Page 26 of Devious Love

That will be good for me. It’ll give this crush time to go away.

part 2

CHAPTER 7

the audacity of some people

MIA

Age 18

August

As I stepout onto the sidewalk, I pull my suitcase behind me. The straps of my backpack dig into my shoulders as I look one way then the other.

Now that I’m in Monterey, I’m not so sure surprising my family is the best idea, but it’s too late now. They know I’m coming, they just don’t know it’s today. The last time I showed up unannounced, I didn’t tell anyone except Chiara I was in town. If the truth comes out? I shake my head. I don’t even want to think about it.

When my phone buzzes in my bag, I huddle in the nearest corner, pull my suitcase out of the way of other travelers, and fish my phone out of my bag. When I hit Accept, Dad’s smiling face appears on the screen.

“Hey.”

“Hi, sweetie. Are you in Monterey already? I’m still getting used to the time difference, so I might be wrong.”

“I just landed. I’m leaving the airport now.”

“Did you call your brother? Let him know you were on your way?”

“Nope.” I take off my backpack and balance it on the suitcase, and the tension in my shoulders instantly evaporates.

“Why not? He’d have been thrilled to meet you at the airport and help you with your luggage.”

“Do I need to google the definition of ‘surprise’ and send you the link?”

“Har, har. Have you learned nothing from last year’s surprise?”

Cheeks flaming, I bite my bottom lip. Dad doesn’t knowwhatwent wrong, but he knows I came running back to Phoenix as if my ass was on fire. He did his best to pry information from me, but…

I exhale through my nose. It’s better if he doesn’t know.

It’s best if no one ever knows.

“I’m doing things differently this time,” I tell him. “Plus, you know how Mom is, especially since I haven’t visited in so long. She won’t leave me alone now that school is starting.”

“I know. Sorry it came to this.”

“Dad! You working for the University of Milan is a dream come true. I’m happy for you, so please stop feeling bad about moving. You’re living inItaly. How could anyone feel guilty about that? This is finally your chance to see the world.”

He chuckles, though it’s half-hearted.

“Besides,” I say, giving him a bright smile, “college in Monterey will be great. I’ll be fine.”

“You’re my little girl; I’ll never stop worrying about you,” Dad murmurs. “It might take some time to adjust to college life, so I’m happy you’ll be near your mom and Matthew. And Allan and Dominic.”

Ugh, this is the part I’m not so thrilled about. I have nothing against Allan. The distance I put between myself and my familyhas helped me gain perspective, and I learned quickly that my stepfather really is a good man. He has my utmost respect and my deepest apologies for my bratty behavior. Actually, “bratty” doesn’t even come close to describing the way I behaved. No, I was a straight-up bitch to him, and no matter how many times I say I’m sorry, it won’t be enough.

But Dominic? Nah, I don’t even want to go there.

To change the subject, I ask, “How are you?”