Chapter 20: Zero-Sum

After Lorenzo’s declaration, Reesa did everything she could to avoid Myko. She chatted with Mrs. Vitale until the latter called it a night. She danced with Gio, who narrowly refrained from stepping on her toes. She pretended to be asleep during the car ride back to the estate.

And lastly, when they arrived, she sought out Angelo, one of Myko’s other cousins as well as the property manager, for help getting into the watchtower.

She stared without seeing at bells until the sound of heels disrupted her.

“You can’t hide up here forever.”

Drying uninvited tears, Reesa turned to look at Dorothea. “Did Angelo give me away?”

“No, but there are other ways of knowing, and this is my favorite place to think.”

“I couldn’t do it,” Reesa whispered. Then, she repeated the words in a tremulous full voice. “I couldn’t do it.”

Dorothea toyed with her rosary beads. “Whatever it was, or whatever it is, I’m sure it’s no reflection of you. My great-nephew will understand.”