Is this really it? The end of our story?
31
Bonnie
Myhearthurts.Leavingthe villa is the last thing I wanted to do, but how could I say no to my dads? They were so afraid for me; they broke down several times. I’d never seen them like that.
But then I picture Allegra’s face that morning, and how her eyes became frantic at the sight of my parents packing for me. I had a choice. And now I think I made the wrong one. Instead of telling her how I felt, I thought it was better to leave it unsaid, parting as friends, instead of heartbroken lovers who’d only just started getting to know each other.
The logical side of my brain told me at the time, it was for the best. I needed to see if my feelings for her were true and not just the response to a trauma. I could kick my own arse for it, though. Instead of following my heart, I let my head and my dads’ influences take over.
It’s been three weeks since I left and I haven’t heard from Allegra even once. We traded one consolatory kiss at the villa door and then I left. I couldn’t bring myself to text her at the airport or when we arrived home. It was all too much.
My parents have finally gone back to their lives after a heated discussion this morning. They’ve been full-on for weeks, and I got to the end of my tether whentheywere deciding if I should go back to work or not.
Suffice to say, they were not pleased when I kicked them out of my flat. But it had to be done—for my sanity and for our relationship.
“Morning, sunshine,” Kelley chirps. She’s been managing the bookshop since we returned from Italy. Clive was suspiciously okay with me being away for so long without giving him notice. The brand-new car and watch he’s flashing around gives me a clue as to his behaviour. I’m sure the Ferrantes lined his pockets to keep him quiet and compliant. I won’t complain. It’s given me plenty of time to work through what happened.
A part of me is desperate to know what’s going on over there. I want to know what happened to Giani. Is he still a threat? Is he still alive? What does it all mean for Allegra?
No matter how hard I try, I can’t get her out of my head. I’ve stopped admitting that out loud as to avoid Pete bursting out into song. I love Kylie Minogue, but I can’t hear one more rendition ofCan’t Get You Out of My Head.
“Morning, Kel.”
“Happy to be back?” She dumps her bag in the back and walks out with two coffees in a tray. “I brought you a welcome-back latte.”
“Ah, you didn’t have to, but I appreciate it. I’ve had a rough morning.”
“Pops and Dad?”
“Bingo!”
“Wanna talk about it?”
I shake my head. “Nope. I want to talk about anything but that, thanks.”
“Okay. The new Bagman book is out tomorrow. Wanna talk about that?”
The bell jingles above the shop door and Janice prances in. “Oh, you’re back!”
“I am.” This is the last interaction I want to have right now, but Clive still won’t fire her, so I have no choice.
“Are you the boss again?”
“I’m back in my role as store manager.”
“Huh. Great. Well,boss, I need to take the afternoon off. I have a dentist appointment.”
“You’ve had seven this year, Janice. I can’t authorise any more paid time off. I’ll get your shift covered but it will be unpaid leave.”
I’ve had enough of her shit to last a lifetime. If the one thing I take away from my time with Allegra and the Mob, it’s standing up for myself more.
“Clive—”
“Isn’t in charge. Now, I have work to do and so do you. Start by unloading the new releases in the kids’ section. When you’ve done that, you can man the till.”
Janice stalks off with a murderous stare at me. I look at her with boredom until she’s out of eyesight.
