Page 114 of Strings
Being a Corronov means having connections, and I hope you don’t mind, but I used them. I tracked down Bobby Bullseye. He’s been paid handsomely for his silence. You see, the Corronovs didn’t get their start in music. They got their humble beginnings in the mob. And I have distant family who make Bobby look like a baby goat. He will never bother you or your family again. Say the word and I can arrange for the charges against your parents to go away. But I haven’t. You see, I think you are better off with them in jail. They don’t deserve you and I never want you ever looking over your shoulder again.
There is no need to go to the police. They are not looking for you and never will. You have a clean slate. Write your own story. However you choose to live your life, it’s now up to you. I wish you the best in everything, wherever this life leads you. Keep being you. You’re amazing just the way you are.
Yours,
Bash
Am I crying again? Oh my God. He did all this for me? But why? Could it really be over? Am I free?
There’s a knock on my door and I rush over to it. I pray it’s him. I swing open the door and my face drops. It’s not Sebastian, it’s Cherese, and she’s barely managing to hold Bella. “Dear fuck help me. She’s so heavy.”
Bella reeks of alcohol and is leaning on Cherese for support. I help Cherese bring her to my couch and then I close my door.
Cherese stretches her arms and flexes her waist. “I think I sprained an internal organ.” She points to Bella. “I found her like that on the stairs. She had a bottle of whiskey, but I made her put it down. I’ve never seen her like this. She kept saying take me to Summer all the way up here. She’s out of her mind. It’s not even spring.”
I half laugh as Bella leans back against the couch. Her arm flaps over the side. “She’s Summer. Talia is Summer. Everybody loves fucking Summer! Ha! Do you get the irony in that?” she asks, spinning too quickly and falling off the couch.
Cherese rushes over to her and I cross my arms and watch.
“See, people fuck her and they fucking love her too.”
Cherese pulls her up onto the couch. “Yeah. You’re right. You’re making total sense. I don’t know why you don’t drink more often.”
She struggles to get her upright and gives me an evil glare. “You gonna help me or just take notes?”
I shake my head and snicker as I take one of Bella’s arms and lift her back on the couch. We end up sitting on either side of her to keep her from falling over.
Her head bobs as she tries to straighten it to look at me. “Why? Why you? Why does he have to love you?” she asks.
Cherese shakes her head. “Oh boy. Here we go. This shit has been a long time coming.”
Bella’s head flips to face Cherese. “And you… even you had him. I’m ten times prettier than you. Why not me?”
Cherese rolls her eyes. “If you puke on me, I will kill you.”
“I heard you today at the office. I heard almost all of it. You’re really fucking dumb, Summer.”
“Why does she keep calling you that?” Cherese asks, leaning her head around Bella to look at me.
“Long story.”
“Don’t you know he fucking loves you? Can’t you see it? Why in the fuck would you ever let him go you stupid whore?”
I glare at Cherese.
“She isn’t talking to me. Don’t look at me that way. This is all you. You’re the stupid—”
“Whore,” Bella finishes.
I sigh.
“Why do you keep calling her that? Bella, you need to get a grip. The man doesn’t like you. Move on. Have you seen yourself? You’re gorgeous. I mean, you’re ugly on the inside, but most men won’t see that at first. Get yourself a new man. You’re embarrassing our gender, for fuck’s sake. Pull up your Spanx and get a life.”
Bella turns her head toward Cherese. “I hate you. You’re mean.”
“Back at you, sister.”
I chuckle lightly.
