Chapter 2

The next morning, I was packing a small suitcase when Ethan walked into my room without knocking.

He saw the journal on my nightstand. He picked it up, a sneer on his face.

"What's this? 'The 99 Times My Heart Broke'? Seriously, Sarah? Still playing the victim?"

He tossed it back, narrowly missing my head.

"Ashley' s home. Mom wants you to make your famous lasagna for dinner tonight. As an apology."

"An apology? For what?"

"Your friend Jessica left some snarky comment on Ashley's airport picture. Upset her. So, you' re going to apologize by making dinner."

My lasagna. The one loaded with ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and heavy cream.

I have a severe dairy allergy. My hands break out in painful, itchy rashes if I handle it too much. They all knew.

I looked at Ethan, his face expectant, demanding.

I didn' t argue. I just nodded.

He seemed surprised by my quick agreement. "Good. Don't mess it up."

He left. I continued packing, adding a few more items to the suitcase.

Later, in the kitchen, I carefully measured out the ingredients for the lasagna. The cheeses felt like sandpaper against my skin. The cream made my fingers burn.

By the time it was in the oven, my hands were red, swollen, and starting to blister.

I hid them under long sleeves.

The scholarship acceptance email had arrived an hour ago. Full ride. Stanford.

I booked a one-way flight for the day after tomorrow.