The next day, my favorite pair of shears and my tracing wheel disappeared when I stepped out to use the restroom. When I returned, I discovered too late that someone had cranked the top tension on my sewing machine to the maximum, ruining my new seams and puckering the muslin beyond saving.
It wasn’t hard to guess that it was probably Bethany and her gaggle of friends, but I refused to let them see how upset I was.
I explained the situation to Eros, and instead of downplaying it like most of the men in my life would, he asked what he could do to help.
I thought the offer was sweet, but I told him I just needed to hyper focus on this project until I fixed it. I asked if we could plan on seeing each other next week, and he agreed.
He’s also kept me fed with regular food deliveries, and oddly enough, that was the thing that tipped me over the edge and made me cry.
When he makes those gestures, it stirs uncomfortable emotions inside me, and I don’t know how to handle them.
I told myself I couldn’t feel anything for him, but my denial can only go so far.
Fortunately for me, Riccardo’s reign of terror is on hold. He texted to let me know something came up and I wouldn’t see him until this weekend.
In the interim, I’ve thought a lot about my practice session with Eros and everything that brought up.
I’ve let everyone else dictate my life because that’s what was expected of me, but I don’t want to be a passenger on my own journey anymore.
I may not bloom overnight, but I want to decide which direction I grow.
It won’t be easy, and I have no idea how it will unfold, but I don’t have to do it alone.
In the past, I’ve struggled to ask anyone for help because I didn’t want to be a burden. But if there’s one thing I can say about my friends, it’s that we always have each other’s backs. So I’m going to step outside my comfort zone and call in a favor.
By Thursday, I’m feeling more confident about everything, but it doesn’t last long. In the middle of studio, Professor Harlow approaches me with a concerned expression, and my stomach drops.
“Gabi, I need you to come with me to the dean’s office. You aren’t in trouble, but let’s step outside, and I’ll explain.”
My heart picks up speed as catastrophic thoughts cascade into a doom spiral.
I move on autopilot, grabbing my things before my gaze drifts to my prototype.
“I know you’ve been having some trouble on campus,” Professor Harlow says. “I’ve already asked my TA and the studio tech to keep an eye on your work.”
“Thank you.” I nod.
At least that’s one less thing to worry about.
We step out of the studio, and Julian joins us with a silent nod. Professor Harlow waits until we’re at the end of the hallway to fill me in.
“Gabi, some concerns have been raised within the department that you may have been impacted by allegations connected to an ongoing investigation. The police are here, and they’d like to speak with you.”
A sick feeling crawls up my throat, and Beppe pops his head out of his tote to comfort me.
Professor Harlow senses my impending distress and rushes to reassure me.
“I want you to be aware that you’re not obligated to talk to anyone if you don’t want to. And if you’d like, I can sit in the meeting with you as a support person.”
I nod, too choked up to speak, and she offers me a gentle smile.
We exit the building and walk across campus while a million different thoughts volley through my mind. I should probably call someone. If I reached out to any of the Aegis contacts, they’d be here in a heartbeat to help. But right now, it’s all I can do to put one foot in front of the other.
In theCosa Nostra, it’s drilled into us from a young age that we never talk to the police. I’m not about to start now, but Ihaven’t had enough time to mentally prepare myself for what I should say in this situation either.
By the time we reach the dean’s office, I’m no closer to figuring it out. But when Professor Harlow opens the door to the private meeting room, and I see Abella and Mariella waiting for me, a tidal wave of relief crashes over me.
Before I can say anything, another woman steps forward, and I recognize her as one of our trusted contacts in the Aegis network. Her name is Cecilia Whitmore, and she’s an attorney.
