Page 16 of Devious Love

“I know,” Dominic says.

Trip? Curiosity piqued, I straighten.

“So you don’t mind if we throw a party?” Matt says.

I frown, confused. What party? Is it for my birthday? A surprise party for me? That thought makes my pulse tick up a little.

My mom sighs. “Allan and I talked, and we decided we trust you not to turn the whole house upside down. So, the answer is yes.”

“You’re the best, Mom,” Matt says, his voice a little too loud.

“Yeah, Monica, thank you so much.”

The three of them step into the kitchen, and when they notice me, they halt in their tracks.

“Hi.” I wave clumsily. How should I play this? Should I pretend like I didn’t hear their conversation?

“Hi, sweetie.” Mom shuffles over and kisses my cheek. “Did you have dinner already?”

“Yup.”

The room falls into awkward silence. The only noise is the rustling of paper bags as the boys unload the groceries.

My palms start to sweat. I take a sip of my hot chocolate, but it does nothing to ease the tightness in my throat.

“Mom, can I ask you something?”

Eyebrow raised, she peers at me.

“Would it be okay if Chiara comes to my birthday dinner tomorrow and then stays the night?”

She pulls her phone out of her pocket, checks the time, and then focuses on me. “Sweetheart, um, the thing is…Allan and I are flying to Vegas tomorrow. He has a meeting with one of his customers, and if the deal works out, it’ll bring in a lot of money.”

My body goes cold, and a heaviness invades my limbs and lungs. I thin my lips.

“When will you be back?”

“On Sunday.”

Wow.My chest pangs, the sensation sharp enough to make me rub at the spot.

“So, no birthday party, no birthday dinner…noted.” I stand and pick up my half-full mug.

Matt and Dom keep quiet, but I feel their eyes on me. Unwilling to let them see how upset I am, I straighten my shoulders and skirt Mom on my way to the sink. As I focus on keeping my breathing even, I pour the rest of my hot chocolate into the sink and stick the mug in the dishwasher.

“Mia, please,” Mom says. “Don’t be angry. This trip came up last minute, and unfortunately, we can’t reschedule. It’s very important for Allan’s business, for our family. It’ll help pay for college for the boys next year. Plus, it’ll allow us to save up for your college too.”

“No worries, Mom. Whatever you need.” I keep my back to her as I load the dishes from the sink as well.

“We’ll celebrate your birthday once we’re back. Then, your dad can be there too. It’ll be amazing,” Mom coos. “And of course, Chiara can come. It’s not even a question.”

I nod, drying my hands.

She steps up beside me and puts a hand on my shoulder, trying to catch my gaze. “And you won’t be alone tomorrow; the boys are throwing a party for the team. I’m sure it’ll be a lot of fun.”

Oh.

My heart sinks.