Page 2 of Revenge

“I have to eat and cook for myself. It won’t take much effort to add a portion for you.”

She squeezes my hand. “You have no idea what this means to me.”

Except I know exactly what she means. Having someone think of you and take care of you? Viktor did that for me. He took care of me. Thinking of him breaks me inside.

“It’s in the plastic takeout container on the first shelf in the fridge. I couldn’t find a better container. I’ll pick some up on my way back from work.” I say, trying to shake the thoughts of Viktor away.

“Ava—”

“No objections. I have to do it for myself anyway,” I assure her with a smile.

“Right.”

“I should get ready. Don’t want to be late on my first day. I’ll see you later. Have a good day.”

“Thanks, you too.”

I wash my mug, but she tells me to leave it. This roommate thing might not be bad. I check the time, it’s barely seven, and I already feel drained. I can’t sleep at night for dreaming of him. Tossing and turning, craving his heat, but I have to erase him from my mind. If I don’t, whatever little sanity I have will disappear.

I’m excited about my first day at the boutique. It’s part of the House of Beauty company. I love the way they stand for making all women feel beautiful. It’s one of the reasons I’m excited about a position at one of their boutiques. I don’t really need to work because Viktor wired money into my account the day I left him. But I need a distraction, so I don’t spend all my time thinking of him. My cell beeps.

Tina: You can’t ignore me forever. At least tell me you’re alive.

Tina has been texting and calling nonstop since I left the night of the dinner. I know she won’t give up, and I should answer. What happened between Viktor and me isn’t her fault. But I don’t want or need him to know where I am, and there’s no guarantee she won’t tell him. She is his cousin, after all.

Tina: You’re being selfish, Ava. I’m just asking for a text. Please.

I take a deep breath.

Ava: I’m alive. Don’t you think it is too early to text someone?

Bubbles…

Tina: Thank goodness. I was about to call 9-1-1 and file a missing person’s report ??

Ava: No need.

Tina: Can we talk? If I call, will you answer?

I probably shouldn’t answer. But Tina has always been good to me. She deserves that much.

Ava: I’m getting ready for work. I’ll call you in fifteen.

Tina: Waiting patiently ??

She makes me laugh. It’s the first time in days I feel an ounce of normality. A part of me feels like talking to her will make me feel closer to him. I finish getting ready and get my things. I was honest with Lisa when I said I was nervous about my first day at the boutique. Not so long ago, I lived in a mansion with everything at my disposal. As I lock the front door, I dial Tina, who answers after the second ring.

“Took you long enough.”

“Barely fifteen minutes.” I laugh. I didn’t realize how much I missed hearing her voice. She was my only friend after I met Viktor.

“How are you? Where are you? Are you okay?”

“It’s too early for an inquisition. What are you doing, writing a report for him?” I ask in a serious tone.

“Harsh. I’m just worried about my BFF. He doesn’t even know I’m reaching out.”

“I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean to be harsh.”

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