Back in my room, I ponder how much my life has changed—and how much more it’s going to change over the next few months. I’ve already done so much, but all that has done is make me crave more. I need to do this, and more than that, I’m looking forward to it. As much as I hate my father for interfering, I have to admit that when he plays hardball he does it well.
My phone rings. It’s Ana, and I realize it’s been days since I’ve spoken to her. My sudden disappearance probably has her and Jacob worried sick.
“Hello?” I say, answering the call.
“What the heck is going on?” she screeches. “You’ve dropped out but nobody will tell me a goddamned reason why. I’ve been so worried. Jacob’s here too,” she adds.
“I’m so sorry, I should’ve called you earlier,” I say, cradling my face in my hands. I’m such a bad friend. “I was in an accident, but I’m okay.”
I don’t tell her the full story, because the less people who know, the better. I don’t know what the situation is with the men who took me—or what condition they’re in— but I know enough to keep my mouth shut.
“God, Lucy, how bad are you hurt? If you’re okay, then why did you drop out? Surely they’d allow you time to recover,” she says.
“They probably would, but I-I’ve been offered a place somewhere else,” I say, suddenly feeling nervous. I love Ana to bits, but I have no idea how she’s going to take my news. I know I’d be as jealous as hell if it were her leaving for Paris.
“But it’s the New York Ballet Company!” she exclaims. “What could be better than that?”
“The Paris Opera Ballet,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” she gasps. “Are you serious? How the hell did you manage that? Oh my God, I’m so fucking happy for you! Go, don’t you dare even think about coming back to New York,” she gushes.
I laugh, unable to get a word in.
“Thanks, Ana. You guys better come visit me, okay?”
“Oh, for sure. I’m so excited for you, Luce!”
She squeals again, making me laugh. Her enthusiasm is infectious and I find myself getting more and more excited about Paris. We chat for a few more minutes and then say our goodbyes. I promise to call and text as often as I can.
I lie down on my bed, a smile on my face. As scary as it is, embarking on this new part of my life, I’m so fucking ready for it. There’s only one thing that could make the whole situation more perfect. It’s not going to happen, Luce, so forget it.
He can’t come with me and I need to respect that. I’m the one abandoning our relationship. I had to decide what is most important to me, and I did it.
I just hope I’ve made the right decision.
Chapter 30
Pietro
She stands at the doorway to the living room, facing me as I sit on the sofa. My plan of staying out of her way until she was gone had failed. I’d been hoping to avoid saying goodbye. It’s all happening so fast. It’s only been five days since we came back from New York. I’m surprised Giovanni is allowing me to be here to see her off.
Maybe it’s his way of punishing me.
Bella walks in and heads straight over to Lucy, throwing her arms around her neck.
“I was so worried you’d left already,” she pants, out of breath.
“I’d never leave without saying goodbye to you,” Lucy says. She chuckles. Both girls have tears in their eyes as they hug again: this time neither wants to let go. I look down as I feel my own emotions begin to stir.
“You better call me every day,” Bella says. “And as soon as I scrape together enough cash, I’m totally coming over.”
“Love you, Bell,” Luce whispers, kissing her on the cheek. She squeezes her hand, and then makes her way past her father and toward me as Giovanni watches, his expression void of emotion.
“I’ll wait outside for you, Lucia,” he mumbles, stalking out the door. Bella also takes the hint and follows him.
“My cab is on its way,” Lucia says nervously.
“I’m surprised your father isn’t putting you on the plane himself,” I joke. She smiles.