Bellissimo Lotta (Beautiful Struggle): Companion Novel to Bellissimo Fortuna (The Family Trilogy Book 2) by Leigh Ann Lunsford

her.
    “You sound like a shitty teen movie. A Lifetime special. ”
    “I could say let’s go whore it up, booze all night, and scream YOLO, but that would be channeling my inner Miley Cyrus, and I can’t pull off short hair. Besides, my parents are in ear shot, and I don’t want to give Papa heart failure.”
    “Then learn to whisper, baby girl.” My father deadpans. He knows I’m kidding, if I wasn’t he wouldn’t let me out of this house. He’s got us covered; I won’t keep a secret from him. We have guards at school and a security system he can monitor ‘round the clock. Just like living at home, but five hours away.
    “I’m so lucky,” Callie whispers sweeping her gaze over the house. This girl that’s been to hell and back, is still appreciative of all she has. We should all strive to be like her.
    “We’re the lucky ones. No sappy shit. Get your skinny ass in the car.” We are the lucky ones. She has taught us how to love unconditionally. Taught us to embrace every miracle you’re given. Never allow the bad to tarnish the good. No matter what life throws at you, keep going because you never know what’s waiting around the next corner. “You should write a self help book, Pollyanna.” Her eye roll was expected and so was my middle finger. We both settle in for the drive, and my mind wanders to what it will be like living with Dakota. Will he bring girls back to the condo? I can’t see that, it’s still too raw, but in reality we both have to live our lives.
     
     

     
     
    I don’t get why he’s so cranky because I’m dating. It was his idea to break up, a decision I remind him of constantly because it seems to slip his mind each time I have a date. Every date he treats like a serial killer, not that I have had a lot. Three. In the four months I’ve been here. I don’t know if he’s had any because he isn’t home much, which I’m thankful for. The happiest time of my life? My ass. This college experience has been the loneliest. No Dakota. Callie and Bronson are constantly up each other’s asses, and even though they try to include me, that’s not something I want to bear witness to. I’m horny and don’t want to fuck just anybody. I want Dakota. I dream about Dakota and . . . I’m very much on edge.
    I take Callie’s head off for drinking the last of the juice. “You need to get laid, Binks. You’re crabby.”
    “I’d love to. Anyone in particular you have in mind?” Fuck.
    “Dakota.” I groan. “Your fingers? Your vibrator? I don’t care, just fucking have an orgasm and release the endorphins into your system. Please.” She’s begging. I’m waiting for her to drop to her knees and promise me her first born as long as I’ll quit being a bitch.
    “I can’t. I’m mabstinent.”
    “A what stent?”
    “Mab-sti-nent. I gave up masturbating.”
    “What the fuck? Why?”
    “Carpal tunnel is no joke, Callie.”
    “For fuck’s sake. Stop.” The pictures on the walls shake from her stomping feet. I gave up getting myself off because every time I did, it was Dakota in my fantasies. If I was going to give dating a fair chance, I needed a clear mind, not a constant reminder of him. Stupid. I need a release.
    Tonight is a frat party with Jeremy. He’s easy to look at and a goof-ball. That boy can’t be serious . . . as in ever. I laugh with him, and I’m beginning to think he views me as one of the guys, but at least I’m socializing.
    Beer flows, girls dance atop tables, keg stands, and loud shitty music . . . typical frat party. It’s totally my scene, hence why I’m stumbling up the stairs to the condo with Jeremy supporting me. The door flies open, and Dakota’s icy stare bores through me. When he removes Jeremy’s hand from my waist and takes over, I fling myself back. Off balance, I almost tumble on my ass, but both Dakota and Jeremy grab for me at the same time.
    “I’ve got her. Seems you did enough.” Dakota’s voice in terse; his words short and