Don't Need You - Lilian Monroe Page 0,9

supposedly devoted to her since high school.

But I straighten myself up and wipe my palms over my cheeks. I think of my new job. My new start. My new roommate.

Yes, I’m running away.

Can you blame me?

About two months ago, I got an email from a recruiter saying Woodvale Elementary was looking for a new teacher for the rest of the year, since one of theirs was going on maternity leave. When I read the email, I felt hopeful for the first time in months. Years.

Angelo never wanted me to work. He said he could look after me, but I think it was just another way to keep me small.

Woodvale Elementary was my first real lifeline. A new job, a fresh start…that meant everything to me. It still does.

The best part? The recruiter told me there was a chance to get a full-time position in the fall, all going well. Full time! It doesn’t even matter that I hadn’t taught in years. My qualifications are still up to date, and Woodvale Elementary is looking to take on lots of new staff.

Things could work out.

I’d never even heard of Woodvale before that email. I had to look up the town online. I saw pictures of lush, green trees. The Pacific Ocean. Sailboats moored at a marina. Golf courses.

Most importantly, I saw the distance between here and there. Between me and Angelo. The Pacific Northwest is not somewhere I thought I’d end up—but it’s a three-thousand-mile plane ride away, and Angelo’s afraid of flying.

And when Robbie told me his copilot was from that very same town?

Fate. Kismet. Destiny.

It has to be.

It’s a sign from God, or the Universe, or whatever deity is looking down on me, urging me to go. Flee. Put as much distance between me and my violent ex-boyfriend as possible.

So, you can understand how much is hanging on this move. How much it matters that Kit lets me stay with him. How upset I am that Robbie didn’t even mention it.

I jump when someone knocks on my door.

“Serena!” My sister’s voice is muffled through the thick door. “Are you ready? We have to go.”

Turning the lock and sliding the chain again, I open the door to see my youngest sister standing there.

“Hi, Sofia.” My eyes dart down the hallway, but there’s no sign of Angelo. I half expect to see him lurking in a corner, watching.

“Let’s go. Mom’s waiting. Did you pick up the cannolis from the bakery?”

I glance at the crumpled box beside me. Sofia follows my gaze and lets out a gasp. “What happened?”

“They, uh…they fell.” I cringe. How many times have I lied for him?

Sofia clicks her tongue, arching an eyebrow. “It’s fine. I thought you might have forgotten, so got some on the way here. I figured it was better to be safe.”

My cheeks burn, and I want to tell my sister that I’m not the failure she thinks I am. I’m distracted. I’ve been excited about leaving and I’ve already started packing my stuff to put in a storage locker.

Oh—and I’ve been dealing with the unwelcome appearance of my family’s idea of a perfect match for me. I’m surprised my sister didn’t see Angelo outside and invite him over for Thanksgiving dinner.

Hastily cleaning up the ruined cannolis, I stuff them back in the box and hover over the garbage can. Changing my mind, I stick them in the fridge. They might look ruined, but I bet they’ll still taste good when I open the fridge at midnight tonight.

I grab my purse and lock the door behind me. When we get downstairs her car is idling in front of my apartment. I greet her husband, Daniel, with a kiss on each cheek and get in the back of her minivan. She has two kids, and I touch each baby’s head on my way to the very back seat. My heart feels calmer already. The fear that gripped my stomach only moments ago starts to melt away. A dull warmth returns to my extremities, and I’m able to move my fingers more freely.

“What are all those boxes in your apartment for? Are you moving?”

My heart clenches.

Did I mention I haven’t told my family about the move, yet?

Only Robbie knows. The rest of them? They’d rather see me put an apron on and pop out half a dozen kids with Angelo. I’ve told them I got a job in another town, but I haven’t told them which town. I don’t want word getting back to my ex, but