Page 57 of Queens and Monsters

Catalina glanced at her watch. “It’s nearly nine.”

“I’ve been passed out since what…?”

“They brought you home after two.”

“Piero saved me again.”

“We’re very grateful you didn’t try to ditch him. His and Giovanni’s quick thinking got you out of the restaurant.”

“Did they carry me?”

“You walked.”

Catalina and I both turned toward the bathroom door, to see Camila.

“You walked,” she repeated, “but you were talking oddly. You were laughing and then crying.”

I exhaled. “I’m so sorry.”

Camila came into the bathroom and hugged me. “Jasmine, I’m sorry. It was my idea to go out and to have margaritas.”

“If someone wanted to roofie Jasmine,” Catalina said, “they could have put it in her water. Although, neither of you are old enough to drink alcohol.”

Camila pressed her lips together and smiled.

“That bartender,” I said, “he did this to me?”

“Dante is getting video footage of the restaurant. The bartender has denied any involvement.”

After running a comb through my wet hair, I turned to Camila. “Who is my visitor?”

“She doesn’t know?” Camila asked. “I figured that’s why you showered.”

“I showered because I stank.” I scrunched my nose. “Did I vomit earlier?”

Camila nodded. “In the car.”

My shoulders drooped. “Oh, I need to tell Giovanni I’m sorry.”

“He said it was good that you were getting the drugs out of your system.” She waved her hand in front of her nose. “I don’t think I’ll be craving Mexican food for a while.”

“This is embarrassing.”

“No,” Catalina said, “you didn’t roofie yourself. You have no reason to be embarrassed. Now, I suggest getting dressed before going downstairs.”

My hands still trembled. “Can my visitor come up here?”

“Definitely not,” Catalina said. “Besides Contessa is champing at the bit to feed you.”

“Food?”

“Something bland,” Camila said. “It’ll make you feel better, or at least that’s what Dante said. I’m not a real expert on these things.”

Catalina went toward the door. “I’ll go let Contessa and Dario know you’re on your way down.”

After I slipped on panties, leggings, my bra, and a long sweater, I went back to the bathroom. While I was securing my wet hair into a low ponytail, Camila leaned against the doorjamb.

“I really am sorry.”

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