Read Dear Tabitha for Free Online

the truth, and none of them end well.
    Kirsten speaks first.
    “Are you ready to go or do you need a minute?” she asks.
    Go? Where?
    Oh, shit. I completely forgot what brought her here in the first place. We’re celebrating her birthday tonight and she hopes to accidentally run into someone at the High Note. Now that Epic Fail is back in town, I know just who that someone might be. Tristan.
    Suddenly, I want to run and hide. I’m afraid to leave my apartment, afraid to see Alex again. What if he has more questions for me? I can’t answer them right now. My God, what if Marta told Tony where I was? What if he’s lurking around, just waiting to pounce? I get the chills as I think about the worst possible scenarios. Tony finding me and strangling me in a dark alley. Alex’s cold eyes as he finds out about Emily. My head spins, and the thought of stepping foot outside brings a panic attack closer to the surface. Breathe Tabby, breathe.
    “I don’t think it’s a good idea if we go to the High Note tonight,” I say softly.
    “Oh, it’s okay,” Kirsten quickly replies. “I figured that we should try to avoid that place for a little while.” Her voice trails off and I feel terrible. It’s her birthday, and as terrible as I feel right now, I can’t make this all about me. I need to try to put my anxiety to rest for a little while. If I can.
    “No. Forget I said that. It’s your birthday, so we do what you want. But first, tequila.”
    This is a bad idea, but I need a diversion to help me relax. I jump up from the couch and make a beeline for the liquor cabinet. I don’t usually keep much alcohol in my apartment, but I have a bottle left over from Mexican night that I had here a while back. And tonight, I need to numb myself in more ways than one.
    “Are you sure you want to do that?” Kirsten asks with concern in her voice.
    “One or two shots will be fine. We need to toast your birthday.” I reach for the bottle of tequila and two shot glasses. The souvenirs from my day trips with Seth to the Liberty Bell museum and the Franklin Institute make me pause and remember. Seth . I take a deep breath and close my eyes.
    I need to focus. I place the shot glasses on the counter and pour a generous helping of tequila into each one. I hesitate for a moment before I turn around to face Kirsten.
    “Happy Birthday!” I hand her a shot and throw mine back. It burns as it travels down my throat, warming the inside of my stomach. I wipe my tingling lips with the back of my hand and pour a second shot.
    “Tabby…” Kirsten’s brows furrow and she looks more concerned.
    “Cheers.” I reach out to clink our shot glasses together and toss back the next shot, feeling the familiar burning sensation and warmth.
    Kirsten slowly lifts her first drink to her lips and tentatively swallows some of the tequila. She winces the entire time, and I can tell she isn’t enjoying her birthday shot.
    “I’m sorry. I thought you would like it,” I say softly.
    “Ick! I didn’t realize how much I disliked tequila without yummy margarita mix.” She giggles and places her half-empty shot on the counter. I quickly grab it, down it, and grab my keys and bag.
    “Let’s go celebrate!” I am laying it on thick right now and I’m sure she can read me like an open book. But I’m already starting to feel numb from the tequila and I’m ready to go. My cheeks feel flush and my heart races.
    “Okay.” She smiles and grabs my hand. She seems a little unsure that this is a good idea. I can’t say I disagree with that.
    I glance over my shoulder as we walk out the door. I see the letter on the floor and shudder. I’m terrified of that crumbled piece of paper and what it could mean.
    What the fuck does Marta Constantino want with me?
    I hope she didn’t lead him directly to me.

Past
    Age 22
     
    I WAKE up with a pulsating pain invading my temples and forehead. And Jesus, I’m hot. I’m pinned into the corner of my tiny bunk with a heavy