Chapter 18
Islide into the booth across from Martha, glancing around the nearly empty cafeteria. Most students are still sleeping off hangovers from last nights parties. But Martha and I have always enjoyed having a quiet brunch here on Sundays before the crowds arrive.
So how was it? Martha asks, eyes twinkling with curiosity as she butters a piece of toast.
How was what? I ask coyly, knowing exactly what shes digging for.
Dont play innocent with me, Sara Amato, Martha says with mock sternness. Your big date last night with Mr. Dimitri himself. I want all the juicy details!
I cant help but grin, remembering the incredible time Dimitri and I shared last night.
Earth to Sara! Martha says, snapping her fingers. Youre already daydreaming, and you havent even told me anything yet.
Sorry! I say with a laugh. Lets just say it was an amazing night... Dimitri was such a gentleman the whole time. I press my fingertips to my lips.
Look at you, blushing like a schoolgirl, Martha teases. Im happy for you, Sara. You deserve to feel special and cared for. Her expression shifts to a playful smirk. And the fact that hes insanely hot is just a bonus, right?
Oh absolutely, I laugh.
Martha sighs dreamily. Then she smirks. So did you guys... you know?
I feel myself blushing. Martha!
She laughs. What? I need details.
Alright, yes, we did spend the night together after the date.
Martha fans herself dramatically. Whew, its getting hot in here!
I grin and lean forward. Is it getting hotter in here than the connection between you and Ivan?
Marthas eyes widen and her cheeks flush pink. Sara! she exclaims, swatting my arm. Dont be ridiculous.
But I can tell from the flustered look on her face that Ive hit a nerve. Come on, just admit it already, I say. You have the hots for Ivan.
Martha glances around furtively even though theres no one near us. Okay, fine, she whispers. But you have to swear not to breathe a word of this to anyone.
I nod.
Martha takes a deep breath. Ever since our picnic dinner last week, I cant stop thinking about him. Those gorgeous green eyes, that sharp jawline, even that brooding silence of his drives me crazy. She fans herself, mimicking her dramatic gesture from earlier.
I knew it! I exclaim gleefully. Your flirting that night was so obvious. Ivan didnt know what to do with himself.
Martha grins. He is pretty adorable when he gets all flustered. But I wish he would be more forward, you know? Ask me out already! Instead of just running off.
She sighs in frustration and takes an aggressive bite of her toast.
Maybe I could put in a word with Dimitri, I suggest lightly. Give Ivan a little push in the right direction.
Marthas eyes light up. Would you? Then her face falls. But what if Ivan isnt actually interested? I can’t tell if it is an act or not.”
I reach across and squeeze her hand reassuringly. “Trust me. He probably needs a bit of encouragement to make the first move.”
Martha smiles, looking hopeful. “Well, if he doesn’t ask me out soon, I might just have to take matters into my own hands.” She winks.
“Now that I would pay to see,” I laugh. “Ivan wouldn’t know what hit him.”
We both dissolve into giggles.
I feel my phone vibrating in my pocket. Pulling it out, I see Lorenzo’s name flash across the screen. I hesitate, not wanting him to ruin my pleasant morning with Martha.
“Ugh, it’s Lorenzo,” I say.
Martha frowns. “Don’t answer it if you don’t want to.”
Taking a deep breath, I slide my finger across the screen. “Hello?”
“Why haven’t you been answering my calls?” Lorenzo demands angrily without even a greeting. “What have you been doing, Sara?”
I grip the phone tightly, trying to keep my voice steady. “Nothing that concerns you, Lorenzo. I don’t have to report all my activities to you.”
He scoffs. “Don’t play games with me. I know you’ve been sneaking around with that punk behind my back. Did you think I wouldn’t find out?”
I feel a flare of anger at his accusatory tone. “So what if I have? I can study with whomever I choose.
Watch yourself, Sara, he warns, his voice low. You know our families have an agreement. If you do anything to jeopardize that, Ill make sure you regret it.
Ive had enough of his threats. Go ahead and do your worst, I snap. Im not your piece of property.
Before he can respond, I end the call and quickly block his number. My hands shake, but I feel exhilarated at standing up to him.
Everything okay? Martha asks gently.
Better than okay, I say with a smile. I just blocked Lorenzos number.
Good for you! Martha grins and holds up her coffee mug. This calls for a celebration. A toast to your newfound freedom!
I laugh and clink my own mug against hers. Can I really call this the start of a new chapter?