From Neglected To New York Queen

was the "Innovator in Urban Design" award, a prestigious honor in my fie

n the doorbell rang again. It was Judi. She

ke," she said, her smile bright and guileless. "

" I said, taking

her eyes landing on the trophy. "

r, she stepped insid

you didn't," I said,

She looked at me, her eyes wide with manufactured admiration. "You know, Danial

tle assertion of her place in

aid, my voice cool. "But I

y on its shelf, but she was faster.

for one second

y, my hand closing over

war. Her nails dug into my skin. She gave a sudden, sha

g crack. A large, jagged piece broke of

oth

ne in a single glance: me standing over a broken trophy, J

led, rushing to Judi's side. "Are

looking at her perfectly intact hand.

said, pointing to a tiny red m

his face a thundercloud. He saw Ju

i into his arms as if she were a fragile doll. "I'm takin

door, his voice murmuri

"An award. You fought with her over a stupid aw

me," I said, my voice low

was to hold it," he shot back. "Look what you did to her

al. "She wanted to break it, I

e scoffed. "You need

idn't do," I said, my voice rising. "Sh

y breaking a piece of glass? You're a successful architect, Angelina. You'll wi

g to the hospital to check on her. You

slamming the

t a shattered piece of crystal. My hand was stinging. I looked down. Four deep, bloody crescent-shaped

d walked to the bathroom. I washed the blood from my hand under

t was a message fr

n New York are confirmed. I look

dy words. It was a lifeline from another wor

na! I just spoke with Everette's mother.

neutral as I wrapped a paper towel ar

t as I said, "I'll see you in two weeks." He stopped, his ey