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But the knowledge no longer leaves me giddy.
How will they react when I tell them that I’ve been expelled because of him? Will I be as good as dead to them, just like Olivia?
Years and years of their scowls being aimed at Olivia will finally be directed full-force towards me.
And Olivia won’t be there to stand up for me anymore.
“I’ll let you know what I can find.” My tone is cold as a Midwestern winter, only without the bite.
Bit by bit, the backbone that had started to grow melts away. I’m a pathetic piece of garbage. I don’t have an ounce of courage to tell my parents how cruel they are. How upset I am.
“Thank you, sweetie. We really appreciate it. I know it’s late. But give us a call when you can. Love you.”
“Love you,” I echo mechanically.
When was the last time they ever said that to Olivia?
The call disconnects and I slump in the chair, arm dropping into my lap. My neck cranes back until I’m staring at the stars fading into the pink smear of sunrise. They looked so beautiful earlier tonight.
Everything did.
But now …
Olivia is dead. A week ago.
And I didn’t know.
Rising out of my chair, I bolt down the stairs. It’s a miracle I don’t break my neck. I finish calling an Uber before I’m on the street. People, tourists and locals alike, are starting to wander the sandy shore nearby. It must be wonderful to feel the waves tickling your feet before the sun fully rises.
Konstantin really is lucky.
Konstantin.
With his name firm on my mind, I glance back at his place.I told him I’d stay and wait for him.I hate breaking promises, but this is an emergency.
I wish he’d given me his phone number so I could tell him I’m sorry.It hits me that Icouldleave mine if I just go back in and?—
The beep from the midnight blue Taurus that rolls up startles me. The driver waves at me through his cracked window.
“Emily Sullivan?” he asks.
Hesitating with a final look at Konstantin’s building, I climb into the car. “Yeah, that’s right.”
I’m sorry, Konstantin.
I can’t delay any further. I have to get to New York. The feeling is so pressing I begin fidgeting in the back seat of the car. My nails scrape over my naked knees, twisting the lavender hem of my dress until it begins to fray.
9
EMILY
When the carstops outside the Amalfi Central Hotel, I sprint up the steps. They left me gasping earlier this afternoon—has it even been twenty-four hours since I arrived?—but it doesn’t matter now.
Nothing can slow me down.
I’m moving so fast I bump into the door of my room. I drop the key and it takes me a few more tries before I finally enter.
Calm down. You don’t want to wake up?—
