Total pages in book: 34
Estimated words: 31818 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 159(@200wpm)___ 127(@250wpm)___ 106(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 31818 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 159(@200wpm)___ 127(@250wpm)___ 106(@300wpm)
“You all right?” I ask him. Church turns to face me. His eyes are as cold as ever. He speaks two words. Ones I never would have guessed coming.
“Angel Rothschild.”
Well, shit. This can’t be good.
18
RILEY
Ilie on Nikolai’s bed, trying to find something to read, but nothing is catching my eye. When my phone chimes, I grab it off the nightstand, thinking it’s going to be my sister or Nikolai, but it’s not.
Angel: I swear. Dead Ex has to be the worst trope ever!
I snort with laughter, realizing that she's right. It always gives off the vibe that you're in second place. You live in the shadow of a ghost.
Me: I'm not sure if it's a trope per se. But I agree. It sucks. Unless she hates the ex.
Angel: I guess I could maybe be okay with that.
Me: I'm trying to find something to read. I’m bored.
It’s still early. I checked the time. I’m sure Nikolai won’t be back until the middle of the night.
Angel: Same.
Angel: Where is your man?
Me: Work
Angel: You should come over. We can hang out and watch reality TV garbage.
Me: I don’t think I have really watched reality TV.
I never watched much TV at all. Mona would get me to watch movies from time to time, but more often than not, my eyes were glued to a book. I find it much more satisfying imagining the scenes and characters in my head.
Angel: WHAT! You must come over. I’ll prepare snacks.
I check the time again. It’s only seven. This would be a way to keep building this friendship I’m making with Angel. I’m just not sure I can leave.
Me: Let me check. BRB
I go in search of Sal, whom I left in the kitchen, eating some of the dinner I had left over.
“Is it good?” I ask when I enter the kitchen.
“Yeah.” He shows me his now empty plate.
“So I’ve got a question.”
“All right, hit me.”
“Am I allowed to like, go places?”
When I lived with my father, we couldn't do anything. We barely left the estate we lived on unless it was some sort of engagement he needed us to show our faces for.
“Why? What are you thinking?” Sal seems a bit apprehensive.
“Just a friend's house,” I quickly explain.
“A friend?” I nod. “Does Nikolai know this friend?” I roll my eyes. Of course that’s the first thing he would ask.
“Yes, it’s a girl. We have a book club together, and Nikolai is always there.”
“Nikolai is in a book club.”
“No!” I laugh. “He just hangs around the library after school while I do it. He’s my ride.”
“I don’t see why not, but I’ll need to clear it with Matteo.” Sal pulls out his phone. I watch as he clicks away. A few seconds later, my phone starts to ring. The screen displays my sister's name.
“Hey,” I say, answering it.
"You want to go out?"
"Wow, that was fast spreading." I laugh. "It's with a friend from school. I really like her. She asked me to come over and watch reality TV.”
"Oh, that sounds nice." I can hear the smile in her voice. "I don't see why not. There isn't a threat now that Father is gone." Our brother is, too, but I don't say that. We both know it.
"So can I go?"
"Yeah, it's kind of awesome to be able to say that. We can just go out. Do whatever we want. Well, within reason,” she quickly adds. I’m sure Matteo gave her a look about that. She is right, though, it is different to be free. Our lives have changed so much in such a short time. "With a driver, of course."
"You mean Sal?"
“Yes, and he’ll wait for you.”
“I feel kind of bad making someone wait around for me.”
“It would be here or there,” Sal says, butting into my conversation, but it is about him.
"See, it’s fine,” my sister adds.
“Okay, I love you.” I can’t control the slight excitement I feel.
“Love you too, and I can’t wait to meet her.”
“We’re not dating.” I laugh.
“Oh, we’ll be talking about your dating life the next time I see you.” Oh crap. “Yes, I know.”
“Don’t be mad. I didn’t want to make waves.”
“Riley, it’s fine. I’m only teasing you. Go have fun with your friend.” We say our goodbyes, and I go collect my bag and Kindle to take with me. Angel texts me her address, so I can forward it to Sal.
“Swanky part of town.” Sal whistles when he sees the address.
“And what is this?” I motion around us as we get into the car. Matteo owns the whole building, but the condo takes up the top three floors, and on the roof is an infinity pool. I wouldn't be shocked if this were the most expensive condo in the whole city. “We’re not exactly living in the poor section of town.” I raise an eyebrow at him.