Desires In The Shadows

2. Chapter

Lorena

As I flip the “Closed” sign on the front door, I can finally breathe. It was my first day, and compared to what I expected, it went surprisingly well. I didn’t anticipate this many people for even a second; after all, this is just a small flower shop in Marsala.

I had dreamed for years about having my own little business, and now I finally made it come true. I can’t say it was entirely on my own. If my father hadn’t left me a generous check in my name, I wouldn’t be standing here now. Unfortunately, he died months ago, before he could celebrate with me or see any of this, but I know he would be proud. I managed to make my dream real.

I know it’s not much, but it’s mine, and in this city, in Sicily, that means something.

The Cosa Nostra has laid its hands on almost everything. It doesn’t matter where you live, Palermo, Syracuse, or here in Marsala, they are everywhere. They rule the whole island. They have been around for far too long, and there is no one to stop them. Protection rackets, settling criminal disputes, organizing and overseeing illegal deals... the list is endless. Nobody wants to cross these people. Luckily, I’m just a nobody, so I have nothing to fear. At twenty‑three, I’m the proud owner of a flower shop. That’s all. I have nothing to do with people like that and I never will.

I hear knocking. Perfect timing. My best friend and I are going out for drinks tonight. We have to celebrate this day. I unlock the door, and Rosa storms inside like a wildfire. She isn’t in a good mood.

“Are all men such idiots?”

If I had to guess, she fought with her boyfriend again. I sigh.

“What happened this time?” Rosa and Davide are stuck in a never‑ending on‑again, off‑again cycle. Breaking up, making up. I never know which version we’re currently in.

“Davide is an asshole!”

Tell me something I don’t know. I’ve been telling my friend that for years. She deserves better.

“What was his problem now?” Nothing is ever good enough for him. Rosa can barely go anywhere without his permission. Jealous, possessive, a huge bastard.

“He locked me in the room and wouldn’t let me out until I changed. Apparently my dress looked too slutty.”

I laugh. I can’t help it.

“Sorry!”

“This isn’t funny, Lora!”

“I know, but honestly, it’s starting to feel like I’m watching some Spanish soap opera. I told you already, leave him. You could find someone ten times better than Davide without even trying.”

She snorts.

“Oh, like you?”

“The difference between you and me is that I’m not looking. I’m perfectly fine on my own. I don’t want someone telling me what I can and can’t do.”

Ever since my father died, I’ve been alone. My mother passed away when I was very young. Now it’s just me.

“In your heart, you don’t want that either. You’re just afraid to admit it.”

She always says that, and maybe there’s some truth to it, but I’m not going to say it out loud. Next thing I know, she’ll try to play matchmaker.

“We’re not talking about me. This is about you. You have to decide, but this back‑and‑forth can’t go on much longer, and you know it.”

She sighs deeply. She knows I’m right.

“I’ll think about it, but for now let’s go have a drink.”

I nod. That was the plan anyway.

I switch off all the lights, check the back door one last time, and set the alarm. Better safe than sorry.

Alchimia isn’t far. Rosa and I come here a lot. It’s right next to the old market. It’s popular among younger people, partly bar, partly club, always with a lively atmosphere. It’s a weekday, so I’m not expecting a crowd, which is perfect for us. We want to talk and have a few drinks.

The streets are unusually empty, which is strange, but I don’t pay attention to it. I don’t like walking around alone at night. You never know who you might run into. But as we walk, I get the unsettling feeling that someone is watching us. I glance over my shoulder several times but see no one. Maybe I’m imagining it. There’s no one there.

When we walk into the bar, my suspicion is confirmed. There aren’t many people. A few college students, a couple of couples. We sit at one of the side tables and order drinks.

The feeling hits me again, like someone has their eyes on me. Ridiculous. Nobody here cares about me. Yet I can’t shake it. I look around again.

“Are you looking for someone?” My friend’s voice snaps my attention back. I force a smile.

“No, I just haven’t been here in a while. Not much has changed.”

“That’s because every time I invited you, you were too busy.”

Fine, she has a point.

“I was busy. I had to focus on the shop. I can’t take it lightly. This is how I make a living.” I reach for my glass and take a sip.

“That I can understand. I’m very proud of you. You did it.”

Yes. I did.

“I’m sorry, but I need to go to the bathroom. One minute.” Rosa gets up and leaves me alone.

A shiver runs down my spine. I glance after her, and that’s when I notice a pair of eyes staring straight at me from the dark corner. I can’t see the face, but the eyes are enough. There’s no life in them. I look away quickly. Better not to stare. I take another sip, but can’t resist looking again.

Nothing. No one is there anymore. Like a ghost, he vanished. Strange, but from then on, the feeling of being watched disappears completely.

Who could that stranger have been?