19

Caterina

My coworker, Josh, lifts his beer in my direction while we stand around the bar. “To the end of your first month. You survived.”

I lift my glass along with everybody else, laughing a little, even if the unhappy thought of Gianni is always close to the front of my mind. How he hates me, wants to hurt me, can’t stand the sight of me, and how I stupidly still want him.

“You make it sound like there was ever any doubt,” I joke, forcing a smile while trying to push thoughts of him aside.

I wasn’t sure at first whether I wanted to come out for Friday's happy hour. I was afraid of what would happen if I got home, and he was waiting for me, demanding to know where I went. But I’d already turned them down so many times.

Now I’m glad I said yes. I needed this. It’s like stepping out of a cave and into the sunshine. The warmth of the sun feels good on my skin.

Without the nagging feeling I’m being watched hanging over me, I can even enjoy myself while sitting in the same club where Luci