“Raven. Enough.” Cher spins toward me. “You love him. He may be a shit, but either get rid of him and move on, or do us all a favor and give him a chance, because this”—she motions up and down at my appearance—“is pathetic. You want to know why I’m hanging out with Matteo?” She puts her hands on her hips. “Because I can’t watch you quit on yourself.”

She grabs her phone. “I love you, but I’m telling you this because I really hope you’d do the same for me if I was ever in this condition.” Turning, she walks toward the door.

I go to open my mouth, but nothing comes out.

“Fight, Raven. Say what you will about Daddy Powers, but he fights. It might be dirty, but he fights to win.” She grabs her big black sunglasses off the counter. “And call Maria back. She’s been trying to get ahold of you for over a week,” she snaps, putting her glasses on and stomping out the front door.

“Wow. Fucking calling you on your shit, huh?” Brody walks in to grab some of the chocolate.

“I just… I mean, she’s wrong, right?” Using the Tiffany box, I point at the door.

“I’m not getting involved.” He shakes his head and stuffs his mouth full of dark chocolate.

“And you can’t donate this stuff. Jesus, have you tried it yet? Fucking amazing.” He pops more into his mouth, closing his eyes like it’s better than sex, and maybe it is for him. I’m starting to suspect Brody is asexual.

“But you should call Maria back and… take a shower.” He grins and walks back to the balcony.

“Unbelievable.” I march into the kitchen. God, this really is the first time I’ve been here in days.

Roses are everywhere. Boxes and boxes of chocolate are scattered all over the one counter, along with a small pile of envelopes, tucked neatly in the corner.

“What the hell?” I grab them. They all have my name on them, but they aren’t open. Why didn’t Cher give me these?

Because she’s sick of you.

I grab them and a block of dark chocolate, then make my way back to my room and sit on the end of my bed. I put the Tiffany box next to me and pop some chocolate into my mouth, instantly moaning out loud.

Fucking asshole. He had to send crack chocolate. Now I won’t be able to stop. It’s like eating a mouthful of mouthwatering, creamy goodness with just the right amount of sweet bitterness.