Page 206 of Valentino

His eyebrow rises, though if it’s in surprise or sarcasm I’m not quite sure.

“Now.”

“Really?” He steps closer to me. “You sure about that?”

Ha!

Asshole, motherfucking prickface is onto me.

“I’m not wasting even one minute of my night talking to you.” I sip my drink as if this is the most casual thing that’s ever left my mouth.

His eyes hold mine. “I only said we couldn’t be friends, Anna…. Not that I didn’t want to be.”

“Oh…. My God, Valentino.” I smile, actually amused this time. “You are completely delusional if you think I would ever want to be your friend.”

Animosity bounces between us.

“Go. Away.” I repeat.

Anger flickers in his eyes but he stands still, a silent dare.

“Fine.” I put my drink down onto a passing tray. “I’ll go.”

I march toward the door, damn it, I knew coming here was a mistake. “Anna,” I hear Francesca call from behind me.

Fuck.

I push through the crowd, I know I should stay and act unruffled, surely my reaction to seeing him again is only a confirmation of my feelings.

But I can’t.

I’m not that strong.

The pull to him is out of this world, and it just makes my heart ache at not being able to be honest. Nobody is that good of an actor.

I walk out the front doors and onto the large steps, it’s dark now and people are still arriving.

“Anna.” Francesca catches up with me, she takes my two hands into hers. “What are you doing?”

“I’m sorry, babe.” I squeeze her hands in mine. “I….” I look out over the gardens as I try to articulate something that makes sense. “I have to go home.”

“But why?” Her face falls. “You just got here.”

“I know. I’m so sorry.” I shrug. “I’m just not….”

“What did he say to you?” she whispers angrily.

“Nothing.”

And the sad truth is, he didn’t say anything, I just have no control where he’s concerned and it’s pathetic.

I’m pathetic.

“I’ll tell him to stay away from you.” She swings our hands in front of us. “Please stay.”

“I’ll call you tomorrow.” I smile. “Okay? You have a wonderful night.” I pull her in for a hug. “I’m sorry, honey.”

“Anna.”