Chapter Thirty

RAVEN

Costa del Sol, Spain

“Are you ready?” Cher yells from her room to mine. I take a step back and look at myself in the full-length mirror. We went shopping today and got new dresses. Cher’s is strapless and mine is a halter, both white to show off our amazing tans from three weeks of sunbathing.

I straightened my hair tonight, kind of shocked at how long it is, past my breasts. I like it, though. It’s kind of got this wild, nasty vibe going on. And considering I’ve given up on anything to do with my past, I’ve decided to reinvent myself right now. Yep, I’m going for the free-bird attitude.

“I’m ready.” I sashay out.

Poor Brody looks up from the TV. He got stung by a jellyfish this afternoon and is sprawled out on our couch, looking miserable.

“How’s the foot?” I smile sympathetically.

“Wow. You look… amazing.” He sits up on his elbows.

“Thanks.” I flash him a saucy smile and step into the kitchen to grab the tequila from the freezer. I’ve found that alcohol helps numb the pain, and since my heart seems unable to stop burning, I’m working on drowning it.

“Dammit, I knew I should have gotten that dress. Let’s trade?” Cher flounces in as I finish pouring three shots.

“No.” I hand her the glass and walk over to Brody. “To us.” I throw the shot back and promptly exhale.

“Okay, let’s do this before I decide to stay home with Brody and watch TV.” I grab my handbag.

“Again with the negativity. Did you not have fun the other night?” Cher puts the tequila back in the freezer.

“No, you had fun. I cried in the bathroom for as long as I could, then got yelled at by the owner.” I roll my eyes.

“Yeah, don’t do that tonight.” Cher smiles at me.

We look over at Brody.

“Don’t wait up for us.” Cher throws him a kiss, as I mouth, Help me.

“Be careful. Don’t take drinks from strangers,” he calls after us.

I slam the door shut and we walk down the street, the tequila already making me feel nice and toasty.

“Okay, so don’t get mad, but I invited Matteo and Danny to meet us tonight.” Cher keeps looking straight ahead.

“What?” I grab her arm. “I told you I’m not ready for that.” I specifically told her no. And now I’ll have to keep a conversation going with a guy I have zero interest in because Cher wants Matteo.

“Relax, they know, but it’s time you at least have a conversation with someone besides Brody and me.”