Ross

come home f

ndling the legal fall

any to bury the evidence and comforting Mia

seventy-two

ry. Nothing that would

the first edition of *The Great Gatsby* my father

tion shaft behind the guest closet, screwing

led into the bedroom as if he hadn't

ossing a heavy garment bag ont

ook up from my book, though th

cheduled for next week. We're hav

not g

oved in

digging into my jaw with bruis

ill smile, and you will thank her for sav

eyes for a flicker o

ft there. Only posse

tand," I

ure chamber disguised

ble-my place-surrounded by Da

e a queen, recounting the "accident" with dramatic flair, paint

r, a slick, intimate displa

to numb the phantom ache rad

es suggested, her voice slurred by

on the crisp white tableclo

wobbled,

directl

ia asked, her eyes gleami

ru

t the table d

given Dante?" Mia asked, leaning

e expected me to say my virginity, my unwavering loyal

in the eye, my gaz

given it ye

a dark eyebrow. "

lt like a blade between my lips. "I am giving

ey thought I meant a Ferrari. Or m

ego sufficiently stroked

d up my

ts," I

he wine in

ed like

w the gift wa

apped it, I would be no