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“Wait, you’re Violet Hart. The friend Lorenzo doesn’t shut up about?” Aurora questions, surprised. I wish he would shut up about me before it becomes my downfall.
“Aurora, please, I’m trying to gain forgiveness over here,” Lorenzo says. Aurora squints at him. I want to disappear.
“You are lucky that’s where your mouth stopped, Lorenzo,” I warn him. I can deal with being known as Violet Hart, as long as they don’t research anything. But if he had hinted anything about me being Valentina, the whole competition would be at stake.
“Does that mean you forgive me?” he asks with a spark of hope.
“Of course not,” I say, a frown appearing on his face.
“Wait, why were you keeping this a secret?” Aurora asks, still confused. Elias stands there, also waiting for my response. I look at Lorenzo, giving him alook what you didlook. I need to make up some excuse.
“Personal reasons, please don’t ask,” I manage to say.
“So, you’ve known Lorenzo this whole time?” I nod at Aurora’s fourth question. Or is it her fifth? My mind isn’t able to keep count with all that’s going on in my head now.
“Also, Lorenzo mentioned that you don’t actually hate me,” Elias says proudly. That piece of news is even worse than the previous one. I cross my arms and stare at Lorenzo.
“Carol will be hearing of this,” I tell him, which causes him to jump.
“No, please. I’m sorry, I will shut my mouth for the rest of my life,” he begs. I almost laugh at his reaction.
“This is very confusing. And who’s Carol?” Aurora asks. I turn to her and find her head swiveling between the three of us, trying to understand what’s going on.
“My mom,” I tell her. Which might make no sense without context.
“Please, Vi. My best friend. My favorite friend. You are superior to both Elias and Aurora who stand right here,” Lorenzo begs, and the two look at him. “I’m making a statement,save your feelings for later,” he tells them. I want to kill him right now. But I can’t kill him because I also need him. He’s my emotional support. I almost always automatically forgive him. But, I might as well take advantage of this.
“Okay. You’re forgiven, on one condition,” I state. Relief washes over his face as he hugs me.
“Thank you,” he breathes.
“I didn’t tell you the condition.” He pulls back, waiting for the reply with a calmer expression. “You have to take Ellie off me for a day,” I tell him. A groan leaves his mouth, and his face drops again.
“Come on. She’s always annoyed with me,” he complains.
“Would you rather I be annoyed by you?” I argue. He pouts. I’m great at convincing him.
“Fine.” He surrenders. I look back at Elias.
“I still don’t like you. Lorenzo’s words don’t change that,” I claim. I don’t need him thinking so highly of himself right now. He grins, his face going brighter.
“Whatever you say.” He tilts his head. This is going to make this so much harder. But I can’t be mad at Lorenzo. I don’t think I have it in me to be mad at him. Even if he had told them about me being Valentina, I still wouldn’t be able to stay angry at him for long. I know he wouldn’t do it on purpose. He means a lot to me, and I know I mean a lot to him, too. Almost nothing could change that.
Chapter 13 – Settantadue
Val
I turn the keys in the slot, then open the back door to the house, walk into the living room and find Ellie sitting on one of the grey couches, reading a book. Her dark brown hair falls onto the pages as she scans the words. Well, pretends to, considering the book is upside down.
“Hello. Do you need something?” I ask her, taking off my white shoes and placing them on the shoe rack. She turns her head toward me, acting surprised as she closes the book in her hands.
“Val. You’re here. I didn’t see you there,” she exclaims. I take off my purse and hang it on the coat hanger, then turn back to look at Ellie.
“Your book is upside down. You saw me.” I point her. She looks down at her hands, and quickly flips the book, brushing it off. I strike her a look, and fight a chuckle. I’m trying to beserious. “What’s wrong? You don’t just randomly wait at the door for me.”
She sighs, and puts her book on the wooden coffee table. “I wanted to ask if you’re free today,” she says.
I walk toward the couch and sit next to her, removing my wig and releasing it from my skin.
