Page 27 of Bully

"Oh, that sounds nice." I can hear the smile in her voice. "I don't see why not. There isn't a threat now that Father is gone." Our brother is, too, but I don't say that. We both know it.

"So can I go?"

"Yeah, it's kind of awesome to be able to say that. We can just go out. Do whatever we want. Well, within reason,” she quickly adds. I’m sure Matteo gave her a look about that. She is right, though, it is different to be free. Our lives have changed so much in such a short time. "With a driver, of course."

"You mean Sal?"

“Yes, and he’ll wait for you.”

“I feel kind of bad making someone wait around for me.”

“It would be here or there,” Sal says, butting into my conversation, but it is about him.

"See, it’s fine,” my sister adds.

“Okay, I love you.” I can’t control the slight excitement I feel.

“Love you too, and I can’t wait to meet her.”

“We’re not dating.” I laugh.

“Oh, we’ll be talking about your dating life the next time I see you.” Oh crap. “Yes, I know.”

“Don’t be mad. I didn’t want to make waves.”

“Riley, it’s fine. I’m only teasing you. Go have fun with your friend.” We say our goodbyes, and I go collect my bag and Kindle to take with me. Angel texts me her address, so I can forward it to Sal.

“Swanky part of town.” Sal whistles when he sees the address.

“And what is this?” I motion around us as we get into the car. Matteo owns the whole building, but the condo takes up the top three floors, and on the roof is an infinity pool. I wouldn't be shocked if this were the most expensive condo in the whole city. “We’re not exactly living in the poor section of town.” I raise an eyebrow at him.

"It's more of the snooty part of town." He shrugs. “Old money.”

“You’ve seen my school.”

“The place costs more than some Ivy League colleges.”

Isn’t that the truth? It doesn’t take too long to get to Angel's, but we have to be let through a gated area. Yeah, this place costs a mint. A handful of houses sit right on the edge of the city, overlooking it. Sal pulls up to the front, and Angel walks out onto the porch. She gives us a wave.

“I’m only going to stay a few hours. I want to be home before Nikolai.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

"Thanks,” I tell him, hopping out of the car.

“You came.” Angel is beaming at me. She engulfs me in a hug. I'm starting to think maybe she's as lonely as I am for friends.

“I wanted to see what reality TV garbage is all about.” Angel hooks her arm into mine, leading me inside.

Her house reminds me of an antique museum. It’s not very welcoming. It feels staged. “I got us set up in here.” She leads me into a den area that is a bit more welcoming.

Angel already has the TV going and trays of snacks set out. “It’s only us, right?” I laugh when I see the pile of food.

“Should be. My father isn’t home, which is typical, and who knows where my brother is?” Angel drops down onto the couch. I’d forgotten about her brother. I glance behind me, but no one is there.

I take a seat next to her, pulling out my phone. I send a text to Nikolai letting him know that I’m with Angel but will be back in a few hours. As Angel hits play, I toss my phone back into my bag and grab the bowl of popcorn.

I’m not sure how long we’re watching TV, but the next time I glance over at Angel, she’s out cold. I stand up, stretching my legs, before I go in search of a bathroom. I should probably call it a night. I could go home and get a few hours of sleep in hopes that Nikolai will wake me up when he gets home.

---