Solana
“I’m so sorry, Trish. I didn’t want to tell you, but you have to know how he’s behaving and the horrible things he’s saying.”
Trish sits down next to me on a stool and slides my tea over. “It’s certainly not your fault. If he wants to be petty and continue this asinine rivalry, even at the cost of losing his relationship with me and his grandson, then so be it. There’s nothing I can do about it.”
Her words make me sad, but she’s right. What can we possibly do? Feeling helpless, I can’t stop the tears that start falling from my eyes. “It’s getting harder and harder to sneak away,” I tell her, turning the mug around and watching the steam rise. “He’s increased security and they’re everywhere.”
“This is all my fault. I’ve caused so much chaos since falling in love with Connor. But I don’t regret it. He’s the love of my life.”
“I know and I’m so happy for you.”
“I’m sorry to put you through so much sneaking around, though.” Trish takes a sip of tea then sighs. “I hate to say it, but maybe we shouldn’t see each other for a little bit. At least until Father cools off.”
“I don’t know if that will ever happen. I’ve never seen him so angry all the time. And this guard he promoted…” My voice trails off.
“What?” Trish presses, studying me closely.
“He’s so threatening and cold. And when he looks at me…” A little shiver runs down my spine. “I don’t know. It gives me the creeps.”
“He scares you?”
“Yeah.” I admit. “Looking into his emotionless eyes is like looking into a bottomless well. Just dark and deep and scary.”
“Stay away from him, okay? I never trusted any of those enforcers, especially after seeing what they were capable of and their utter lack of empathy.”
I know she’s referring to the time she walked in on Antonio beating up a man to the point of death. Trish had begged him to stop, but he didn’t.
We drink our tea in silence for a moment, both of us wishing for a solution to the chaos that exists between our family and the Mennetti family. It’s sad because I’ve met several of Connor’s siblings and they’re kind and funny. The exact kind of people I’d choose to be friends with.
“For now, it’s probably best if you don’t visit for a little while,” Trish says again. “I’m sorry, Lana. I hate putting you in the middle like this.”
I let out a groan. “I’m going to miss you and Griffin so much,” I lament.
“I know because we’re going to miss you, too. But that doesn’t mean we can’t talk on the phone every single day and text, too.”
“Do you honestly believe things will ever get better?”
Trish thinks over my question for a minute before answering. “Right now, tensions are just extra high, but I really do believe with all of my heart that one day they will get better.”
Maybe after Dad dies. Though neither of us says it, the mutual thought seems to be hanging in the air between us.
“This sucks,” I say.
“I know, sis, but we will still talk all the time, okay?”
I nod. “Every day.”
“Every day,” she assures me.
We exchange smiles and then hugs. Trish is my best friend and not coming over here to spend time with her is going to be difficult. But I hope she’s right and if we give it some time then things will start to cool off and, best case scenario, they will eventually heal.
The way things are going right now, though, that’s a big “if.”
With a heart that’s growing increasingly heavier, we finish our tea and then I go upstairs to whisper a goodbye to Griffin. He’s still sound asleep and looks like a little, chubby cherub. I lightly curve my hand over his dark, fuzzy head and smile. “See you soon, handsome.” Then I blow him a kiss and I wave goodbye.
Trish walks me outside where a car waits to drive me back to our family brownstone in the city. To be honest, I’m getting tired of living in Chicago and dealing with all the noise and tRyic. The more time I spend out here, the more I’m falling in love with the quiet countryside.
After more hugs and promises to talk every day, I climb into the back seat of the SUV and wave goodbye to her as it rolls away, taking me back home.
Back to a place that I don’t want to be any longer.
But if I leave, where would I go? And what would I do? My father may have cared for us, sending us to posh boarding schools and made sure that we all received an excellent education, but I’ve begun to wonder about that. All the subjects we studied have proven useless in our everyday lives. Who wants to hire me when I have a background in subjects like Latin, Art, Greek Mythology and Ancient Civilizations?
Utterly useless. The more I think about it, the more I wonder if he planned that. I wasn’t encouraged to study chemistry or politics or law. In fact, those subjects and any others that actually could lead to a real career were discouraged. Unnecessary, my father used to say. And since he paid for my tuition and boarding, he always had the final word on the matter.
It never bothered me too much, though. I always enjoyed school and had a few close friends. Much like Trish, though, I was always a good girl and obeyed the rules. I never snuck out or broke curfew and I certainly never had a boyfriend. I was kissed once, though, and I didn’t find it very exciting. Just wet and sloppy. Eww.
Now, I’m 23-years-old and finally starting to question things. Before, I just blindly believed and accepted everything I was told. But I don’t want to be that naive, young girl anymore.
Pushing my long, wavy chestnut hair back off my shoulders, I look out the window at the passing countryside and wonder what my future holds. Trish was so brave to stand up for herself and the man she loves. I wonder if it came to that, would I be able to do the same?
I have no idea.
Not that I have a love interest or even a possibility of one. Ever since returning from abroad, I’ve been a hermit in the family brownstone. I haven’t really gone out much unless I was sneaking off to visit Trish. And, as much as I love my sister and new nephew, that’s hardly exciting.
God, my life is dreadfully dull. I need some action, some adventure. Dare I say, some spice? An attractive man who will sweep me off my feet and teach me what it’s like to love and be loved.
Whelp, I’m not going to hold my breath. If anything, I’ll just hope not to get caught by my father when I’m sneaking texts and phone calls to Trish.
Sighing, I press my forehead to the glass and have a feeling that it’s going to be a very long and boring summer.