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Chiara plops on the floor in a cross-legged position. “He has to protect the product until it changes owners.”
“I’m sorry I was so off these past few days.”
“You had the flu and you live with a monster.”
“Kieran’s not a monster.”
Her eyes widen, her mouth parts in a surprised O before she shrugs.
“I expected it. On some level, I am relieved.” Her mouth parts into a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes. My stomach churns because I feel like I am betraying my friend by choosing to be happy.
“Things changed.”
“So, what about escaping?”
“I won’t do that anymore.”
“But will you do that for me? Because I can’t live like this. I won’t.” Chiara puts her face in her palms and cries. I hug her, stroking her arm.
She wipes the tears away and pushes her shoulders back.
“So, how long are you staying?”
“The entire night.”
“Oh, they must be planning to enjoy their night. I wish I could.”
A plan forms in my head at the misery etched on her face. It’s crazy, but I would do anything for her.
“We’re going out too,” I say and take her hand.
“Are you crazy?” But I can tell she loves the idea, my rebellious friend, her entire body lighting up at the prospect.
“Maybe, but your father won’t do anything, and Kieran knows what’s best for him, so that’s one less worry.”
“Would we even know where to go?”
We burst into laughter. We are really that pathetic.
She takes her phone out and scrolls through some options. “Here, we’re going to Poison. Apparently, it’s the best club in town.”
Hours pass as we talk, feeling like we’re in a secluded space where only we exist. We decide to wait until her parents go to sleep for our grand exit.
As we finalize our plan, a knock sounds at the door. Her parents enter, and her father eyes her intently. “Don’t do anything stupid.” To me, he says, “Would you like something to eat?”
Did that really just happen? He went from threatening his daughter to smiling at me.
“No, thank you.”
“Good night. Tomorrow is a big day.”
With his parting words, Chiara’s shoulders sag.
“Tonight, I’ll do what I want.”
“We’re not going out to cause problems,” I remind her, and she scowls at me.
“It’s just . . .”
