*Olivia* The hot shower relaxed me more than I thought it would. I stepped out of the steam feeling more refreshed than I had in days. I grabbed a fresh towel and wrapped it around me. With my thoughts centered, I pulled out the comfiest clothes I had, and I got dressed. I sat down at the vanity to blow dry my hair, staring at myself in the mirror as I did so. The sound of the dryer was deafening and perfect for me to get lost in my thoughts. I thought deeply about my relationship with Giovanni. It had surprised me that he wasn't willing to go public with us, after all that bravado he'd shown. It made me think for a moment that he really was ashamed of me… of us. But I knew better. He wasn't that kind of man. I regretted acting so aggressively with him. Ultimately, we both needed to