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A growing sense of suspicion knots in my stomach. This is not how I imagined spending the morning after such a magical night.
Last night was… everything. I’m still exhausted but going out with the guys was beyond incredible. The way Nico and Enzo twirled and dipped me across the dance floor, their touches gentle and romantic, made me feel like I was in a dream.
A small smile tugs at my lips as I remember the events of the night. I’m still not sold on Mafia life being a good thing but… they’re pretty amazing.
I look back to my mom, who is radiating stress in waves.
"Are you okay?" I ask tentatively, hoping she'll confide in me.
“Yes. Just waiting until Albert gets home,” she says, still pacing.
“Okay,” I exhale, drinking my coffee and turning my attention back to my phone, desperate for a distraction.
I scroll through social media, looking at all the pictures from last night. My entire feed is filled with beautiful dresses and happy couples. As I’m scrolling through, I come across a familiar picture.
Enzo uploaded a pic of the three of us dancing. The lights are playing across our faces and we look so damn happy it hurts. I hover over it and heart it. The caption just reads one word.
“Forever.”
Be still my freaking heart.
I scroll some more and see another familiar face.
Julia.
I gently swipe my finger over the glossy photos of Julia, her radiant smile and sparkling eyes making my heart ache slightly. And she has a date, standing arm in arm with a handsome boy in a tuxedo. They both look breathtakingly beautiful.
I miss her.
My mom is still pacing and I haven’t heard from the boys this morning so I decide to take the time to do something that will help me.
I set down my coffee and pull up my messages.
The last text Julia and I exchanged was from ages ago. I regret pushing her away when my life imploded but I just didn’t know what to say.
I start typing out something heartfelt, only to delete it moments later. My fingers hover over the keyboard as I chew on my lip, trying to find the right words.
Finally, I settle for a simple message: You looked stunning last night! I can’t believe I missed you when we were there! Let's get together soon xx
I hit send and watch the screen anxiously, hoping for a response. It's been over a month since I've talked to any of my friends, and the distance between us is starting to feel permanent.
Living here among all this wealth has the nasty side effect of making me feel like a stranger in my own skin. My reflection in the polished table makes me question who I've become. Tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear, I can't help but feel disappointed in myself.
I should have tried harder to keep those relationships. What kind of person just drops their friends when they move?
My mother plops down in the chair across from me, looking anxious and pale.
"Mom. You look terrible. Are you sure you’re okay?" I ask again. I watch her, worriedly.
She shakes her head and sighs. “No, sweetheart. Albert will be home soon and he’ll explain.”
I want to kick the table in frustration. I didn’t ask her about Albert. I wanted to know about her.
Instead, I sigh and look back at my phone. My mother is starting to sound like a broken record. It's really killing my vibe. I take a slow sip of my coffee, the warmth seeping through my body and momentarily calming me. The door to the garage slams shut and it jolts my mom into a rigid stance.
Something is definitely wrong.
I carefully set down my mug and look around, suddenly on high alert.
