Page 55 of The Taste of Deceit

“I will,” Luca says. “You have my word.”

Daddy nods like that’s all he needs to hear.

“We’ll come back soon,” I promise.

Mama smiles through the tears gathering in her eyes.

“You’d better.”

Luca slips his hand into mine as we turn toward the terminal. I glance back one last time to find Mama already waving while Daddy stands beside her with one hand resting on the roof of his truck. I wave until they disappear from sight before tightening my fingers around Luca’s.

When we land back in Los Angeles, my phone buzzes before we’ve even made it to baggage claim.

Katie: I know you come back from Montana today. I need to hear everything!

My stomach drops. Just like that, Montana is behind us. I’m back in Los Angeles. Back to secrets. Back to smiling at my best friend while lying straight to her face.

Instead of answering, I lock my phone and slip it back into my purse.

“Everything okay?” Luca asks.

I look over to find him watching me. I force a small smile.

“Just Katie.”

He nods.

“You can answer her later.”

“Yeah.”

He reaches for my hand as we walk toward the terminal doors.

“Enzo’s already waiting out front,” he says.

My phone buzzes again in the SUV.

Katie: I know I already texted, but we’re having a sleepover before you leave for the Bahamas. You don’t get a vote. You. Me. The estate. No boys allowed. Hoes before Bros.

My chest tightens. Katie has no idea she’s inviting me over to spend the night with the man whose secret I’ve been keeping from her.

I close my eyes and let out a slow breath before opening our text thread.

Me: Hey! Just landed. That sounds great! I’ll call you later to plan.

A beat later, my phone buzzes again.

Katie: Fuck yes!

A laugh slips out before I can stop it.

“What?” Luca asks, leaning closer.

I shake my head.

“Just Katie being Katie.”

Back at the house, I start sorting our clothes into the washing machine, but before I can toss in the detergent, Luca slips an arm around my waist and gently pulls me away.