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“A lot of memories here?”
“Lousy memories.” Her mouth pursed in anger. “It’ll take a lifetime to forget them. I hated this place, but somehow I couldn’t leave it.” She turned to face him, tears rolling down her cheeks.
He understood she needed a hug. He wrapped her in his arms and stroked her hair. “Sometimes, it’s difficult to break with the past. Even when it’s horrible, it holds you in its grip.” Who was he to give advice? He hadn’t been able to free himself from the web of his own traumatic experience and despair. His lips pressed against her temple, and he held her a few minutes longer.
She took a deep breath. “I’m ready.” She strapped her gym bag to her shoulder, and he grabbed the pillowcases and bags, waiting for her to open the door. “Shh,” she whispered, “most of the residents are still asleep.”
She shut the door but didn’t lock it and tiptoed to the staircase. Moving quietly, they went down the stairs. He followed her to the parking lot and her car. She opened the trunk, and he stowed her bags in it.
“Where’s your car?”
“Not too far from here. Start your car. I’ll join you.”
“A Porsche in this neighborhood?” She chuckled nervously. “I hope it’s still in one piece.”
“Damn.” He hadn’t thought about that last night. His pulse raced at the thought of his dear Porsche, hisone and only love, in danger. He jogged along an alley to where he’d left his car. With a sigh of relief, he found it in its place, unharmed, and hurried to start it and leave the inhospitable area.
Arianna followed him out of the complex to the highway and on to a better life.
