"I want to ring Dad before we leave. I haven't spoken to him in a while." I eyeball him suspiciously, waiting for him to pass his cellphone to me, like he always does, pre-dialled with my father's number and ready for me to use. Instead, I'm given a plastic-like grin, forced and slightly maniacal.
"Whatever you want, sweetheart." He murmurs robotically.
----
I deliberately made a ridiculous amount of noise, when I hauled my suitcase down the stairs. Hoping to find someone on my way out, I was unsuccessful. Dante came to my aid, like the gentleman he is, silent and brooding as he deposited my suitcase on the trunk and opened the passenger door for me.
I wait in Dante's sports car, anxiously rapping my knuckles against the misty glass. Night has well and truly fallen, the dipped headligh
