106

I slammed the door because I can't stand Theo. And I still slept with him again! I hate myself for being like this, I hate myself for being so submissive. What kind of power does Theo have over me? I can't understand it.

"There you are," Maia said at the top of the stairs. "I was about to come look for you."

"It's just that... the food didn't sit well with me."

"Really?"

"Yes, but I just took a pill and it's resolved. What happened?" I took her arm, and we went back outside to the yard.

Mom gave me a knowing look.

Everyone was laughing and dancing; it was getting dark, and they had made a bonfire.

"Haven't you seen Theo? I want to introduce him to someone."

"Who?"

"She's the new assistant at Mom's café. Her name is Monica, and she's very pretty. I hope Theo falls for her and stops suffering over that girl."

"Who is she?"

"Over there." She pointed to a fair-skinned, red-haired girl talking to Aunt Anne. She really was very pretty, and I felt a bit insecure. I shouldn't care if Theo get