happening.
“We shouldn’t,” she goes on with a moan. “Not here…”
I creep along the hallway. This is wrong. I should turn back, pretend I heard nothing. If Lucy’s cheating on Nico, it’s none of my business. But I keep going. I can’t understand how anybody would cheat on him—he’s just a handsome man, and I really don’t know him all that well. I only know him from a quick meeting in a cafe and a few texts.
The door to the guestroom is half open. I hold my breath, peering around the edge of the door. Giancarlo has his arms wrapped around Lucy. They’re kissing. Both of them have their eyes closed.
I move away, feeling cold, sick, and dirty. I shouldn’t have done that. Now what? Should I tell him? Is that my place?
Quickly going to my bedroom, I replace the camera’s battery and rejoin the party. I’m glad I’m on this side of the camera. I don’t think I’d be able to force a smile after what I just saw.
CHAPTER 6
NICO
It’s almost time for the meeting with Enzo. I sit at my desk, drumming my fingers, my phone open in front of me. I’m looking at the last text my niece sent me, the one with the laughing emoji. The emoji reminds me of the distance between us—in age, appropriateness, experience, and everything.
Nobody I talk to uses emojis, not really. Lucy might throw one in from time to time, but not like this. Am I making this into something it’s not? I’ve spent the past day, between my long working hours, replaying the meeting in the cafe, imagining what her untamed hair would feel like if I gently ran my fingers through it, leaned in, and kissed her soft-looking lips.
What. The. Fuck. Is. Wrong. With. Me?
I quickly type a text.
Me: It’s showtime this evening, Arria. I hope you’re ready.
For the next hour, I work, attempting to focus on the boring legal documents. When my phone makes an alert noise, I grab it way too quickly.
Arriana: What if I’ve had second thoughts?
I grind my teeth. Ugly images flash across my mind. The things Enzo will do to her if she doesn’t play along. His comments about her still make me so livid I want to become Nico the Nightmare again.
Me: That isn’t an option. I’ve already told him you’re willing to apologize. He specifically commented on needing to believe you so that he would withhold any legal proceedings. We have to satisfy his ego. I’m sorry. I can pick you up.
Arriana: I’m not his performing monkey, Nico. But fine. I’ll be there. What time is it?