Page 63 of Unapologetic Love Story

She considered it. ‘I don’t think Raina ever thought she would have a career. I mean, that’s pretty much what all the teachers at our school told her. This was back when people really peddled the whole “male brain” theory, in regards to neurodivergent people. I think Raina always felt like this outsider. She never talked about it, not even to me.’

Tom made a noise to signal that he was listening intently, still mentally scribbling down her words.

‘She hid being neurodivergent for so long, and I think after breaking up with Matt, and getting fired from some crummy office job because she couldn’t keep up with the politics, she got tired of it. Tired of pretending. So, she created a venting space. That’s my theory, though. I’ve never asked her. She doesn’t talk much about all of that to family.’

Perhaps because you are happily relaying all of it to me, Tom thought.

‘My sister’s obsessed with covering up the cracks,’ Solana added, her voice becoming a little despondent. ‘I hope you’ve observed that. She’s too good. Too patient. To be honest, she should have told you to fuck off with this shadowing thing a long time ago. But she sees the sad little child in everyone. It’s what’s always got her into trouble.’

Tom frowned. ‘What does that mean?’

‘It means, I like you. I like your writing. I like your work. But you can’t mess this up. You can’t tell lies or misrepresent her. Because she’ll believe you. If you make up some devilish version of Raina to sell papers, not only will your readers take your word for it, Raina will, too. She’s been told she’s “less than” her whole life; it doesn’t take a lot to knock that house of cards down. So, don’t do it. I really won’t like you any more, if you do.’

‘I’m not writing about her any more.’

‘Good.’

She smiled sweetly, a little nervously, as though her speech had taken all of the courage out of her and now she was empty. She slipped out of the kitchen, returning to the main throb of the party and leaving Tom alone with his inner notes.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Raina took a moment to sit with Pepper. Her friend downed a flute of champagne and crossed her legs while Raina studied her.

‘Everything all right, Pep? You seem a bit off.’

Pepper thrust the empty glass into Nick’s nearby hand and told him to refill it. Raina had to smile at how flabbergasted he looked. Nevertheless, he obeyed.

‘I’m having a marvellous time,’ Pepper insisted, baring her teeth in what she probably thought was a convincing smile.

Raina nudged her friend gently with her foot. ‘What’s going on?’

‘Did you confront the writer?’ Pepper asked pointedly.

‘Not yet.’

‘I’m happy to do it for you.’

‘Hey,’ Raina chided softly. Tenderly. ‘Stop. What’s going on with you tonight?’

Pepper’s eyes shone with something close to fear. ‘I can’t talk about it, Rai.’

Raina stared, a little unnerved. She opened her mouth to press a little more, but Pepper suddenly shifted on the sofa, clapping her hands ceremoniously.

‘Let’s play Truth or Dare!’

Raina looked over at the door to see Nick coming in with Pepper’s drink. Solana and Tom followed, her sister moving to the window while the latter stood imperiously by the exit.

‘I hate that game,’ Raina laughed quietly.

‘Sol,’ Pepper said briskly, her eyes wild and her smile forced. ‘Truth or dare?’

Solana giggled, her eyes flickering across everyone in the room. ‘Truth.’

‘Who’s the best-looking person in this room?’

Solana’s eyes darted to Tom Branimir but shot away just as quickly. She openly assessed Nick and Matt, making sure her dissatisfaction showed on her face. Finally, she glanced at Dina, an old workmate of Raina’s.

‘Probably you,’ she said appraisingly.