Chapter 91

Aria

Finally, I pull up to the restaurant Aunt Esther works at. It’s in some random suburb in New York. I push open the door and the scent of pancakes hits me. I’m starving. I look around and notice a few people scattered, minding their business. Thank goddess. Aunt Esther works two part-time jobs…waitressing by day, receptionist by night.

“Aria!” Aunt Esther calls out, and damn, that gets a few heads turning. I look around, confused, until I see her running toward me.

I would’ve run to her, too, but honestly, I’m so fucking drained…emotionally, physically, every which way.

“My baby,” she says, wrapping me in a tight hug. “Are you alright? You look…”

“Aunt Esther,” my voice cracks before I can stop myself, and just like that, the tears start pouring out.

“Aria, what’s wrong? Why are you crying?” She pulls away, gently wiping my tears, her hands so tender. Then she tugs me into the back room, the air damp and musty, but I don’t care.

“