23

Caterina

I’m going to be sick.

No matter how many times I look at this blown-up photo, it never changes. I need to stop staring at it, but I can’t, even if it makes me feel a little more nauseous every time I do.

My first worry is my father. No matter what, he can’t find out. I’d never be able to explain myself. And then there’s Tatiana.

Gianni notices what I’m holding and gestures for me to share it, setting down the little package he was carrying before crossing the room. “What’s the problem? Whatever it is, we’ll work it out together.”

I want more than anything to believe him, but he’s a big part of the problem, so I’m not sure how he’d help—aside from promising to never touch me again, and I already know how it goes when he tries that. It’s a waste of time that makes us both miserable, and we only end up together in the end.

“Promise you won’t get mad?”

He arches an eyebrow, his mouth screwing up in a smirk. Even now, with my vision blurred, thanks to all the crying, I can’t look