Page 1 of Merciless Monster

1

MIA

Another wedding. Swell. I’ll be the one again, dressed in an outfit that makes me look like I’ve stepped off a set of a Disney movie—and I’m not talking about being Cinderella either. No. I’m one of the ugly stepsisters, dressed in a turd. Oh, well.

I exaggerate for effect. The dress isn’t that bad. I’m just so sick and tired of being the one who catches the bouquet for no bloody reason every time. Where the hell is my Prince Charming? What did I do to piss off the Fairy Godmother?

Of course, I am happy for Gina. Plus, I’m going to Italy! I’ve always wanted to walk the narrow, cobbled streets of Venice and Sicily. Who knows? Perhaps I’ll meet my Romeo. Crazier things have happened.

“What’s with the sad face, mio amico? Tell me you’re not still pining after that loser of an ex of yours,” Gina comments while we’re doing the pharmacy’s inventory.

It’s midnight, so the place is all but deserted. Occasionally, someone in need of an emergency item pops in briefly, but for the most part, Gina and I are left to fly solo.

“No. I most certainly am not!”

“Good. That guy doesn’t deserve you, Mia. He never did.”

“When am I going to learn?” I remark more to myself than to my best friend.

“Hey, you’re a bad boy magnet. I get it.”

“Thanks a lot.”

“I’m serious. You’re like Sandy in Grease. You just won’t be satisfied until you find your Danny,” she chuckles.

“I wish. I could do worse than John Travolta.”

Gina and her fiancé graciously paid for my ticket to Italy. They’ve also arranged accommodation for me with Gina’s family. I was overwhelmed when she handed me the envelope with the flight ticket inside. Granted, I’d just broken up with Sam, the man I thought I’d spend the rest of my life with. So much for that fantasy.

Sam and I were together for almost two years. It wasn’t a perfect relationship by any means, but then again, what relationship is? I feel silly now that I know the truth about him. Rotten cheater.

“I know it’s been a tough year for you, M. You deserve better.”

“I can’t believe we’ll be in Italy in less than two weeks. I can’t wait to meet your family, Gina.”

“They’re Italian. You know that, right?”

“Duh!” I laugh.

“Okay, don't say I didn't warn you. They’re loud and opinionated, and they will feed you to within an inch of your waistline.”

“Perfect.”

Gina looks at her watch.

“Ugh. Will this torture ever end? I’m tired. I don’t know how I let George talk me into doing the graveyard shift. I should be in bed right now, snuggled up against Jeff’s tight buns.”

“Rub it in, why don’t you? Anyway, I’m used to the late nights.”

“Uh-huh. You’d make a great vampire. Pass me that box over there, please.”

“Look, I’m good with blood, but I think vampirism is a bit of a stretch,” I laugh.

“Hey, don’t knock it til you’ve tried it.”

“Has Jeff been to Italy?”

“No. He’s looking forward to it. I just hope my family doesn’t scare the crap out of him. He’s so very English.”

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