70

70
Pov Sarah Stins
The alarm went off loudly and scared me... I woke up desperate, my heart racing.
What... My good.
I opened my eyes and sat up slowly. I was still sleepy, so I reached out and looked for my cell phone.
Until I found it on the nightstand.
I turned off the alarm and yawned.
Then I raised my arms.
Stretching.
I blinked a few times, seeing my bed better now.
That's when... I realized.
My eyes turned to the side.
The bed was empty.
I furrowed my brow, confused. I looked around, hoping to find him in the bathroom or on the couch.
But nothing.
Edgar wasn't there.
I glanced at the clock: it was still early. Too early for him to have left without saying anything.
Did something happen?
I picked up my phone and saw the notification light.
A message from Edgar.
In the message, he explained that he had an early appointment, so he had to leave without saying goodbye.
He didn't want to wake me up.
He's so sweet, my God.
I took a deep breath.
I smiled and kept looking at my phone.
I clicked on reply.
I started typing.
Good morning, Edgar. I'm fine, thanks for last night. Talk to you later. Have a lovely day at work.
I sent the message, dropped my phone on the bed, and got up.
I changed into light-colored jeans and a light white blouse.
I tied my hair back in a perfect ponytail; it was more practical.
Quick.
I sprayed a little cologne on my neck and wrists.
Now I was perfect.
I was ready.
I went to the kitchen.
I decided to eat something quick.
I grabbed a bowl, put some cereal, oats, and banana in it, and added milk.
Delicious.
It was practical and healthier than coming up with something elaborate. I sat at the table and ate slowly, thinking about the night before... and about Edgar.
Last night was perfect, every detail.
How he made me feel different. More alive. More like myself.
After breakfast, I went to the bathroom and brushed my teeth. When I was ready, I put my wallet and cell phone in my bag and locked the door.
Today, I had an important appointment: I was going to the publisher to talk. We needed to set the release date for my book. And for that, I needed to hurry.
I got in the car and started the engine.
I drove to the location; traffic was light, and the sun was low in the sky.
As soon as I turned the corner, I parked the car.
I set the alarm and walked to the entrance.
I was greeted kindly, and the secretary took me to the publisher's office.
I entered the room.
"Good morning!" she said, standing up to hug me.
"Good morning!" I smiled back.
We hugged quickly.
"I've been excited for this conversation. So, how's the manuscript coming along?"
She said, motioning for me to sit down in front of her, so I did.
I settled into the sofa.
I smiled.
"I'm trying to get as much of the book done as possible," he said, smiling.
We talked a little more.
We discussed the target audience, final changes, and, of course, the release date.
I couldn't miss it.
"I was thinking... how about we set it for the end of the year?" the editor suggested. "We still have a few months, enough time to finish everything calmly and run a strong pre-sale campaign."
"That would be perfect," I confirmed, excited. "December is special... I think it fits the story." I was already anxious.
"It's a deal!" she smiled. "Your book will be a success, Sarah."
She said, and then offered me a cup of coffee.
I thanked her and took it.
I savored the hot drink while we discussed other details.
After finishing my coffee, I said goodbye and left.
I went to the parking lot.
I was happy. Things finally seemed to be falling into place. The book, Edgar, everything was starting to come together.
But I needed a moment alone.
I thought about... Going to the park would be better than going home.
There I could enjoy the view, the day. Write a little.
I parked the car, set the alarm, and started walking toward a bench where there was some shade. It would be nice and cool.
Nice.
I put my bag next to me and took out my cell phone to check my messages.
Group: Crazy friends—Julia and Sabrina.
Friend... what happened at the party? You said you'd tell us... — Julia sent.
Your ex-boyfriend is acting weird. After the party, he was acting all strange, ignoring my messages. — Sabrina wrote.
I rolled my eyes.
Pietro.
Again, Pietro.
I sighed deeply. It was better to tell them right away.
It was about time.
They were my best friends, I always told them everything.
And vice versa.
He was the one who misunderstood.
Pietro.
He's the one who messed up.
Not me.
They would find out now...
What happened.
I huffed and started typing.
My fingers flew across the screen.
Friends, calm down, I'll write soon. I'll tell you everything.
What happened at the party was something... intense. Wait, I'll send you a message explaining everything soon…