Page 53 of Ashes

“Yes, Father.” It’s perfectly clear, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to do it.

“Why are you even going there so much?”

I shrug. “It’s fun. I’m bored. Do you remember Rodrigo’s friend? He recommended me to join, so I did.”

“Fun?”

“Yes.”

He stares at me as if he’s trying to see through me, but I give him nothing. I’ve had plenty of practice.

Finally, he gets to his feet.

“Don’t forget what I said.” He turns to me before leaving through the door.

“I won’t.” I down the whiskey.

Once my father’s gone, I go find Paola.

I want to punch something, and I know she can make me feel better and distract me instead.

When I knock on her door, she instantly opens it.

“What happened?” she asks. “What did he want?”

“He’s horrified that I’d dare to take my wife to that vile club.”

“Well, it’s definitely scandalous,” she says as she steps away from the door.

I snort as I follow her inside.

“What now?”

“Nothing. I don’t care what my father says.”

“But he knows what we’re doing, or does he?”

“Someone reported to him. He has his spies, but I don’t think he knows why we’re really going to that club.”

“And if he somehow finds out?” Worry creases her brow.

“It doesn’t matter. I’ll deal with the consequences. I won’t let him go anywhere near you.”

“But what about you?” She tilts her head.

“What about me?”

“It’s like you have two personalities. I mean, earlier at the club, you seemed happy. More like the real you, I think. And then, with your father, it’s like you became someone else. Someone cold and emotionless. I don’t like the other guy. I don’t like the person your father turns you into.”

“He doesn’t turn me into someone else. I just... It’s better not to show what I feel around him.”

“But why? Does he think you’re supposed to be a stone or a robot?”

“Maybe.”

We sit down on her bed, and her fingers brush mine. I catch her hand, caressing her palm.

“But how do you do it? How do you just switch it all off?” she asks.