Cara's pov
I looked like the perfect fugitive– huge coat, black shades, a face mask and a black hat. I was basically the graphical representation of the term.
I'd been living my own James Bond moment the second I stepped out of Diana's apartment and transported my ass across the city. The bus ride was bizarrely the shortest and longest one of my life. Shortest because I was anxious to get off and walk into the main city where the Cosa Nostra operated best. Longest because I'd tortured myself by guessing which passenger was an undercover sent by Luca to stalk and abduct me.
Trying my hand at normalcy was a complete failure. I was discovering just how much of a hard challenge it was, especially when riddled with paranoia like I was. James Bond sure made it look easy.
The rest of my journey to the mall was an over stimulating experience. I'd felt eyes on me but saw no one, shadows lurking but without their owners in sight. I shoved my hands deeper into my coat, drawing comfort from the cold feel of the steel firearm in the right pocket.
Gina was already waiting when I got to the cafe we were supposed to meet and just like I'd asked, she'd picked the most enclosed booth. I dropped in the chair facing hers.
I ignored her puzzled look and went straight to the point. "Where's it?"
She pulled out my purse from her fancy tote bag. "I still can't believe you forgot it behind. That along with leaving without saying goodbye."
I peered into the purse, noting that it had all of my things. "I'm so sorry baby." I said, doing a second scan of the cafe. "I had- er… an emergency."
When my eyes landed back on Gina, she was regarding me seriously. "Something is wrong, isn't it?"
"Um… no." I chuckle dramatically. "Nothing is wrong."
"Cara, you have on a coat, mask and a pair of girnomous shades on a fairly sunny day while acting like you're being chased by the feds."
"Gina-"
"You're obviously paranoid about something."
I noticed a man glancing in our direction and my hand closed tighter around the gun. "I…" I sighed heavily. "I've just been overwhelmed. Some men were seen lurking around my former apartment some time ago so I've been in a constant state of anxiety since then."
My white lie was convincing enough because Gina suddenly leaned in with worry. "Omg, Cara. I didn't know that. Do you need me to talk to my brother about doing something?"
The mention of Luca had me panicking. "No." I said with a little force. "It's fine. He- he knows already. Got me bodyguards and all."
Gina's eyes darted around, obviously looking for said bodyguards. When they returned to me, the puzzlement was back.
"They're outside." I lied.
The narrowing of her eyes told me that she was having a hard time believing that. That's when I know it was time to leave.
"I've got to go now." I said, getting up. "Have classes this afternoon." I moved around the table to pull her in for a brief hug. "I'm sorry about ditching your party."
She hugged me back. "Are you sure you don't need help from my brother?"
I withdrew from her. "I'm fine sweetie. In fact, I'd love if you don't mention our discussion today at all. Your brother already got enough on his plate."
She sighed. "I guess I can do that."
I grinned at her. "Thank you, let's meet up again."
After she left, I turned on my phone to write that overdue email to my professor and I was immediately bombarded with a series of missed calls notifications and texts from Luca.
I blocked his number.
The email took me a total of five minutes to compose and send then I proceeded to return to Diana's.
However, I made a spontaneous stop to a thrift shop, wanting to get her something to thank her for agreeing to cover my shifts these past two days even though I was yet to give her a good reason why I was avoiding the place. She'd also been keeping my stranded ass from starving.
The woman was a literal angel and even though I would never admit it, I had Luca to thank for meeting her. The two of us would never have met if he didn't ruin my tutor job, forcing me to seek employment at Rico's. Never knowing what it was to have a good friend until now, I was more than grateful for Diana. She was enough, ten times more valuable than an entire army of friends.
Since I had my credit card now, I could get her something to show my appreciation.
The thrift shop had a variety of pretty clothes and accessories but what caught my eye was a pair of baby pink platforms with long straps. The shoes basically had Diana's name written on it. I paid for it then moved to a plant shop where I got a dwarf cactus plant in a polar bear shaped pot, excitement filling me veins at the thrilled reaction she was sure to give the moment I give her the items.
I dumped my purse into the shopping bag of the shoes then placed the one with the cactus to my chest, holding it with utmost care as I headed for the mall's exit. I passed by a tuxedo shop, hating that the display reminded me too much of someone I was desperate to forget.
I didn't even realize that I'd stopped to glower at them, my thoughts running deeper and deeper until they morphed from angry to lustful. I caught myself in the middle of reminiscing taking off Luca's suit and I let out an expletive.
Curse him and his never ending availability of formal wear.
I hurried along, forcing my mind to stay clear of any thoughts of him, so into the mental task I almost bumped into someone.
I raised my gaze to my almost victim. That strawberry blonde bob, I've seen it before.
