Page 72 of Devious Love

Clutchinga huge pink teddy bear to my chest, I unlock my phone and navigate to the messages app. I have no idea how I’ll explain this giant toy to my family, considering Mom and Mattthink I’m staying at Chiara’s. But this is mine, and there’s no way I’m getting rid of it.

Chiara:

Any fun plans for the weekend?

Tessa:

My only plan is to survive. I have a shit ton of homework

Chiara:

Think you’ll have time to hang out?

Tessa:

Maybe. Isn’t there a bonfire tomorrow night?

Me:

That’s next Saturday

Chiara:

Wow. Look who finally joined the chat

Jeff:

How is Dominic?

Tessa:

Wait…WHAT?! Why am I always out of the loop?

Mia left the chat.

Chiara added Mia to the chat.

I scoff and type out a response.

Me:

He’s fine, and I never tell any of you anything

I silence my phone and slip it back into my purse as Dominic approaches. His white tee and worn-out black jeans fit himperfectly. I don’t even mind the smoke curling from the cigarette he holds between his fingers.

“Ready to go home?” he asks.

I nod.

“Did you talk to Monica?”

“Yeah, I told her I’m with Chia.”

He unlocks the car and opens my door for me. Before I slide in, he takes the teddy bear from me and puts it in the backseat. As he rounds the hood, I buckle my seat belt, the lightness I’ve felt all day suddenly evaporating. My heart shrinks inside my chest at the thought of returning to reality. I don’t want this to end. I want to hug him whenever I want, kiss him and hold his hand. But at home, I’m his stepsister, and the freedom we’ve been basking in will come to an end.

I’m getting ahead of myself. I exhale, reminding myself that while today has been fun, we’ve yet to talk about what any of it means.

“There’s a spot nearby where you can see the whole city. Want to take a quick detour before heading home?”