CHAPTER 88

Sophie

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The afternoon was usual. Summer oppressed the atmosphere, making the air thick and stagnant. The blue of the L-shaped pool contrasted with the vibrant green carpet of grass, hiding the hard ground beneath it in the backyard of Luca’s villa. I laid on the white outdoor pool lounge chair beneath the citrus tree that provided shade from the angry sun; its refreshing tart smell of lime traced the air, stamping its presence in the backyard.

My mind was as thick as the air as Romi’s words lingered. A soft groan escaped me. Was I cursed? Why did all the men in my life leave me? First my father, then Alex. What if Luca left me too?

I reached out for the chilled orange juice that had begun to succumb to the hot air. Bringing the transparent straw to my lips, I sipped from it. Although drowned in my ugly thoughts, I still took some seconds to appreciate the zesty tang that tantalized my tongue.

If only my life could be as sweet as this orange juice.

The soft thud stole the silence f