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CHAPTER1
RORI
My eyes flickto the clock on the mantel.Ten more minutes and I’m out of here.
I wish my family could find a way to be on their best behavior for my niece’s eighth birthday party, but that’s not the case with the Russos. Maybe it’s something rooted in our Italian genes that makes my oldest sister Valentina and my mom still treat me like a child. But I’m twenty-two for fuck’s sake. I’m a college graduate and I live in an apartment paid for by yours truly. Thank God for my sister Stella. She’s the only one who seems to understand how capable I am.
My niece Claudia kneels beside me, perching her chin on my shoulder. “Auntie Rori, can I do your hair?”
“Don’t you have more presents to open?” I ask.
“Nope, I’m all done.”
Dammit.Even though I was hoping to make my escape, I can’t turn down Claudia. She’s incredibly sweet and loving, despite having my shrew of a sister for a mother.
“Sure. But nothing elaborate. I need to head home in a few minutes.”
Claudia’s eyes light up with excitement. “Okay. I’ll do buns. I can do those fast.” She skips off and returns a minute later holding a small canvas bag.
“Why don’t you sit in the chair and I’ll stay on the floor in front of you?” I suggest.
“Good idea.” She slips behind me, dropping onto the cushioned seat of the armchair. I hear her rummaging through her bag of supplies, and I smile. She loves to style my hair whenever she gets a chance.
I feel the tip of the bristles at the top of my head before they slide all the way down my dark brown locks to the middle of my back. Closing my eyes, I enjoy the soothing sensation of Claudia brushing through every strand of my hair.
“Aurora, have you met any nice men lately?” my mom asks. I’ve been expecting this question. It’s standard every time I visit my childhood home.
“Nope.” Hopefully my short answer will be enough to satisfy her.
“Why not?” she presses.
Guess not.
“I’ve been working a lot.”
“When are you going to get a real job, Aurora?” Valentina chimes in.
My eyes snap open and narrow in her direction. “Waitressing is a real job.”
“Pfft, okay. It’s a job, but a dead end one,” she adds.
What the hell is her problem? I never say anything about her life choices.
I lift my shoulders in a careless shrug. “There are plenty of people who make a living from waitressing. It’s honest work.”
“What’s the purpose of going to college for four years if you’re not using your degree?” My mom jumps back into the conversation. “We paid a lot for your education.”
“We’ve had this discussion more than once, Mom. I’ll remind you again, most of my college was paid for with the scholarships I busted my butt to earn. Plus, I’ve already explained to you both, I’m looking for a job with a sports firm but have yet to find one.”
Grrr.It’s so frustrating to feel like you’re never heard by the people who are supposed to love you most.
“I guess you should’ve chosen a degree with more opportunities, then,” Valentina says with the know-it-all air she’s so good at giving off.
Speaking of frustrating.
“I don’t remember Rori asking you,” Stella jumps in, defending me. “What she does for work is no one’s business but her own. We should all focus on ourselves.”
“You always rush to her defense,” Valentina fires back. “Poor little Aurora can’t fight her own battles.” Her expression is mocking.
