The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany(69)

She ignores me. I’m confused when she takes a right into the airport entrance. From the backseat, Lucy pipes up.

“It’s a waste of time, Daria. A guy at the station told us all domestic flights are sold out.”

Daria doesn’t reply. She follows the signs to the international departure deck. Suddenly, I feel sick.

“What’s going on, Dar? We need to get to Ravello. Tomorrow’s Poppy’s birthday.”

The terminal comes into view. Daria zips into a spot at the curb and shuts off the ignition. She grabs her phone and scrolls, then holds the screen out to me.

“This is my plane ticket home.” She swipes to the next page. “And this one is yours.”

I stare, openmouthed, at the e-ticket for Emilia Antonelli, with today’s departure date. “I—I can’t go home.”

“Lucy will take Poppy from here. Nonna needs you.”

I clutch my head, thoughts rushing me. Why, exactly, is Daria here? Because she was worried about me? Because she cares about me? A wave of nausea rolls over me.

“You . . . you came all this way, just to bring me home?”

She stares at the Alfa Romeo in front of us, attempting to parallel park. “Nonna insists.”

“Is she crazy? This is the most important part of the trip. Tomorrow is Poppy’s birthday. It’s the only reason we’re here.”

She turns to me. “Think about it, Emmie. The trains aren’t working. The flights are full. None of you can drive.” She tips her head toward Poppy, asleep in the back. “This one’s running out of juice. You think the universe might be trying to tell you something? Nothing good is going to come of this trip. Nothing.”

A shiver runs up my spine. From the backseat, Lucy’s voice rises, strong and firm. “Cut the crap, Daria.” She leans in between the two front seats, her eyes narrowed. “This trip has changed everything. We’re no longer cursed. You should’ve seen Em, with Sofie’s brother. She was flirty and fun. You wouldn’t have recognized her, I swear.”

“Really?” Daria turns to me. “And how did that turn out for you?”

I picture Gabe’s beautiful eyes, brimming with counterfeit love and false promises. I drop my head in my hand. What more does the curse have in store for me?

“We have to get Poppy to Ravello,” I mumble.

Daria lifts her shoulders. “Good luck, without a driver.”

I clench my jaw. I want to scream out, I will drive! But the words won’t come. I rub the back of my neck, my hair sticky with sweat.

“Let’s go,” Daria says, unbuckling her seat belt. “Our flight leaves in ninety minutes.” She opens her door and steps out of the SUV.

My heart thunders. I glance back at Lucy. “Maybe we should go home, Luce—all of us. We’ll change the tickets. The sooner Poppy gets back, the sooner she can get to the doctor.”

“I am not leaving.” Lucy’s face is branded with determination.

“Hurry up,” Daria says.

I chew my lip. Daria’s waiting for me. She needs me. Finally, I let out a sigh. I unbuckle my seat belt and turn to Lucy. “Okay. Um, you and Poppy will go back to the inn? Poppy has Gabe’s number.”

Lucy glares at me. “I cannot believe you’re letting your sister manipulate you.”

“She’s not manipulating me. I can’t drive, Luce! It wouldn’t matter if I stayed. We can’t get to Ravello. So why wouldn’t I return early and make Nonna happy?”

“Don’t you dare try to justify this, Em.” Her nostrils flare. “I thought you’d changed.”

A dagger enters my heart. I peek at Poppy. Thankfully she’s still asleep. What would she say if she knew I was bailing on her now?

Daria leans into the car, her backpack slung over her shoulder. “C’mon, Emmie.”

I rub my scar, paralyzed with indecision.

“You’ll be back in time for work tomorrow,” she continues. “Nonna will be so relieved. And trust me, Emmie, she’ll be forever grateful. Nonna values loyalty above all else.” My sister lowers her voice. “It absolutely broke her heart to think you chose her sister over her. I mean, my god, Em, the woman’s been like a mother to us.”

My breath catches. “No. She was a mother to you. Not to me.”

“Whatever,” Daria says. “Let’s go.”

Blood races past my temples. “And you haven’t been a sister to me, Dar. Not in years.”

“Right. I came all the way here, and that’s my thanks?”

I dig my nails into my palms. “You came here to ruin my trip.” I speak through clenched teeth, years of anger bubbling to the surface. “You couldn’t bear to see me, the inferior second-born daughter, doing something fun for myself. You’ve been brainwashed by Nonna, just like Dad. Just like I was.”

“You’re delusional.”

I let out a maniacal little laugh. “I was, yes. But not anymore. I see things clearly now. The curse works for you. Because you’re the superior one, the anointed firstborn daughter. You’re Nonna’s protégé, her pride and joy. And you’re so afraid of losing your status that you’ve sacrificed me, my life, our entire relationship, just to please her. I’m nothing but your personal handmaid.”