Page 42 of Devious Love

My hackles rise, but I force a smile. “That’s okay. I plan to find a part-time job once I get settled into my school schedule. I’ll be saving up.”

“Looks like you figured everything out already.” She purses her lips. “Can’t say I’m surprised. You never visited while you lived in Phoenix, like you couldn’t care less about me, yet you’ve only been apart from your dear daddy for a couple of weeks, and you’re already planning a trip.Lovely.”

Anger simmers in my blood. “I’ve apologized for not visiting a thousand times. Bringing it up constantly won’t change the past. Manipulation isn’t really my thing, I’m sorry.”

Her eyes widen. “I wasn’t?—”

I stand and pick up my plate. “I love you, Mom, really, but I love Dad too. That’s how it always will be.”

“Mia,” she says, suddenly contrite. “I shouldn’t have said anything. I’m sorry.”

“Thank you.” I put my plate in the dishwasher and turn to face her. “He never says a bad word about you, but you can’t seem to help yourself every time we’re together. It’s so disheartening.”

Lips twisted, she lowers her gaze to her feet. Silence hangs between us, making my stomach clench, but I won’t give in. I stood up for myself, and I’ll hold my ground. With a sigh, I leave the kitchen. It’s time to get ready anyway.

Chiara standswith her back pressed to her small convertible, typing furiously on her phone. She looks adorable in her blue tee, light blue jeans, and white sneakers, especially with her hair styled in two thick braids.

When I step in front of her, she looks up, like she just realized I’m here. “Merda.” She shakes her head, slipping her phone into her purse. “You scared me.”

“If you hadn’t been busy arguing over text, you would’ve noticed me.”

She frowns. “I wasn’t arguing.”

“No?”

“No. I was defending my choices. Mama and Papa don’t approve of my plans for Welcome Week. They think that since I’m not working, I should be spending more time with them.”

“Sorry.” I give her a quick hug. “Speaking of work, I was thinking of applying at Luigi’s. Maybe serving, but not until after fall semester. Think you could put in a good word for me?”

“Do you think that’s a good idea? Juggling school and work?”

“I’m good at managing my time. I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

Chia steps into me, one brow arched. “What’s going on? How come you haven’t mentioned this before?”

I rub my forehead. “I told Mom I wanted to spend next summer in Italy, and she got upset. Made it clear I’ll have to pay for it myself, so I need to start saving up.”

“Ugh, that sucks. She was so excited about you moving home, I figured she’d treat you better.”

I sigh, feeling weighed down. “She’s been better, but not when it comes to my dad. It pisses me off too. He has so much respect for her while she acts like he kidnapped me and kept me in Phoenix against my will.”

“Yikes.” She grasps my hand. “I’m always here for you. Remember that. And when you’re ready to apply to Luigi’s, let me know. I’ll hook you up.”

“Thank you so much, Chia.”

“Should we go?” She nods at the student center across the parking lot. “Orientation check-in starts there.”

“How wasyour first night on campus?” I ask after orientation.

Jeff smiles, his dark green eyes glimmering. “It was awesome. Our roommates haven’t moved in yet, so we had our rooms to ourselves.”

“I’m kinda jealous,” Chia says, picking up her quesadilla. All day, she’s been trying her best to dislike Jeff, but he’s a genuinely nice guy, and I can tell he’s winning her over.

“Why?” Tessa asks as she stabs at her salad.

Chiara, who’s just taken a huge bite, shrugs.

I answer for her. “I think it’s because you’ll be living on campus, in the middle of all the fun, while we’ll be at home with our parents.”