Page 39 of Maurizio

I didn’t look back as the sedan pulled away. I just gripped my key fob and unlocked my car. I climbed inside and locked the doors.

For a long time, I sat there in the driver’s seat, staring at the dashboard. I had clothes in my trunk. I couldn’t return to Maurizio’s place like this. I tried to convince myself I was angry, but all I felt was empty and thrown away, just like Lord wanted.

I started the engine and drove to a hotel. I didn’t remember the drive. I only knew that I needed to shower and change. When I arrived at Maurizio’s townhouse, it was around ten o’clock. The lights were on, and he was waiting for me.

I sat in the car for ten full minutes, breathing in and out, letting the cold air conditioner dry the last of the tears on my cheeks.

I would go inside.

I would tell Maurizio nothing.

I would pretend that none of it happened.

As I looked down at the trembling hands gripping the steering wheel, I knew the truth.

I wasn’t a fool anymore.

We were over over. If I wasn’t sure before. I was sure now.