Page 98 of Ruin

I see red, an image of his head slamming against concrete, my hands soaked in his blood, as I crush his skull to ensure that he never looks at her like that again.

I drag in a breath so sharp it cuts. She’s standing theretalking to him, back and forth, a conversation. But she won’t even answer my texts.

Right there, I vow I will never let that fucker have my girl.

41

Giovanna

The flower doesn’t look like much when I first see it in my room at my parents’ house. It’s delicate, almost shy, its pale petals open, delicate as porcelain, on my vanity. But when I lean closer, I know immediately what it is: the Shenzhen Nongke orchid doesn’t bloom like other flowers.

Its petals are luminous, almost translucent, edged with a faint green-gold sheen that catches the light like glass. The throat of the blossom holds a wash of lavender so subtle it looks like it has been painted on by a master’s brush.

I touch the curve of one petal and it feels unreal, smoother than silk, so fragile I’m afraid it might collapse beneath my fingertip.

I know it’s from Tommy. Only Tommy would find an orchid that costs a quarter of a million dollarsanddoesn’t occur in natureandmanage to find it in bloom, an event which happens only once every five years.

That he can do, but showing up when he says he’ll be there? Impossible.

The fact that this is here means he knows about the party. Will he be here? I haven’t heard from him in months, though I heard he went to my parents’ house looking for me, and on more than one occasion I’ve seen him from a distance. Always hanging back, always watching.

Lexi gasps. “Oh my God, what is this? I’ve never seen anything so gorgeous.”

“It’s a Shenzhen Nongke orchid,” I say, opening the card attached:When you’re ready, I’m here.

I close my eyes softly and press the card to my heart. Fuck, Tommy. I miss him so much.

“Holy shit, I’ve heard of these! Aren’t they like $100,000 each?”

“More like $200,000,” I say. “It took eight years of research to create them. To find one that would be in bloom right now must have been—”

“Really fucking hard,” says Lexi. She gasps, and I swipe away the tear that’s about to fall. “Oh my God. Gigi…”

I look up to see her holding a small gold jewelry box, her eyes wide. I take it from her, open it gingerly, and almost choke. It’s a huge square-cut diamond on a simple platinum band, an engagement ring. I’m struck with the urge to put it on, call him, skip this stupid party my dad put on for his friends, and go get my man.

But then I put it into perspective. It’s typical Tommy: a big forever gesture with no time invested in just talking to me or seeing me in months.

“Tommy?” Lexi asks softly.

I give a single nod. It’s all I can do without crying. She hugs me as we stare at the ring together.

“What are you going to do?”

I wipe my eyes. “Drink,” I say, and Lexi laughs.

“You fucking graduated, bitch! With a double major, summa cum laude, honors, all that shit. You’re a badass bitch, and tonight you willnotbe sad. You will drink. And if you let me, I will find you the perfect cock to ride so you forget that man completely.”

I scoff. Any man who tries to fuck me after Tommy will sadly fail before he even gets started. “That would only make me more depressed.”

“Yeah,” she sighs. “Too bad he’s such a great fuck.”

I look at her sharply.

“From what you said! Not that I would know! Jesus, relax. Now come on. Let’s drink!”

My parents definitely went all out for this party. My dad has lights up everywhere around the pool and walkways through the garden. There are bars set up in strategic locations, food tables, waiters walking with trays, and a DJ.

Everyone seems to be having a good time, laughing and talking. I do my best to drink and relax and accept everyone’s congratulations, but Lexi keeps disappearing to flirt or chat with girls we hung out with in high school, and I soon find myself watching the festivities from the fringes instead of taking part.