Lucky Break by J. Minter Read Free Book Online Page B

never failed.”
    As Helga went to work on my upper shoulders and neck, I could feel myself relaxing. Despite my negative outlook, it was actually one of the best Swedishmassages I’d ever had. I guess plummeting to the depths of despair really makes you appreciate the little things in life.
    I was still obviously a wreck about Alex, but at least now I had these super-relaxed shoulder muscles. And my parents to keep me sane this week. And an upcoming new stamp on my passport. In fact, I was feeling so much better that halfway through my massage, I found myself wanting to call my Thoney friends to tell them about my revised schedule. But then, I knew they’d all be rushing to get their gear together for the flight tonight.
    Ooh, I knew who I could call. But would that be weird in the middle of Helga’s heart-healing massage? I dared to peek my head back and saw her smiling blond head looking down at me.
    â€œHelga?” I asked. “Would you mind if I called my friend while you worked? It’s about my ex, and I just think it would really help.”
    â€œAre you kidding, honey? If they let me talk to my shrink while I worked, I’d never hang up. Be my guest.”
    Sweet. I scooted forward on the bed to reach for my cell phone. Helga kept up the good work and I dialed SBB.
    â€œSo, did you try the voodoo yet?” her voice chirped when she picked up.
    â€œVoodoo?” I asked. “Huh?”
    â€œI e-mailed you about it this morning. You know, you order one of those dolls online, paste a picture of Jony’s face where the head is, and throw pins at it? I haven’t tried it, but my friend said—”
    â€œI might hold off on the voodoo for at least a few more days,” I said. “Wait, who’s Jony?”
    â€œThe Jerk of New York,” SBB said. “We need to start calling him that. How do you expect to get over him if you don’t take desperate measures?”
    â€œThat’s what I’m calling to tell you,” I said. “My parents are taking me to the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy for the week. My dad’s scoping out some cheese, and my mom’s scoping out some Italian men—anyway, we’re leaving tonight.”
    â€œOh my God!” SBB shrieked over the phone, making Helga jump a little. “I love Capri! It’s just off the coast. You must go there! Did I ever tell you how once I rented a moped with my costar of
Amalfi Amour
—you remember Don Garrett? Obviously, he was
way
too old for me,
kinda
wrinkly, but boy, could he take curves at high speeds!”
    I coughed into the phone.
    â€œSorry,” SBB said. “You were saying?”
    â€œI was saying,” I explained, “that I think it will be good for me to get some space from New York, fromall the Alex—er, Jony memories. Plus my parents always lighten me up. They won’t let me act all mopey and depressing—”
    â€œAs is your wont,” SBB said.
    â€œHey!” I said defensively, feeling Helga’s hands smooth out my shoulders.
    â€œCome on, Flan, I know you. Until your mom suggested you join them in Italy for spring break—probably at some spa … Are you at Bliss?”
    â€œBloomingdale’s,” I admitted with a laugh.
    â€œUh-huh,” she said. “That was my next guess. Anyway, until your mom suggested it, you were totally planning on sitting home alone, getting Noodles’s perfect fur all frizzy with your tears. Am I right?”
    â€œWell …” I sighed. “Sorta.”
    â€œAm I good or am I good?” SBB laughed. “Just be glad you’re going to Italy. I was this close to hiring Bianca to assist you in your time of need.”
    â€œWait,” I said. “Who’s Bianca?”
    â€œOh, just this Serbian wonder woman I know. Some call her a witch—but I prefer not to categorize people. She’s got a patented technique for heartbreak. Basically, she