"Oh, I'm so sorry…" I froze when I noticed the person next to strawberry blonde bob.
"Look who we have here." Valentina purred with a smile that didn't reach her glaring eyes. She looked immaculate as ever, her white blazer dress, having not a hint of stain. Her dark brown locks were the same severely straight strands and her makeup was the perfect blend of natural and enhanced. The only stain on her appearance was that vile smile of hers.
Her friend, I never got her name, was also smiling wickedly. Compared to the mafia princess, the strawberry blonde looked rather subpar in her dull yellow jumpsuit.
They both reminded me of harpies from the greek mythology. Same evil strain.
I smiled thinly at them then started to go around them.
Valentina intercepted me. "Where are you off to so soon? We just ran into each other."
My smile grew tighter. "Quite unfortunate, but I need to be somewhere."
Valentina made a mock face of disappointment. "Well, that's a bummer. I was really hoping we could catch up for a moment, seeing that we'd soon be family."
Something sour twisted in my belly and quickened my pulse to angry beats. "We could do that later." I said through gritted teeth and attempted leaving again.
Valentina grabbed my arm. "How are you feeling now? You seemed in quite a bad state the last time."
Her friend snickered beside her.
I pinned Valentina with an icy glare, my blood growing hot in my veins. Her faux sweet smile told me she wanted to piss me off, get a rise out of me and I was very tempted to give her what she wanted. With extra spice.
"I'm quite fine so-" I looked down at where she held me, "let go of my arm."
She dropped my arm the same time her friend tsked, "Well someone seems irritated."
My facial muscles flexed in restrained anger and I said to the bitch, "Who even are you?"
An affronted scoff puffed out her clinically filled lips. "You don't need to know, we'd never be friends anyway."
"Thank heavens for that."
Her face reddened with outrage, an appalled gasp leaving her.
Valentina cut in, "Elena here is my very good friend. We've been besties since we were ten."
My tone was dry. "Cute."
How have they been friends for that long if Valentina couldn't even advice the girl on her obvious fashion felony.
The mafia princess and her bestie–more like lackey–wasn't pleased with my sarcasm. Her dark eyes soon lit up with a sinister glint once more. "Yeah, it's a given that she'd be my chief bridesmaid at I and Luca's wedding-"
The uncomfortable knot in my stomach winched even harder. I really detested the reminder that she and Luca were to be married.
Elena beamed at Valentina's side, giving me a snobbish smirk. One I wanted to wipe off with a pump of my fist.
"-and though I plan to keep the rest of my bridesmaid to no more than four, I'd like you to be one. I'd do you that honor as Luca's stepsister."
My mouth parted in disbelief. What a patronizing little bitch. The "honor"? So bold of her to think I'd ever want to be part of her vile coven. I was so done with the pretense and underlying hostility.
I crossed my arms. "Cut the crap Valentina. We both know that you don't want me as your bridesmaid almost as much as I."
The corner of her mouth lifted in a humorless smirk. "You're very right, I'd very much not have you soiling the day with your presence but you know, we have to make such unpleasant sacrifices for the family."
Her mask of amiability was finally off.
My smile was devoid of any humor. "To be honest, I understand. You need to be completely happy when the day comes and not have to worry about your husband-to-be being distracted by the appearance of his former lover."
"You bitch-" Her friend started to say but shut up the moment I stepped right in her face.
"Call me a bitch again and you'd find out just how well I can throw a punch."
She stepped back, letting out a mocking laugh but the fear in her eyes was unhidden.
Valentina pushed her aside to face me directly. "Good, you're aware of what you are–a former lover. It's all that you'd ever be. Luca had gotten his fun, now it's time for the serious thing. I won't care what you do next, just stay away from us and maybe you and I can get along."
"We'd never get along." I said, tone low from the seething in my chest. "And instead of you worrying about me, why don't you go put your man in check instead? Had to block his number 'cause he kept blowing up my phone."
Valentina's eyes blazed with animosity, ignoring the unsure look Elena was giving her.
"I'm warning you Cara, stay away from my man."
I took a page from her book and put on a deceptively sweet smile. "Your man doesn't even believe he's yours." Flipping my hair, I added the icing to the cake, "not that I care though, I'm done with him and I genuinely hope you finally get to make him yours."
Turning on my heel, I sauntered away from them, using up all of my self control to not look back and catch the priceless expression I was sure the bitches had.
I may have lost Luca to Valentina, but I had gained this one victory and oh how good it felt. Steps lighter than before, I made my way back to West Garfield and this time I paid no attention to my surroundings. It was how I didn't think too much of the blond, handsome man staring in my direction from a shiny, black Rolls Royce.