Page 3 of Volatile Vice

Vinnie and I had sex last night.

Correction. We madelove.

He said he loves me. And I told him I love him.

God, I don’t know if I’ve ever been happier.

I look around. He’s not here. Odd. I throw on a robe. Maybe he’s an early riser, got up to make a pot of coffee.

I saunter into the kitchen, yawning. “Vinnie?”

But he’s not here.

Maybe he had an early meeting with that grandfather of his. Certainly he’d have left me a note, though, right?

I’ll check my phone. Maybe he left me a text.

I turn on the screen. No texts at all since last night.

Including from Brick. I check to make sure the text I sent him canceling our date went through. It did.

He was probably pissed at me for flaking at the last minute. I can’t blame him. I sigh. I guess I’ll have to find another lawyer to help me out with the nonprofit.

But Vinnie didn’t text me, which is weird.

I put the phone down. I’m about to start a pot of coffee when it rings.

It’s my mom. Damn it. I didn’t text her last night to let her know I’d be spending the night at my place. She’ll be beside herself with worry.

“Hello?”

“Oh Raven, thank God.”

Mom’s voice is high-pitched and energetic. I can hear a lot of hustle and bustle in the background. The house seems very active for early in the morning.

“Yeah, I’m sorry I forgot to call you last night.”

“Are you at your place?”

“I am.”

“Thank God.” Mom’s voice is still pretty frantic.

My heart begins to race, but I’m not sure why. All I know is something isn’t right here.

“Is anything the matter?” I gasp. “Is something wrong with Dad?”

“No, sweetheart. Your father and I are fine. But we…” She lets out a hysteric sob.

“Mom, what’s wrong?”

But she can’t seem to get herself together. Something is very wrong here.

“Can you put Dad on?”

Mom blubbers out some words I can’t make out, but then I hear my dad’s voice on the receiver. “Raven. Didn’t you have a date with that lawyer last night?”

“I did.” The guilt hits me again. “But I… I wasn’t feeling too great, so I canceled it.”

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