“Why is this happening to me, Nora?” I tried so hard to fight the tears building, but it was impossible to ignore the emotion rising inside me.
“I’m not a religious person, Ari, you know that. But I do believe in fate. I believe that everything we experience, everything we survive, shapes us into the person we’re supposed to be.
“This is your battle to fight, babe. Own it.”
“You’re getting good at this.” I sniffled, drying my eyes on my jacket sleeve.
“Yeah, and what’s that?”
“Always knowing the right thing to say.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” she smiled, “I still have plenty of impropriety in me. Want to hear some more?”
“I think I’ve heard enough for one day.”
“Too bad. I had this dream the other night, about Enzo and his monster di—”
My hand shot out, smothering her words. I was always grateful for one of Nora’s pep talks. But if I had to hear about Enzo’s monster dick again this century, it would be too soon.
“Good job today,” Brent said as we tidied up the last of the chairs. The VCTI had hosted a drop in this afternoon.
Being here, with people less fortunate than myself, put things into perspective. I’d gotten lost in their stories of hopelessness and loneliness, swept away in their candid experiences of life on the streets. The VCTI was a safe space for so many, a lifeline. And I was thankful to have a small part in that.
“What are your plans for the rest of the evening?” he asked.
“Oh, she’s with me.” Nora appeared from the back room. “I got your purse, all set?”
“I think so.” I gave Brent a smile. “Are we okay to go?”
“Absolutely. We’ll see you both again soon?”
“Definitely.”
“Enjoy your evening.” He called after us as we slipped out into the inky night.
“Everything good?” Luis shot to attention, and I smothered a grin. He was always so uptight. I couldn’t help but wonder if he regretted taking my side in all of this.
“Yep.”
“Come on then.” He ushered us to the car. The driver nodded but I didn’t recognize him.
“Luis?” I asked, hesitating.
“This is Jay,” he replied.
“Hey, Jay.” Nora slipped around me and climbed inside. “I’m Arianne’s best one, Nora.”
He didn’t reply.
Luis leaned in. “It’s okay, you can trust him. He’s a friend.”
My brows furrowed. Surely, he didn’t mean what I thought he meant.
“You mean he’s—”
Luis silenced me with a knowing look. “We need more eyes and ears. This is a good thing, I promise.”
“Okay.” I got inside.
“So what’s the plan?” Nora asked the second Luis hopped into the passenger side.
“You’ll see,” he said cryptically.
Nora caught my eye and waggled her brows. Trust her to be excited by the prospect of an adventure. I couldn’t find it in myself to share her enthusiasm. Because although I was excited to be seeing Alessia, I didn’t want to put her at risk.
“Hey, don’t do that.” Nora frowned, grabbing my hand. “Don’t always assume the worst. Everything’s going to be fine. You’ll see.”
We took the road out of Romany Square toward La Riva. My heart beat wildly in my chest as I watched the landscape change, but we didn’t stop. The new guy kept driving, taking the road toward Providence, until the familiar landscape of Nicco’s neighborhood became nothing but trees and shadows.
After ten minutes, we turned off the main road, taking a dirt track to nowhere. The dense canopy of trees made everything eerie; their dark, twisted fingers scratching against the windows and roof of the vehicle. Eventually, the thicket started to clear, giving way to a cabin.
“What is this place?” I asked no one in particular, as my eyes strained against the darkness.
“You’ll see.”
The SUV rolled to a stop alongside a truck, and Luis unclipped his belt. “Wait here.” He climbed out and made his way toward the cabin. After a couple of seconds, the door opened, and Matteo stepped onto the porch. My shoulders sagged with relief.
They discussed something before making their way back to us. Luis yanked open the door and Nora wasted no time getting out. I hesitated though.
Matteo stuck his head inside. “Going to sit in here all night?”
Pressing my lips together, I shook my head. Matteo chuckled, offering me his hand. “Come on, I don’t bite.” He helped me out.
“What is this place?” I asked.
“It’s a family hideaway. We have a few places like this in and around Verona County. We should go inside. I know there’s someone dying to see you.”