Page 15 of My Mafia Queen

“You can spend the night there.”

“Okay. Thank you. I’ll see how things go, and I might take you up on your offer.”

“All right. Do you want anything from the market?”

I give her a faint smile.

“Cookies?”

“Chocolate cookies?”

“Yes.”

With that, she spins around and walks out.

‘So, what are we having here?” I ask a few moments later, pulling the chair out and sliding into my seat.

“Mmm… This looks delicious,” I say, eyeing the food.

For the next half an hour, we're eating and talking, and this is something Tina and I can never do back home when my father is in the house.

Jen talks about her job while Tina gives me updates on her school life.

“Have you talked to Stella?” I ask, and Jen shakes her head. “I haven’t seen her either, so I don’t know what’s going on with her.”

“I’ll go check the place,” I say, nervous at the thought.

“We’re going together,” Jen murmurs. “I’m not letting you go there alone.”

“No, no… Don’t worry. I can take care of myself. Stay here with Tina. I’ll be back before noon.”

I finish eating, kiss my sister's cheek, and exit the house.

My stomach hurts when I slide into the driver’s seat and swerve my car onto the road.

This will never get easier.

No matter what I’m telling myself or how I’m trying to talk myself out of feeling bad about being in my childhood home, our house always makes me physically sick.

So much has been going on between those walls I’m surprised we’re still alive.

Our house is small and looks gray in the distance despite being painted white a couple of years ago and also being washed in the bright sunlight rolling over the lawn right now.

I pull into the driveway, throw the car in park, and turn off the engine.

For the most part, the street is quiet with only a few kids playing down the block.

The shabby entrance greets me while the blinds are closed.

Luckily, Stella is not here.

I have nothing against her, but I’d rather be alone right now.

Reluctantly, I unlock the door and walk in with my duffel bag slung over my shoulder.

I still don’t know where to hide my money.

I can’t use this place, my aunt’s place, or Jen’s. None of these places are secure, so for now, I’m carrying it with me.

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